Stylish shoes are not just the foundation of any winning look. They’re also the first thing many people often notice. Fashion is a language, and shoe selection is an essential part of the vocabulary — they tell the world who you are. That’s why a flexible rotation of go-to shoes is crucial to every woman's closet. White sneakers, black leather combat boots, stiletto high heels, and sharp Chelseas are timeless staples, serving as the perfect base for a fashion-forward collection.
Building a wardrobe that stands the test of time is all about versatility. Staple shoe styles go with any outfit, setting the tone for the entire ensemble. The same pair will project an entirely different energy alongside leggings, denim, a blazer, or a puff jacket, so your wardrobe stays future-proof for whatever trends come along.
Exploring trend reports may be fun, but nothing compares to the security of a collection that’s reliable season after season. Be it strappy ballet flats from Miu Miu or Prada’s chunky square-toe loafers, the latest runway looks are a tempting forecast of what’s to come. But you’ll feel freer to experiment with out-of-the-box options once you have the bases covered.
Here’s a rundown of shoe styles essential to any wardrobe and the designers who have perfected them.
5 ESSENTIAL SHOES FOR ANY CLOSET
These five silhouettes are the ideal place to start any collection of stylish shoes for women. Here’s a look at the best shoes for women, with options to suit any aesthetic:
Sneakers
This entry goes without saying. Once reserved for the super sporty, sneakers have since risen to the upper echelons of luxury fashion. Even well-established high-end designers have added casual athletic shoes to their arsenals. There’s a sneaker style for every look, whether it’s lace-up platform sneakers, low-top tennis shoes, slip-on runners, or classic high-tops.
Loafers
Loafers were once considered sophisticated dress shoes best suited to business-casual looks. Now, they fit just as well with jeans and a hoodie as with chinos and a blazer. Tod's classic penny loafers, Prada's platform loafers, Gucci's horse-bit loafers, and Fendi's block heel loafers represent just a few of the most popular styles.
Heels
A mainstay item in women's closets for years, high-heel options are as diverse as the outfits they complement. Stilettos, pumps, chunky platforms, strappy slingbacks, and delicate evening shoes are just a sampling of the available styles.
Heels are considered by many to be the best shoe option in formal ensembles, but they can also elevate a pair of leggings, denim jeans, or shorts. They make any outfit a runway-ready look. Luxe labels, such as Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, are among the best.
Boots
When it comes to versatility, boots are arguably the most underestimated category in footwear. Knee-high boots can accent a business-casual look or fit in on a night out. Stiletto ankle boots pair well with formal dresses and distressed denim alike. Lug-sole boots will last through a rugged trail hike or a soggy day on city streets. Whether fashionable or functional, there’s a pair of boots ready for any occasion.
Sandals
Always ready to go, sandals offer flexibility and comfort while lending breezy energy to any ensemble. Whether chunky platforms, rugged fisherman sandals, or plastic jellies, the diverse array of styles ensures there’s a pair that’s right for you.
TRENDY SNEAKERS FOR WOMEN
Sneaker trends move fast. To stay ahead of the pack, try a style that puts a twist on a classic. Keep it casual with these innovative takes on a celebrated piece of activewear.
adidas by Stella McCartney
adidas by Stella McCartney pioneers a design language that blends equal parts activewear and high fashion. The line's Solarglide Cutout Runners satisfy the chunky sneaker silhouette that has become ubiquitous in modern fashion. These athletic-yet-sophisticated shoes can be worn just as easily with shorts as with denim jeans or pleated trousers.
Golden Goose
Golden Goose's distressed sneaker creations have been spotted on A-list celebs the world over. The retro Superstar Mixed Leather Low-Tops are just one example of why the label rose to fame. A leather, suede, and velvet upper offsets the signature stained rubber outsole sitting below.
TRENDY HEELS FOR WOMEN
At the office or the club, heels make a powerful statement. They’re a timeless symbol of feminine grace, but these smart designers are always finding ways to keep them modern, refined, and provocative.
Manolo Blahnik
The Manolo Blahnik name has long been synonymous with luxury high heels. Its BB Leather Pumps offer a minimalist silhouette that embodies everything there is to love about classic heels. Smooth calf leather envelops the upper, which features a pointed toe and a low-cut vamp. A padded insole and a leather outsole ensure the shoe is comfy and durable.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is a highly-regarded fashion house with an illustrious history in the formal footwear space. The Blade Croco Slingbacks feature croc-embossed leather throughout the base with an ornamental metal bit chain added for extra flare.
TRENDY BOOTS FOR WOMEN
A stylish pair of boots conveys all the daring sensuality of heels in a more robust package. Whether worn over skinny jeans or under a skirt, boots from these designers are sure to turn heads.
Christian Louboutin
It's only fitting to see Christian Louboutin get a nod when referring to women's boots. Of all the silhouettes to bear the label's statement-making red leather outsole, the Leather Chelsea Platform booties are among the most fashion-forward. The boots are crafted from smooth calf leather and feature a round toe, gored sides, and a chunky block heel.
Bottega Veneta
Knee- and thigh-high boots work well with skirts, dresses, leggings, and more. Bottega Veneta knows this best, and the label’s unmistakable style proves it. The Italian fashion house applies its signature intrecciato weave throughout the boot's lambskin leather base. Other standout features include a round-toe front and a curved cone heel.
TRENDY LOAFERS FOR WOMEN
Loafers have undergone many evolutions, transforming across centuries from the footwear of kings to the casual slippers of academics. No matter the context, they convey laid-back refinement. Recently, they’ve been revived by nostalgia-driven stylists as a catch-all women’s shoe, and these designers were happy to take the trend in stride.
Prada
Prada loafers have been all the rage over the past few seasons. The luxury label offers a plethora of iterations in various colors and heel heights, but it was the Monolith Leather Platform loafers that struck a chord with fashion lovers everywhere. Besides its characteristically rugged rubber outsole, the shoe sports an iconic triangle logo keeper and a notched vamp.
Tod's
Tod's designs some of the most refined women's loafers on the market. Explore chic and chunky treads, graceful block heels, and classically sleek silhouettes. The label's Leather Chain Slip-On loafers are ideal for a sophisticated business-casual ensemble. Picture them alongside a double-breasted blazer, white button-down shirt, and fitted denim jeans.
Each season brings a flood of new designer shoes, so anchor your collection with staple silhouettes that will always work when the need arises. If you're searching for other items to wear alongside your new shoes, book an appointment with a Bergdorf Goodman advisor for one-on-one help selecting designer jackets, sweaters, jeans, and handbags that fit your lifestyle.
