Let’s face it: unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw with an unlimited shoe budget, it’s a feat to afford every single shoe that you dream of having in your closet. Not only that, but it’s an overwhelming task to keep all those shoes in order, let alone be able to wear them all.
If you’ve ever felt like sizing down your footwear collection in favor of a few staple shoes, it could be time to consider what kicks to toss and which ones to keep.
There are a lot of benefits to just keeping around fewer shoes: it’s more cost-efficient, you get more space in your closet back and you don’t have to sort through all your footwear. The catch? This will work best if you narrow down your shoes to just three pairs.
That might sound a little impossible, but according to stylist Aimee Smale—the founder and Creative Director of Odd Muse—it can be easy enough as long as you prepare for the seasons and choose the right fabrics and colors.
Below, she offers advice on what three pairs of shoes are a must-have in your closet, and why they’re the only essentials you need.
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The 3 Essential Pairs of Shoes Every Capsule Wardrobe Needs
Puzzled about how you can live off of a few sets of shoes? Smale says there are actually only three essential pairs you need: slingback kitten heels, ballet pumps and thong sandals.
1. Slingback kitten heels
She suggests a slingback kitten heel as a simple transition shoe. These will come in handy if you need to go from the corporate world to drinks after work, for example.
“A trusty pair of slingback kitten heels can really take you from the office to a nice dinner,” she tells Parade.
A slingback kitten heel can do the most, especially if you want to show up well-dressed but don’t want to put in the extra effort after a long day. That’s why Smale recommends it, as it’s the essential shoe that will always make you look assembled minus the overthinking.
“They elevate an outfit just the right amount so that you don’t feel overdressed but put together enough so you feel like you can take on your busy working day,” she says.
2. Ballet pumps
The second pair that’s a must in the closet is a pair of ballet pumps. According to Smale, there’s no reason why someone shouldn’t have a pair, especially in a soft beige color.
In particular, they just tend to go with just about anything, which is a huge plus if you’re only keeping essential shoes in your closet.
“A beige ballet pump literally goes with every single outfit,” she reveals.
This is a vital shoe that deserves a spot in your closet. They’re easy-going, but also comfy enough that you don’t need to resort to running shoes or a sneaker instead.
“Not only are they comfortable, but they are much cuter than a trainer; never destroy a good outfit with an ugly shoe, I say,” she states.
3. Thong sandals
Her third suggestion is a shoe that made a big comeback this summer: the thong sandal. Smale is all over the trend, calling them her “newest obsession.”
“I prefer mine heeled just so they give a little more to an outfit than a flip-flop,” she notes.
More than just a great summer shoe, the thong sandal is an important piece of footwear since they’re “the least distracting shoe” you can pull out of the closet.
“As a business owner, I tend to be running late to a lot, so just knowing that I can’t go wrong with these shoes with any outfit, it just makes my morning that little bit easier,” she shares.
Related: 9 Best Ways To Style Loafers, According to a Celebrity Stylist
How To Style the 3 Shoe Archetypes for Any Occasion
Not sure how to navigate wearing each of these shoes? Smale explains below how to map out outfits, based on which shoe you wear.
1. How to style slingback kitten heels
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
These are perfect for a work outfit or to wear out with friends, says Smale. But dressing them up or down depends on the activity of the day.
“I would wear these to the office with jeans or our simple statement trousers just to give my outfit a little elevation,” she explains. “Then I would wear the same outfit to a dinner in London with my partner or drinks at Soho House.”
2. How to style beige ballet pumps
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Ballet pumps are perfect for everyday style, and they can easily work depending on what season you’re wearing them in.
“A beige ballet pump can be worn with any mini dress or pair of shorts this summer for an everyday look, but can then easily be switched to wear with a pair of jeans as we come into autumn and winter and need to transition our looks but not our footwear just yet,” Smale states.
3. How to style a thong sandal
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
The thong sandal might be the most versatile of them all, a shoe that Smale describes as being able to “wear everywhere.”
“I can wear them with my Odd Muse cream culottes and matching top shopping all day in Paris or with my bikini cover-up to an all-day drinking beach club in Saint-Tropez,” she says.
How To Choose the Right Colors and Materials for Maximum Versatility
Depending on the shoe, Smale says she goes with neutral colors, while others might gravitate towards classic black.
“I always say my version of the classic black is the beige, green and cream tones, and that goes for my shoes too,” she shares.
For example, the fashion brand founder says that she loves the look of her slingback kitten heels in the iconic Gucci canvas print. On top of them being a neutral color, the sleek leather trim is a plus for her.
“I’ve worn them to death so much, so I have had to get them re-heeled numerous times,” she shares.
She also prefers the beige, nude color of her Chanel ballet pumps, which are the perfect hue and material for everyday life, she tells Parade.
With all that said, it’s crucial to look for a shoe that comes in various materials. Pointing to her ballet pumps—a favorite in her wardrobe—they usually come in tweed, leather or satin. And she says these tend to go with every outfit in the closet.
“I always love to have them in my bag, so if I want to switch from heel to flat, I am always prepared,” she notes.
When she thinks of other shoes, like thong sandals, it’s true that they tend to be a little more forgiving with colors that work best for her. After all, a shoe like this one is versatile, and looks good in a rotation of various tones and materials.
“For my thong sandals, I love to rotate a few pairs; whether it’s between suede, raffia or a simple cream, you can never go wrong with a beige-tone shoe,” she reiterates. “I think it’s time we ditch the black.”
Related: Ballet Sneakers Are the New Shoe Trend You Have To Try—Here’s Why
How To Transition Your 3-Pair Shoe Wardrobe Across Seasons
When it comes down to it, Smale neglects to change out shoes through the seasons since she looks for high-grade footwear.
“If I’m being honest, a lot of shoes stay the same throughout the months because I really love to invest in a good quality pair,” she shares.
However, there are a few shoes that she tries to switch out, especially if they exclusively work for one season only.
When looking at the slingback kitten heels, Smale suggests switching them out for a “long faux leather heeled boot” when transitioning from warm weather to the winter season. She loves to style these boots in a camel color with a mini dress, especially one with a “white cap sleeve.”
This way, you still get to enjoy the sleek nature of the shoe without wearing something too exposed when it’s cold.
“I like to keep my shoes extremely simple so they can complement most of my outfits I own, but in the winter, when I wear my long leather boots, they are the outfit themselves,” she states.
Swapping out the ballet pump is also an easy choice. Smale explains that she will usually opt for a pair of loafers. These are usually best in either suede or leather, she says, which are perfect choices for the colder weather.
“It’s certainly a style I am trying to lean more into, but I think they can be styled in such a chic way for work and for drinks,” she shares.
When it comes to thong sandals, she tends to move towards a shoe that is more closed off but still has a heel to it, such as a closed-toe slingback.
This way, whether it’s for an indoor event or during the holiday season, she gets to swap out for a shoe that’s still fun but polished.
“I’m not sure if it’s because it’s party season, but I always prefer a taller heel in the winter over a kitten heel in the summer,” she suggests.
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Aimee Smale is the founder and Creative Director of the fashion brand Odd Muse.Hence then, the article about stylist reveals 3 essential shoe styles every closet needs was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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