Every pair of shoes you'll ever need in your capsule wardrobe
From embracing the capsule wardrobe to editing our beauty kit down to the very best makeup products, in recent years we've been making a conscious effort to live a little more simply. Next on the agenda? A capsule shoe collection...
Whether you have a penchant for shoe shopping or are already taking a minimalist approach, our edit of the only six shoes styles you'll ever need in your wardrobe will ease decision fatigue and see you through every occasion.
Much like the clothing in our capsule edits, to make it into our pick of the best women's shoes, these styles need to tick a few boxes. They must be comfortable and sturdy to keep your feet happy as you go about your day. And, of course, they have to look good too, instantly elevating your look. Bonus points for shoes that are versatile enough to take you from work-to-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 sleek white leather trainers, like Marks & Spencer's pair. They'll look great with jeans on the weekend, or paired with wide leg trousers in the office. Plus, at £29.50 they're an absolute steal.
High tops, on the other hand, add an edge to midi dresses and skirts. And, of course, we can't forget the classic chunky 'dad' shoes, like New Balance's coveted 530 trainers. A favourite with the fashion set, these sporty shoes aren't just for working out. A quick scroll of Instagram and you'll see all your favourite fashion creators styling them with everything, from athleisure to maxi skirts and trouser suits.
See more about our favourite trainers here.
Ankle boots
Ankle boots are a footwear staple, especially if you live in the UK. Minus the occasional heatwave, thanks to classic British weather, ankle boots will see you through practically 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 any time soon. We're also predicting hiking boots will be back in a big way for autumn/winter, alongside chunky Chelsea styles (we've got an eye on Ganni's pair with silver buckle detailing).
Ankle boots are almost as versatile as trainers, too. Pair a biker style with midi dresses and skirts to add a little edge, or smarten up wide leg trousers with sleek pointed toes. While we love a classic black ankle boot because it goes with just about anything, if you want a statement shoe you'll also find metallic and printed styles.
See more of our favourite ankle boots here.
Ballet flats
Nearly 15 years since they fell out of fashion, and after a decade of trainers being the go-to for women everywhere, ballet shoes are firmly back on the fashion agenda. Spotted on the likes of Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift, the pump's return comes alongside the revival of other '00s favourites, including low rise waistbands and biker jackets. While we can't be sure all the comebacks will stick around for long, we're pretty confident ballerina shoes aren't just a TikTok trend.
For those occasions when trainers are too casual, the ballet flat enters the rotation as a comfy yet chic alternative. While we love classic styles with bows for adding a feminine touch to any outfit, for the new season we’re looking to edgier pieces like studded ballet flats and styles featuring statement buckles, mesh detailing or flashes of metallic.
See more of our favourite ballet flats here.
Work shoes
We file ‘work shoe shopping’ alongside ‘finding the perfect pair of jeans’. In other words, we know that it’s no easy task.
If your office dress code is on the relaxed side, a pair of smart trainers will become 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 sleek kitten heels into your rotation. Once a divisive shoe choice, it's safe to say the new era of kitten heels is fashion forward, thanks to slingbacks with pointed silhouettes, statement buckets, and ultra-micro heels. We approve.
As we head into the colder months, we're also swapping our favourite biker boots, sleek knee high boots and chunky loafer styles into our workwear wardrobes, ready for those inevitable rainy autumn days.
See more of our favourite work shoes here.
Sandals
Whether you're savouring the last of the summer sun or planning a winter getaway, every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of sandals to pull out when the sun shines.
A warm weather staple, there are so many styles to choose from right now – from slip-on sandals, to boho platforms and casual sliders. We've also been loving the fisherman sandal comeback (see Sézane's take on the trend), as they're perfect for elevating midi skirts and dresses, while chunky sliders have become our everyday go-to paired with linen trousers and co-ords.
See more of our favourite sandals here.
Party shoes
Party season is just around the corner, and if you're anything like us you're already eyeing up party shoes to pair with dresses, jumpsuits and sequin skirts for office Christmas 'dos and festive drinks with the girls. From Mango's metallic kitten heels to & Other Stories' studded ballet flats and show-stopping red platforms from Boden, they are so many styles to choose from. Invest well now, and you'll pull these beauties out of your wardrobe year after year.
See more of our favourite party shoes here.
You Might Also Like
