Women's Fashion Footwear: 9 Shoes You Must Have
If you're like most women, you have dozens upon dozens of
sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, boots, and other
footwear. But how many of them do you love? Really love? How
many fit well, complement your fashion sense, and are versatile
enough to serve multiple purposes? Moreover, how many of these
shoes do you really need? You may be surprised to learn that the
following nine must-haves are the only styles required to create
a shoe wardrobe so all-encompassing, so perfect, that no matter
what the occasion is, you'll have just the right shoe.
1. Two or three pairs of expensive-looking shoes for a
work. Study what your boss is wearing then get yourself two
great-looking pairs of similar shoes. Not only will you always
look appropriate and stylish. you'll always have a pair clean
and ready should one need to go to the cobbler. Need style
suggestions? Go with pumps. Not only are pumps flattering and
easy to wear, they are the quintessential woman's work shoes,
especially for those working in offices, banks, or upscale
shops. Opt for a dark or medium neutral. Think black, chocolate,
cordovan (an old-fashioned word for cherry-kissed brown), or
even burgundy, navy, or charcoal.
2. One warm-weather work shoe. Your best bet is a
two-part pump--or one with peep toes-- in a light shade such as
tan, beige or dove gray.
3. One pair of slingbacks in a neutral shade. They look
chic with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be
worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work
well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication
to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like
nothing else can.
4. One pair of strappy dress sandals to wear with formal or
semi-formal attire. They can sex-up a pair of jeans, too.
Best colors: a mid-tone or pale neutral, including metallics
such as silver or gold.
5. One pair of neutral-colored casual shoes for weekends.
A woman can never go wrong with classics such as oxfords,
moccasins, loafers, or clogs.
6. One pair of attractive athletic shoes. They're
good-enough-looking for your Juicy Couture tracksuit, yet
hard-working enough to perform at the gym.
7. One pair of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral.
Something classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an
edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a
flat heel are one of the cold weather season's hottest looks,
but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer.
8. Two or more pair of casual, warm weather shoes in a pale
neutral or fashion color. Think sandals, ballet slippers, or
flip-flops done up in a dressy material like leather. Consider
yourself a die-hard fashionista? Find a pair of espadrilles with
a low to medium heel. Espadrilles are one of 2006's most coveted
warm-weather trends.
9. One pair of galoshes or other weather-protective
footwear. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go
with two pairs . Be sure one is a classic style, such as Hunter
Wellingtons in navy, green, red, pink or pale blue.
So ladies, clean out your closets, and stop spending money on
shoes you don't absolutely love or that does not fit well,
complement your style and is not versatile to serve multiple
purposes. If you follow the above tips you will create a woman's
fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is,
you will have the perfect shoe.
Stephanie Pedersen is the author of the recently published
"Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know" (David & Charles
Publishers), available at Amazon.com, BN.com, and bookstores
nationwide. If you visit http://Shoes
WhatEveryWomanShouldKnow.com you will learn more about
wearing, buying and loving shoes before you purchase an
author-signed gift copy of Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know.