9 Shoe Styles Every Girl Needs in Her Closet

The world would be a better place if every girl was born with Imelda Marcos’ or our very own Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet, but in reality, that is not the case for most of us mere mortals. The good news is that unless you are a high-flying Hollywood socialite attending dos every night of the week, this packed to the brim shoe closet is not required.

We have rounded up 9 styles of classic shoes that every girl must have in her closet. These styles will save you hours of staring-into-the-shoe-closet time. Remember that a pair of well constructed, good quality shoe is better than hoarding ten cheap ones. Your shoe can add that final bit of glam to pull your look together, so keep it simple and stylish!

1. Boots

Choose a pair of well polished, low fuss medium to high length boots. Make your choice between browns or blacks according to your color preference and wardrobe versatility.

Rain, hail or snow, boots are made to sustain erratic weather conditions so it is best ditch the stilettos and settle for flatter heels. Style boots with pencil skirts, well fitted trousers or your classic pair of jeans. And no, your UGG boots don’t qualify. They are merely boot-like and very warm bathroom slippers.

2. Ballet flats

Ballet flats are like a cup of cappuccino, you can’t function without these. They are easily the most versatile style and can be worn all year round. A slight variation from the ballet flats is the loafer which is more unisex. These flat shoes are best worn with relaxed clothing like shorts, cropped pants and knee length skirts. Think clothes with a show of well moisturized legs!

3. Black pumps

If you have a little black dress, then you must have a pair of versatile black pumps. A pair of black pumps will make any girl feel sexier! It’s almost as if these shoes exude sex appeal and we say – higher the heels, better a girl feels! Wear these classy shoes to work or for a dinner date.

Look #1:

• Juicy Couture Coat – theoutnet.com
• Blythe blouse – jcrew.com
• Factory printed pencil skirt – jcrew.com
• Stuart Weitzman trooper – piperlime.gap.com
• Eddie purse – jcrew.com
• Lanvin gold metal neckpiece – ssense.com

4. Wedges

Classified as summer essentials, wedges are an easy solution if you shudder at the thought of walking in high heels. Wedges are much stable and easier to walk in with the added height. Take your pick in summery prints or pretty bows to add a punch to your wardrobe. Pair these with maxi dresses, bohemian styles and playsuits.

5. Strappy metallic sandals

Jazz up your wardrobe with a pair of very feminine, strappy metallic sandals. The year 2013 is witnessing an explosion of metallic trends. Metallic layers in clothing are the new twist in the layering trend and shoes are not far behind.

A little diamante or a cluster of rhinestones will take your look a step ahead for those special occasions. Whatever the trends says, strappy metallic sandals are full of oomph will never go out of fashion! Wear them at your bestie’s big wedding.

6. Flat leather sandals

A more serious alternative to the super- casual flip flops, flat leather sandals are your summer staples. Light, airy and easy to wear these are a blessing for the feet and for the lazy ones. Slip on your sandals for a casual stroll in the mall or a day out sunbathing on the beach (can’t get these wet though!) A little birdy told us that embellished ones with tiny bead detailing will be flying off the shelves this season.

Look #4:

• Crosby by Derek Lam – shoplesnouvelles.com
• Moda Spana holly wedge – dsw.com
• Grace Hamilton Neogigi – boticca.com

Look #5:

• Z Spoke Zac Posen Marlene clutch – piperlime.gap.com
• Badgley Mischka Adonis II – piperlime.gap.com
• Diamond in the Ruffles Dress – modcloth.com

Look #6:

• MADEWELL Longroad Denim Vest – madewell.com
• Mango button down jumpsuit – mango.com
• B BRIAN ATWOOD Flat Sandal – jildorshoes.com
• Lucky Brand Hammered Earring – piperlime.gap.com

7. Nude peep toes

Watch heads turn in your nude peep toe shoes. The idea is to pick the right shade of nude – pick one closest to your skin color and instantly lengthen your torso. Pick your shoes wisely, show more than the first two toes and you have committed a peep toe faux pas. Peep toe shoes look best with a fresh pedicure in eye popping colors!

8. Booties

Booties are ankle length boots best suited for the transitional seasons – spring and fall. Wear your ankle booties with chic cropped trousers. Let a bit of skin peep for a sensual, mysterious appeal. Pick a pair in luxurious suede with little or no detailing.

9. Sneakers

Sneakers will never let you down. Whether it is hitting the gym or walking the dog, a girl cannot do without a pair of these bad boys. Comfort should come before the style when buying sneakers.

If you are big on running, lighter ones will help you move with ease and run faster. Look for cushioning and support in the walking ones. Punchy neon highlights will instantly attract attention.

A pair each of these nine must have shoes will arm you to strut out in style. Before you head out to redo your shoe closet, here is a fun fact – in Australia, flip-flops are called thongs! Yes you read it right. So the next time an Aussie compliments your thongs don’t look confused, they really mean the footwear and not the underwear!

Look #7:

• Helmut Lang twist back top – farfetch.com
• Geometric section collar – dorothyperkins.com
• LOVE Nude Short Lace Skirt – inlovewithfashion.com
• Nude Peep Toe Court Shoe – wallisfashion.com
• Studded chain belt – rarelondon.com

Look #8:

• Anne scallop blouse – seasonsclothing.co.uk
• Kate Spade sunglasses – piperlime.gap.com
• Baum und Pferdgarten Neta Blue Trousers – coggles.com
• Stuart Weitzman Cleanly – piperlime.gap.com

Look #9:

• Gerboise’ Down-coat – alducadaosta.com
• JCrew sweater – jcrew.com
• JCrew jenny jeans – jcrew.com
• Nike free run – nike.com