How to Style Classic Black Pumps: 3 Easy Ways and Outfit Ideas

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If it’s not snowing in your city yet, then you’re lucky because that means you can still wear the most basic go-to pair (of shoes) of all time — your classic black pumps.

Practically every girl can’t live without a pair, yes? They’re essentials that are always in rotation throughout the year, and the only time they take a break is when you have to tread thick and slippery snow.

An elegant array of black pumps: from classic stilettos to chic kitten heelsAn elegant array of black pumps, from classic stilettos to chic kitten heels

No doubt, classic black pumps are on top of the staples a woman should have in her shoe closet. They’re versatile, timeless, and give you a lot of mileage. But because they’re so simple and un-decorated, it’s inevitable to think they are boring. Do you agree?

Of course, that need not be the case. After all, it’s just a matter of how you wear them, or more precisely, what you wear them with. Allow us to show you a few easy tricks you can do to jazz up those classic black pumps. And no, you won’t wear black in any of these style suggestions (save for the shoes, of course).

1. Elevate Your Black Pumps With Bold Prints

Instead of matching your black pumps with the usual little black dress (or black jeans), pair them with boldly printed outfits.

Check out bloggers Genesis of Brunette Braid, Stella of Jadore Fashion, and Anne of Apple City getting playful with their classic black pumps.

Genesis, Stella, and Anna mix classic black pumps with bold printsGenesis, Stella, and Anna mix classic black pumps with bold prints

Wear your black pumps with bold printsDress: Wayf Long-Sleeve Crepe Shift Dress / Bag: Emperia Snake Embossed Faux Leather Satchel / Shoes: Charles by Charles David Pact Pumps

2. Brighten Your Look: Pair Black Pumps With Vivid Colors

Like catchy prints, poppy hues also bring out the beauty of your classic black pumps.

Take a cue from Patie of Just Patience and Maggie of Clothes to Midnight (blogs no longer available online) by wearing your black pointy stilettos with boldly painted ensembles. Don’t stick with one color- feel free to mix it up!

Patie pairs black pumps with a persimmon dress and gold accessoriesPatie pairs black pumps with a persimmon dress and gold accessories

Maggie stands out with black pumps and red separatesMaggie stands out with black pumps and red separates

Wear your pumps with bold and bright colorsOuterwear: Topshop Oversized Wool Boyfriend Coat / Top: Joie Jourdine Wool Blouse / Purse: Lulu Quilted Crossbody / Skirt: McGinn Erin Flared Skirt / Shoes: Charles by Charles David Pact Pumps

3. Master the Art of Contrast: Black Pumps With Light Tones

This is probably the easiest trick in the book but is also the most easily forgotten. Pair your black pumps with white or light pieces like cream, blush, or pale blue to create a stark contrast.

Check out how Leticia Oliveira of Blogdale Oliveira and Jilly (blog no longer available online) of Sorelle in Style effortlessly did it. In Leticia’s case, using black accessories was a great way to break up the white palette. It kept her from looking too washed out.

Leticia pairs her outfit with black pumps and studded accessories to avoid looking washed outLeticia pairs her outfit with black pumps and studded accessories to avoid looking washed out

Jilly goes sharp in black and white for an elegant, chic lookJilly goes sharp in black and white for an elegant, chic look

Pair black pumps with white or very light piecesJewelry: Tildon Studded Collar Necklace / Purse: Steven by Steve Madden Satin Clutch / Dress: Topshop Quilted Body-Con Dress / Shoes: Charles by Charles David Pact Pumps