From embracing a capsule wardrobe to curating our beauty kit down to the best makeup products, we’ve been making a conscious effort to live a little more simply in recent years. The next item on the agenda? A capsule shoe collection.
Whether you’re a shoe shopper or take a minimalist approach, our collection of six must-have shoe styles for your wardrobe will help reduce decision fatigue and help you through any situation.
Similar to the outfits in our capsule edits, these styles need to tick a few boxes to make it into our pick of the best women’s shoes. They need to be comfortable and sturdy to keep your feet happy throughout the day. And of course, they need to look good, too, instantly elevating your look. Bonus points for shoes that are versatile enough to take you from work to the weekend (fresh-out-of-the-box white sneakers, we’re looking at you…)
Below, see Red’s roundup of the best women’s shoes, from everyday flats to platform heels for party season.
Instructors
No wardrobe is complete without sneakers. They provide comfort but also have plenty of style, and with so many to choose from, there’s something for every occasion.
Pick up a pair of sleek white leather trainers like these from Marks & Spencer. They’ll look great with jeans at the weekend or paired with wide-leg trousers at the office. Plus, at £29.50, they’re a bargain.
On the other hand, high-tops add a touch of class to midi dresses and skirts. And of course, we can’t forget about classic chunky ‘dad’ shoes, like New Balance’s highly acclaimed 530 sneakers. These fashion-savvy sneakers aren’t just for working out. Take a quick scroll through Instagram and you’ll see all your favorite fashion influencers pairing them with everything from athleisure chic to maxi skirts and pantsuits.
Click here to learn more about our favorite instructors.
Ankle boots
Ankle boots are a must-have shoe, especially if you live in the UK. Thanks to our classic British weather, ankle boots will work in almost every season except for the occasional heatwave, and can be styled in an infinite number of ways.
Right now, western-inspired cowboy boots are still dominating our Instagram feeds, and we can’t see them going out of style anytime soon. We’re also predicting a big comeback in the autumn/winter season, along with chunky Chelsea styles (we’re eyeing Ganni’s silver buckle detailing).
Ankle boots are just as versatile as sneakers. Pair a biker look with midi dresses and skirts for a bit of edge, or dress up wide-leg trousers with a chic pointed toe. While we love classic black ankle boots because they go with everything, you’ll also find metallic and patterned styles if you’re looking for a statement shoe.
You can see our other favorite ankle boots here.
Ballet shoes
After nearly 15 years out of fashion, and after a decade of sneakers being a staple for women everywhere, ballet flats are back on the fashion agenda. Seen on the likes of Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift, the heeled kicks’ comeback comes alongside the resurgence of other ‘00s favorites like low-rise waistbands and biker jackets. While we’re not sure all the comebacks will last, we’re pretty sure ballerina flats aren’t just a TikTok trend.
When sneakers are too casual, ballet flats are entering the rotation as a comfortable yet stylish alternative. While we love classic styles with bows to add a feminine touch to any outfit, this season we’re looking at more edgy pieces like studded ballet flats and styles that feature statement buckles, mesh details or metallic sparkles.
You can see our other favorite ballet flats here.
Work shoes
We file ‘shopping for work shoes’ alongside ‘finding the perfect pair of jeans.’ In other words, we know it’s no easy task.
If your office style is on the casual side, a sleek sneaker is your new best friend. You can’t go wrong with a classic Veja style or an adidas Samba. If your office vibe is a little more on the corporate side, you’ll want to add a chic pair of kitten heels to your rotation. Once a controversial footwear choice, it’s safe to say that kitten heels are making a fashion statement thanks to strappy shoes with pointed silhouettes, bold bucket shoes, and ultra-micro heels. We agree.
As we head into the colder months, we’re incorporating our favorite biker boots, sleek over-the-knee boots, and chunky loafers into our workwear wardrobes to prepare for the inevitable rainy fall days.
See more of our favorite work shoes here.
Sandals
Whether you’re enjoying the last of the summer sunshine or planning a winter vacation, every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of sandals you can pull out when the sun shines.
These warm-weather essentials have a variety of styles to choose from, from currently wearable sandals to bohemian platforms and comfy slides. We’re also loving the comeback of fisherman sandals (see Sézane’s take on the trend), as they’re perfect for accenting midi skirts and dresses, while chunky slides have become our go-to everyday go-to with linen trousers and sweatpants.
See more of our favorite sandals here.
Party Shoes
Party season is just around the corner, and if you’re like us, you’ve already started browsing for party shoes that you can pair with dresses, jumpsuits, and sequined skirts for office Christmas hairstyles and festive drinks with the girls. From metallic kitten heels from Mango to studded ballet flats from &Other Stories to stunning red platform pumps from Boden, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Invest now and make sure these beauties stay in your wardrobe year after year.
See more of our favorite party shoes here.
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