by From embracing the capsule wardrobe to curating our beauty gear to the best makeup products, over the past few years we’ve been making a conscious effort to live a little more simply. Next on the agenda? Capsule shoe collection. .
Whether you’re new to shoe shopping or already taking a minimalist approach, our roundup of the six shoe styles you’ll always need in your wardrobe will reduce decision fatigue and see you through every occasion .
Like the clothes in our capsule edits, to make it into our selection of the best women’s shoes, these styles need to tick a few boxes. They need to be comfortable and strong to keep your feet happy as you go about your day. And, of course, they have to look good too, raising your search immediately. Bonus points for shoes that are versatile enough to take you from work to the weekend (box-fresh white trainers, we’re looking at you…)
Below see Red’s edit of the best women’s shoes, from ballet flats for easy everyday wear to platform heels for the party season ahead.
Trainers
No wardrobe is complete without a pair of trainers. They tick the comfort box but also have style in spades, and with so many variations to choose from there’s something for every occasion.
Take slim white leather trainers, like a pair from Marks & Spencer. They will look great with jeans on the weekend, or paired with wide leg trousers in the office. Plus, at £29.50 they’re a real steal.
High tops, on the other hand, add an edge to midi dresses and skirts. And, of course, we can’t forget the classic skinny ‘dad’ shoes, like New Balance’s popular 530 trainers. A favorite of the fashion series, these sports shoes are not just for working out. Take a quick scroll through Instagram and you’ll see your favorite fashion designers styling everything from athleisure to maxi skirts and pantsuits.
See more about our favorite trainers here.
Ankle boots
Ankle boots are a footwear staple, especially if you live in the UK. Minus the occasional heat, thanks to the classic British weather, ankle boots will see you through almost every season and can be styled in endless ways.
Right now, western-inspired cowboy boots are still dominating our Instagram feeds, and we can’t see them going out of style anytime soon. We’re also predicting that hiking boots will be back in a big way for autumn/winter, along with chunky Chelsea styles (we’re hoping for a Ganni pair with silver buckle detailing).
Ankle boots are almost as versatile as trainers too. Pair biker style with midi dresses and skirts to add a little edge, or pair wide leg trousers with pointed toes. While we love a classic black ankle boot because it goes with a little bit of anything, if you want a statement shoe you’ll also find metallic and printed styles.
See more of our favorite ankle boots here.
Ballet flats
Almost 15 years since they fell out of fashion, and after a decade of trainers being the choice of women everywhere, ballet shoes are firmly back on the fashion agenda. Seen on the likes of Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift, the pump returns alongside a revival of ’00s favourites, including low rise waistbands and biker jackets. While we can’t be sure that all the reports will go far, we’re pretty sure ballerina shoes aren’t just a TikTok trend.
For those occasions when trainers are too casual, the ballet flat enters the rotation as a comfortable yet chic alternative. While we love classic styles with bows to add a feminine touch to any outfit, for the new season we’re looking to use better pieces like studded ballet flats and styles with statement buckles, mesh details or metallic flashes.
See more of our favorite ballet flats here.
Work shoes
We file ‘work shoe shopping’ alongside ‘finding the perfect pair of jeans’. In other words, we know it’s not an easy task.
If your office dress code is on the relaxed side, a smart pair of trainers will be your new best friend. You can’t go wrong with a classic Veja style or some adidas Sambas. If your office vibe is a little more on the corporate end, you’ll want to add a pair of slim kitten heels into your rotation. When it comes to choosing a separate shoe, it’s safe to say that a new era of kitten heels is emerging, thanks to slingbacks with pointed silhouettes, statement buckets, and ultra-micro heels. We approve.
As we head into the colder months, we’re swapping our favorite biker boots, skinny knee high boots and slim fit styles into our workwear wardrobes, ready for those inevitable autumn days.
See more of our favorite work shoes here.
Sandals
Whether you’re savoring the end of summer or planning a winter vacation, every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of sandals to pull out when the sun is shining.
A warm weather staple, there are so many styles to choose from right now – from slip-on sandals, to boho platforms and casual slides. We’ve also loved the return of the fisherman sandal (see Sézane’s take on the trend), as they’re perfect for lifting midi skirts and dresses, and chunky slides are everyday pairings with linen trousers and co-ords.
See more of our favorite sandals here.
Party shoes
Party season is just around the corner, and if you’re like us you’re already anticipating party shoes to pair with dresses, jumper skirts and sequins for office Christmas ‘dos and festive drinks with the girls. From Mango’s metallic kitten heels to & Other Stories’ studded ballet flats to show-stopping red platforms from Boden, there are so many styles to choose from. Invest well now, and you’ll have these beauties out of your wardrobe year after year.
See more of our favorite party shoes here.
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