Curate Your Ultimate Shoe Closet With These 7 Timeless Styles
You may be familiar with the concept of a capsule wardrobe, but have you ever considered creating a capsule shoe closet? Read on to discover the investment-worthy styles we love
Strappy sandals
The ‘naked sandal’ is loved by fashion insiders, who appreciate its unfussy yet impactful design. Indeed, thanks to its pared-back aesthetic, this style is one of the most versatile shoes out there. Case in point: Khaite’s ‘Linden’ slingback is a bridal-appropriate shoe that you’ll definitely wear beyond the big day, as it works equally well with raw-hem jeans and a crisp cotton shirt as it does with a sensational gown. Meanwhile, The Row’s ‘Rai’ sandals are both office- and event-friendly, with a good pedicure being the only prerequisite for nailing this look.
Penny loafers
Penny loafers promise instant polish, whether you’re looking to complete a sharply tailored suit or want to elevate jeans and knitwear. Bottega Veneta adds a directional feel to a timeless silhouette with pumped-up soles and gold hardware, which nod to the label’s signature fashion-forward aesthetic. Meanwhile, Gucci’s ‘Horsebit’ version delivers seven decades of cult status, making these shoes a safe bet for many, many seasons to come.
Summer sandals
When it comes to warmer months and vacation season, wear-with-anything sandals are a must. In classic shades of black, white, tan or beige, they are the hero shoe for hand-luggage-only trips, styling seamlessly with everything from denim cut-offs to a floaty dress for sunset dinners. The Row naturally delivers with its ‘Nora’ sandal – a simple take on gladiator chic – while Saint Laurent blends bohemian and boujee design details with its suede YSL-monogramed style. Meanwhile, chunkier styles have a day-to-night appeal. Proenza Schouler’s two-tone pair will look just as good with wafty kaftans as they will with an LBD.
Chunky boots
Lug-soled leather ankle boots are the ideal everyday shoe. Comfortable enough for striding around in, yet sleek enough to still feel perfectly pulled together, heavy rotation is almost guaranteed. Our top picks include Chloé and Bottega Veneta’s modern take on the Chelsea boot – wear them with turned-up jeans now, or tap into the ’90s grunge vibe and style them with mini skirts and an oversized knit as the temperature rises.
Black heels
Black, pointed, heeled pumps are a total no-brainer. The LBD of the shoe world, this is the style you can always rely on to effortlessly elevate your look. Designers such as Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik are obvious choices for their enduring silhouettes. However, for something more directional, look to Bottega Veneta’s sculptural ‘Gloss’ leather wedge pumps, which are subversive, sexy, and guaranteed to add a fashion-forward feel to any outfit.
Party shoes
We like to think of these not only as special-occasion shoes but as impromptu party pieces, too – because when an irresistible last-minute invite lands in your inbox, or the WhatsApp group wants to go dancing imminently, a pair of decadent heels are vital to get you party-ready, pronto. Amina Muaddi’s sky-blue, embellished style will give casual jeans and a T-shirt a speedy glow-up when time’s against you, while Mach & Mach’s Cinderella-esque pearly pumps add an elegant touch to tailoring.
Classic sneakers
When Phoebe Philo reinvigorated the cult Adidas Originals ‘Stan Smith’ sneaker while taking a bow on the runway back in 2015, trainer enthusiasts rejoiced. Now, as the indomitable rise of athleisure continues, sleek sneakers dominate as the dress-code-defying choice. Seeking a cool yet pulled-together look for the office? Consider wide-leg tailored pants and a pair of box-fresh tennis trainers to master the high-low look. It’s worth investing in classic white styles that pair brilliantly with denim and dresses, too – we love Saint Laurent’s pristine ‘Andy’ style. For a sportier vibe, consider Autry’s ‘Medalist’ sneakers in white contrasted with beige suede and green heel tabs.
How to care for and repair your shoes
Ensure your shoes last longer with expert advice from repair-and-alterations service The Seam:
1) Use maintenance products with caution
Leather cleaners and moisturizers can be an effective way to renew shoes at home and preserve them over time. That said, it’s important to ensure that the product you’re using is suitable for the treatment, pigment and finish of any given shoe.
You should never use leather cleaners or moisturizers on stains, as these products can make them worse. When in doubt, enlist an expert at The Seam.
2) Never put leather sneakers in the wash
Treat them with a specialist spray, or Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector, as soon as you unbox them, to protect against stains and help prolong their life. Then, “spot clean, especially white and light-colored sneakers, to retain that bright look,” says Bronwyn Seier at The Seam. But don’t despair if your beloved white sneakers lose their sparkle. “If they can’t be reset to white [through cleaning], there are plenty of options for repainting or dyeing them,” adds Seier.
3) Store shoes to maintain their shape and protect the fabric
When not in use, leather footwear should be stored away from any light source to protect the pigmentation and finish of the leather. You can achieve this by storing it in a shoe box when it isn’t in your regular wardrobe rotation.
4) Don’t wait around for needed repairs
When shoes begin to show signs of wear, acting quickly on these services can reduce the cost. Some of the most common services performed at The Seam include refinishing scuffed leather surfaces.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes and accessories with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam