Few things in life will ever compare to the ecstasy of taking home a brand new pair of shoes and being greeted by the delicious fresh shoe smell that wafts into your nostrils when you open the box. Even if you’re more of a “bags gal,” you can’t deny this. There’s a reason why Carrie was so hell-bent on her Manolos, and Cinderella was mad-keen on getting her glass slipper back. Shoes are inexplicably magical.
But as much as we fall in love with their design, there’s also a practicality to them – duh. In any situation this definitive list of the shoes you must have in your wardrobe will be the solution to every footwear conundrum. Sure, there are derivatives, but these 10 styles are the main types of shoes you need in your outfit artillery. Have you got them all?
1. Pumps
The stiletto pump is a timeless heel every woman should own. You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Louboutins.
-52%
Sergio Rossi
Vitellino Vernice PS patent-leather pumps - White - EU 35.5
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
Clarks
Emily Clover
Delivery: free
Flattered
Eloise Leather Black
Delivery: free
Clarks
Canebay Plain
Delivery: free
2. Heeled sandals
Storm Westphal in her on-trend strappy sandals during the Copenhagen Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Minimalist strappy sandals make a versatile investment. We love these 90s-inspired heels with everything from dresses to tailoring.
-50%
Stuart Weitzman
Kassidy faux pearl-embellished suede sandals - Black - EU 35.5
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
Pedro Garcia
Mid heel sandal in pink suede | West | Essentials collection | PEDRO GARCIA
Delivery: $25.00
-50%
Giuseppe Zanotti
Cuorpido
Delivery: free
-60%
Giuseppe Zanotti
YLENIA
Delivery: free
$318.00 $795.00
Giuseppe Zanotti Out Season
3. Flat sandals
To-die-for flat sandals outside of Milan Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
From beach to city, flat sandals are essential for girls on the go. Stay on-trend with this season’s chunky wide strap styles.
Dear Frances
Womens Designer Sandal Flat Flip Flops
Delivery: free
Flattered
Heather Vegan Material Cognac
Delivery: free
Birkenstock
Arizona Suede Slides - Womens - Black
Delivery: free
Clarks
Laurieann Kay
Delivery: free
4. Loafers
Summer loafers at Australian Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Loafers are having a moment, but this isn’t your average office shoe. Think snake print, bold metallics and backless styles. Jazzy. If you want to treat yourself to something iconic, we recommend Prada loafers.
Flattered
Ally Contrast Leather Black
Delivery: free
Clarks
Tilmont Clara
Delivery: free
Ganni
Loafers
Delivery: free
Clarks
Raisie Jump
Delivery: free
5. Ballerina flats
Model Adwoa Aboah in black ballet flats during London Fashion Week.
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
Ballet flats don’t have to be basic. Do yours with oversized bows and luxe embellishments this spring. If you are looking to splurge, Roger Viver has quite a nice selection.
Flattered
Polly Leather Cognac
Delivery: free
Tory Burch
Eleanor Suede Ballet Flats Womens Blue
Delivery: free
Tod's
Leather ballerinas
Delivery: free
Clarks
Tilmont Dalia
Delivery: free
6. Brogues
Olivia Palermo is seen wearing orange brown button up dress and brogues outside Altuzarra during Paris Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
‘Borrowed from the boys’ is a trend that isn’t going anywhere. Start from the feet up with some cool mannish brogues.
-60%
Zimmermann
Fringed leather-trimmed raffia brogues - Neutral - EU 36
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
Repetto
Zizi loafers
Delivery: free
Saint Laurent
Army Patent-leather Brogues - Womens - Black
Delivery: free
Heschung
Catalpa Derbies
Delivery: free
7. Slip-ons
Model Alexis Sundman wears Vans sneakers after the Giambattista Valli show during Paris Fashion Week.
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
Sleek slip onsare the ultimate on-the-go shoe. Team with jeans at the weekend or wear as a more relaxed alternative to heels with a suit at work.
-55%
Sergio Rossi
Embellished smooth and patent-leather loafers - Gray - EU 36.5
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
-50%
Australia Luxe
Shearling-lined pebbled-leather slippers - Brown - US 5
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
Clarks
Nature 5 Walk
Delivery: free
Ganni
Loafers
Delivery: free
8. Knee-high boots
Bettina Looney in brown knee-high boots outside the Max Mara show during Milan Fashion Week.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Every well-curated wardrobe should have a pair of OTK boots. Invest in a pair of the season’s must-have animal print ones for serious power dressing.
Clarks
Opal Glow
Delivery: free
Moncler
Gilla Rubber And Neoprene Knee-high Boots - Womens - Black
Delivery: free
Clarks
Clarkwell Rise
Delivery: free
-40%
Stuart Weitzman
City suede and neoprene over-the-knee boots - Black - EU 34.5
Delivery: Delivery costs apply
9. Ankle boots
Flat, heeled, studded, velvet… a girl can never have too many ankle boots. Here’s our pick of spring’s best styles, perfect for tricky transitional weather.
-70%
Giuseppe Zanotti
CELESTE
Delivery: free
$239.00 $795.00
Giuseppe Zanotti Out Season
Flattered
Felicia Leather Black
Delivery: free
Clarks
Emily Holly
Delivery: free
beek
QUAIL - Black
Delivery: free
10. Sneakers
Aylin Koenig wearing white Balenciaga sneakers in Hamburg, Germany.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Trainers aren’t just for the gym. Now a fashion editor-approved staple, sneakers should be one of the cornerstones of your footwear collection: we think a pair of clean white ones are essential. If you want to try out a fresh brand that isn’t Nike or Off-White, check out D.A.T.E. sneakers.
New Balance
Rc30 Suede And Nylon Trainers - Womens - Blue Multi
Delivery: free
Asics
Gel-1090v2 Suede And Mesh Trainers - Womens - Cream Green
Delivery: free
Saint Laurent
Malibu Logo-print Leather Trainers - Womens - White
Delivery: free
Asics
Gel-1090v2 Suede And Mesh Trainers - Womens - White Grey
Delivery: free