Our shoes are usually the last piece of an outfit. Some of us are guilty of grabbing the first pair before rushing out the door. Whether you have a capsule closet or jump on the latest try, every woman needs shoes that go with everything.
These shoes are the heroes of your closet. You can throw them in your work tote, pack them for a two-week vacation, and know they’ll always look good. What makes these women’s shoes unique is that their timelessness makes them seasonless, allowing you to wear them all year round.
What we love about women’s shoes that go with everything is that they’re often the most comfortable. These shoes deserve a spot in your closet.
While ladies’ shoes go with everything, they’re not for everyone. You can curate this list to suit you by considering your lifestyle needs and personal style.
1. White Sneakers
When in doubt, wear white sneakers. There’s no other accessory that you can style with yoga bottoms and a t-shirt, as well as a summer dress. The beauty of white sneakers is that they look effortlessly chic.
1. Free People We the Free Monterey Thermal T-Shirt, $78 at Nordstrom; 2. Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waisted Midi Leggings, $97 at Zappos; 3. AMI Paris Knee-Length Shirt Dress, $395 at Farfetch; 4. Superga 2750 COTU Classic Sneakers, $44.18 – $65 on Amazon; 5. Weekend Max Mara Valda Jacket, $575 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 6. Weekend Max Mara Canon Trousers, $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 7. Gucci Bee-Embroidered Ace Sneakers, $770 at Farfetch
You often find women swapping their work heels for white sneakers when commuting or heading to after-hours drinks. It’s why designers often include white sneakers in their permanent collection.
Superga offers budget-friendly white sneakers with its 2750 Cotu Classic style, while Gucci takes it to the next level with its Ace Sneaker.
2. Ballet Flats
Rejoice; ballet flats are officially back in style. These flat shoes will take you from a day in the office to a trip to the theatre. They have a vintage-inspired look that will remind you of some of the world’s most elegant women, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly.
1. L’Agence Lacey Knit Blazer, $375 – $425 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 2. CeCE Charmeuse Blouse, $79 at Nordstrom; 3. Mango Lisboa Trousers, $59.99 at Zappos; 4. Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Quilted Ballet Flats, $516 at Mytheresa; 5. Stella McCartney Three-Quarter Silk Shirt, $750 at Farfetch; 6. Misook Knit Ombre Midi Skirt, $198 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 7. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flats, $228 at Farfetch
These Parisian chic shoes deserve a spot in your everyday wardrobe. You’ll find them in a myriad of styles and color options, from Chanel’s classic quilting to Ferragamo’s Vara ballet flats.
These shoes are perfect for when you want the sophistication of a high heel with the comfort of flat shoes.
3. Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are shoes that go with everything, from denim jeans to a midi skirt. While we often think of ankle boots as autumnal shoes, they work for every season.
Wear them with tights when the temperatures start to drop or go bare-legged in spring and summer.
1. 525 Soft Acrylic Easy Turtleneck Pullover, $128 at Shopbop; 2. HUE Super Opaque Tights 3-Pack, $36 at Zappos; 3. Susana Monaco High-Waist Flare Miniskirt, $108 at Nordstrom; 4. Holland Cooper Mayfair Suede Ankle Boot, $355 at Holland Cooper; 5. Osklen Animal-Print Halter Crop Top, $142 at Farfetch; 6. Lucky Brand Denim Miniskirt, $79.50 at Nordstrom; 7. Tommy Hilfiger Monogram Boots, $190 at Farfetch
You can tailor these shoes to suit your lifestyle. Holland Cooper’s ‘Mayfair’ ankle boots feature a block heel for a sophisticated look, while Tommy Hilfiger’s Monogram boots have a small heel for easy wear.
4. Knee-High Boots
Knee-high boots are just as easy to style as their shorter counterpart – now more than ever. We love that tall boots are becoming more size-inclusive, with brands offering ‘sporty’ options with a wider calf space.
1. French Connection Ruth Bateau Neck Minidress, $128 at Nordstorm; 2. Line & Dot Sincerely Sweater, $104 at Shopbop; 3. Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Skinny Jeans, $99 at Zappos; 4. Steve Madden Fedora Black Paris Boots, $43.99 on Amazon; 5. SweatyRocks Ripped Crop Sweater, $24.99 on Amazon; 6. Levi’s 501 Original Cutoff Denim Shorts, $69.50 at Nordstrom; 7. Steve Madden Aggie Black Boots, $130 at Nordstrom
You can follow the styling book of Kendall Jenner by wearing knee-high boots with a little black dress, over jeans, or with denim shorts. These shoes are supermodel approved and work for every season.
Steve Madden is famous for its knee-high boots, giving you a high-quality style without spending hundreds of dollars. The ‘Fedora Black Paris’ boots are ones you can wear with almost anything. Want a lower heel? Try the ‘Aggie Black’ boots.
5. Sandals
When the temperatures start to rise, you need shoes that go with everything. Enter the humble sandals. The diversity of styles shows just how essential a pair of sandals are in your closet.
There’s something for everyone, from Hermes’ iconic Oran sandals to the cult-favorite Birkenstock sandals.
1. Halogen Textured Tie-Waist Shirtdress, $79 at Nordstrom; 2. Hermes Oran Sandals, $660 at Hermes; 3. Reformation Ellora Top, $98 at Nordstrom; 4. Levi’s ’90s 501 Distressed Jeans, $108 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 5. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, $145 at Zappos; 6. WAYF Tiered Maxi Dress, $198 at Shopbop; 7. O’Neill Doreen Blouse, $27.99 at Zappos; 8. Joe’s The Ozzie Cutoff Denim Shorts, $98 at Nordstrom; 9. Ancient Greek Plage Braided Sandals, $195 at Net-A-Porter
Look out for sandals in a material that works for your climate. Rubber sandals are best for those who spend time around the pool but aren’t ideal for walking long distances. Leather sandals are more elevated and versatile.
Gladiator sandals are a catch-all style that ticks every box. You’ll always find this style from high-street brands like Zara and H&M. Ancient Greek Sandals is a brand that specializes in this traditional style.
6. Nude Court Shoe
No closet is complete without a nude court shoe. You want to choose a style that compliments your skin tone to give your legs an elongated appearance.
Choose a heel that you’re comfortable walking in, as too high a heel means you’ll not get a good cost per wear from the style.
1. Alix NYC Eden Open-Back Midi Dress, $225 at Farfetch; 2. Aldo Kennedi Pointed-Toe Pump, $110 at Nordstrom; 3. Mango Fifty Blouse, $49.99 at Zappos; 4. L’Agence Margot Jeans, $245 at Shopbop; 5. Zara d’Orsay Pump, $199 at Zara; 6. Sandro Haby Ruffle Silk Blouse, $340 at Farfetch; 7. Boss Vikena Pencil Skirt, $228 at Nordstrom; 8. Christian Louboutin So Kate Slingback Pump, $845 at Net-A-Porter
Every footwear brand has a nude court shoe, from Aldo to Christian Louboutin and Zara.
7. Loafers
Loafers are the more mature big sister of the ballet flat. They give you the comfort of a flat shoe with a more resilient sole. These shoes are synonymous with preppy fashion and are a closet staple.
1. ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Sleeveless Boy Tee, $75 at Shopbop; 2. Sandro Patty Embroidered Straight-Leg Jeans, $340 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 3. Prada Logo-Plaque Chunky Loafers, $1,150 at Farfetch; 4. Madewell V-Neck Tank Top, $18.50 at Nordstrom; 5. Marni Mini A-Line Skirt, $790 at Shopbop; 6. See by Chloe Lylia Loafers, $495 at Zappos
You’ll sometimes see these shoes called boat shoes or deck shoes, depending on their material. Leather loafers are a more sophisticated alternative to white sneakers with the same versatility. Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift are famous for their love of loafers.
Prada is leaning into the loafer trend, adding its iconic triangle logo to the minimalistic silhouette.
8. Chelsea Boots
If you live in a colder climate, Chelsea boots are your best friend. This transitional style is one of the most versatile autumn/winter shoes on our list.
They’re easy to slip on and can be worn with socks for extra insulation.
1. Billabong Spring Romance Print Wrap Dress, $59.95 at Nordstrom; 2. Dolce Vita Harte H20 Boots, $150 at Zappos; 3. Altuzarra Quincy Dress, $995 at Shopbop; 4. Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots, $254 at Farfetch; 5. Zimmermann Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweater, $675 at Nordstrom; 6. 12 Storeez Oversized Wool Coat, $589 at Farfetch; 7. Lucky Brand Uni Fit Skinny Jeans, $129 at Zappos; 8. Hunter Boots Original Refined Chelsea Booties, $175 at Shopbop
You can style Chelsea boots with a mini dress in spring and switch out to knitwear in the autumn. These timeless shoes are the perfect choice for a splurge purchase.
While Dr. Martens is famous for its quirky styles, the brand offers classic Chelsea boots in smooth leather.
9. Low-Block Heels
High heels aren’t for everyone – especially a stiletto. If you want shoes that go with everything, shop for a low-block heel instead. These shoes are easier to walk in and can be dressed up or down.
You can choose a low-block heel that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s a classic slingback or open-toe sandal. Mary-Jane shoes are a timeless example of this shoe.
Choosing a block heel can make it easier to walk in a higher silhouette, making them more wearable.
1. Tahari ASL Embroidery & Crochet A-Line Dress, $179 at Nordstrom; 2. Proper Zuri Pump, $99.95 at Nordstrom; 3. Z Supply Modern Slub Tee, $39 at Shopbop; 4. Agolde Distressed Denim Shorts, $110 at Farfetch; 5. Good American Fitted Scuba Blazer, $149 at Saks Fifth Avenue; 6. Vaneli Aliz Slingback Low Block Heel Pumps, $159.95 at Zappos
Elevate your closet with these women’s shoes that go with everything. They’re all you need to put your best foot forward – no matter the occasion. Make your next shoe one that goes with everything.