I’m all about the basic wardrobe that works double time as it means fewer decisions to make each morning, fewer items to store in your closet and better investments made on items that will last.
I have this attitude for all parts of my wardrobe including shoes, which is just what I’m writing about today. I’ve learned that I will default to just a few pairs of shoes and wear them over and over. Thus, I’ve gotten more choosy about what I buy, asking myself if they will put in the work that I need them to (during the work week, the weekend, nights out, vacation … I want it all!).
Here are my five go-to late summer shoes that I’ve been wearing non-stop. If you are in need of some inspiration, in the wear-all-the-time realm of your shoe wardrobe, this is a great list filled with wearable, comfortable, stylish shoes. If you are looking for statement, memorable shoes, you’re going to be disappointed with today’s article as it’s really about those boring shoes that need to be stylish and comfy as they are actually the ones you wear all the time.
It boils down to this: two pairs of mid-heel mules, a pair of closed toe espadrilles, good walking sandals that pair with dresses and a pair of stylin’ sneaks.
I know, kinda boring. But, I love them all, and they work with practically everything. Today’s article is for those shoes that you’ll actually wear all the time and how they can be stylish, comfortable, and transformative as part of your wardrobe.
Cindy Mule, Frye
Let’s start with that pair right in the middle as it’s my newest purchase, which of course makes it my current favorite (right?!). These come in several colors, and with a 1.75-inch heel, the height makes it super easy for everyday wear. I keep thinking it’s the perfect shoe with white jeans, until I wear blue jeans, until I wear olive twill pants, until I wear them with a dress … and I really like the little nail accents at the toe bed. $198. See details here.
See the little nail accents?
Eileen Fisher Katniss Mule
With a similar heel height to the Frye Cindy Mule, this shoe is comfortable and stylish. Black shoes are a wardrobe must, but sometimes they can look a little heavy and throw off the balance of your entire outfit. With the flattering triangle created on the top of the foot and the mule style, this is not an issue with this shoe. $195. See details here.
These are easy to slip on and work for casual work days, weekends, vacations and nights out. $195 by Eileen Fisher. They are available in three colors. If you prefer a closed-toe option, check out a similar Eileen Fisher shoe here, but it’s a slingback.
Espadrilles that take you beyond Labor Day
Writing this from the South, our region is supposed to have a warmer than average fall, or so it’s predicted. Maybe you don’t want to be wearing your fuschia espadrilles, but freshening up with a go-with-anything option now and having them waiting for you when spring returns, is a good idea. Wear these through September. I cannot keep up with the number of women who have stopped me to ask me where I got these shoes when I wear them. It’s not that they are so over-the-top cute. They just work, and I think these simply fit a certain type of shoe that many women search for and can’t find. If this is you, know that they come in many colors, and I’ve found them to be incredibly comfortable. $128.95. See details here.
With the number of people to stop and ask where I got this shoe, it’s obviously the shoe unicorn many are looking for and haven’t been able to find. Available in four colors for $128.95.
Metallic and good for walking forever
My Donald Pliner sandals are so old, but they keep on going. I don’t like wearing flip flops after Labor Day, and I totally understand that this is personal. But, I’m okay with this more slide style. Late summer/early fall is HOT in the South, so having some airy, comfortable shoes is a must. Metallics have been a neutral for years, and I love the way an aged gold adds a little style.
Since mine are at least seven years old, I’m showcasing a few slide-type styles in gold that should be good for long walks or just looking cute at brunch.
These are both Donald Pliners and both on a serious sale via 6pm (the sale site for Zappos). Both are available — at time of publishing — in sizes 8.5, 9.5, 10 and 11. Both were full price for $198, but now the darker ones are $114.15 and the lighter ones are $89.10. See them both here.
Stylin’ sneaks
Everyone has their own idea about what a stylin’ sneak may be. You may want Gucci stripes or a wedge. I just want shoes that I could walk forever in, and my teenage daughters would actually find cool enough to want to steal from my closet. Is that too much to ask?! (This is where I need the laughing/crying emoji … ). My black pair in the first photo fits these needs. I’ve also included a metallic one that I’ve just ordered and anticipate adoring and even wearing on casual work days.
These New Balances make my feet happy, and they look good with my running pants, yes, but also with my jeans and a tee. On sale for $69.99.
Yes, these are totally different than the black ones above as I never see myself choosing to wear these to the gym, but with the velvet shoestrings, white cushie sole and gold snakeskin suede fabric, I think it’s easy to see how these would be so cute as we head into fall 2018! $168 by Johnston & Murphy. See details here.
There are SO MANY MORE shoes that I’m looking at, but these have been my go-to ones, so they are vetted and verified for style, comfort and ability to work with a variety of outfit options. They pack well, and you may just find that you only grab for these shoes over and over again as we enjoy the next two months of summer heat and early fall.
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Want to catch up on the latest trends for Fall/Winter 2018? It’s all right here: The Top 7 Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2018
