Don’t you admire those women who have rows and rows of shoes in every style and color? They can go into their closets and pick out the perfect shoe for every outfit and occasion. Unfortunately, extensive shoe collections aren’t practical for most women on a budget nor are they in line with more simple, minimalistic lifestyles.
If you want the best of both worlds – a fabulous shoe collection and modest, easy-to-manage wardrobe – there are only five types of heels that you really need. These five heels work with a variety of looks from professional attire to casual wear. Here’s the lineup that will keep you looking stylish on a budget.
1. The Lace Up
Lace up heels can be both feminine and sexy depending on how you pair them. They range from closed-toed to open-toed and from kitten heels to stilettos. Kitten heels look great with cropped straight leg pants and leggings, while higher heels are perfect for skirts and dresses. If you have to choose one lace up heel, however, go with a simple, nude stiletto that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone.
2. The Ankle Strap
Ankle strap heels are a close cousin to the lace up. However, they are simpler and match a wider range of outfits. You can wear them with jeans, dress pants, skirts, dresses, and even shorts. Ankle straps elongate the legs and provide a lean finish to a look. They work well with professional, casual, and dressy attire. Choose a pair of black, patent leather, ankle strap heels for your collection. You’ll quickly appreciate their simplicity and versatility.
3. The Peep Toe
Show off your pedicure and let your feet breathe a little with a cute pair of peep toes. You can choose from pumps, wedges, or boots depending on what your wardrobe currently lacks. If you’re a fan of height, go for a brown or taupe platform peep toe. If you’d rather stay low to the ground, try a porter heel or a slight wedge. However, avoid making the classic peep toe faux pas: toe overflow. Make sure you get the right fit to avoid your toes from pouring out of the peep and ensure lasting comfort.
4. The Ankle Bootie
Ankle booties are perfect for cooler weather and grounding a look. They pair well with cuffed, tapered pants, knee-length skirts, and leggings. Grab a black or nude pair that works with casual outfits but can coordinate with slightly dressier or professional attire. Look for a sturdy heel and comfortable leather. Depending on your preference and style, you might consider a side zipper as an embellishment or a front buckle for an edgier appearance.
If you plan on wearing your booties in snowy or icy weather, avoid suede and go for pairs that have rubber soles and a bit more tread. However, you can always treat the fabric of your shoes to protect the material from salt and wet weather. Since booties contain more fabric than other types of heels, it might be worth it to give the old gals a protective spray and cleaning before the change of seasons.
5. The Stiletto Pump
Stilettos are classic heels that every woman needs to own at some point in her life. Black stiletto pumps add sophistication and lengthen legs no matter the look. They are professional enough to wear to work, sexy enough for a night out on the town, and neutral enough to wear during casual daytime events.
You really can’t go wrong with a pair of plain, black stilettos. Find a pair that’s comfortable and durable. Since you want these puppies to last for a long time, it’s best to invest in real leather and grab some spare heel replacement caps. The caps can fray and dislodge depending on how frequently you wear them, but they are easy to fix. Fixing your caps prolong the life of your shoes and keeps them looking sharp.
Which Pair Is Your Closet Missing?
Take a good look in your closet and determine which pairs would go best with most of your outfits. The key is to build a collection of versatile shoes that you frequently use so that you get the most bang for your buck. Stick to the basic designs and neutral colors, and you’ll have endless wardrobe possibilities.
