It's Official: These Are the 7 Classic Shoe Styles Every Fashion Girl Owns

If there's one thing I can't get enough of (fashionably speaking, at least), it's shoes. So much so that my collection once boasted over 50 pairs. However, when an occasion requiring a pair of classic black courts presented itself, I realised I had no such option in my archive. Pink feathered sandals I had, grey suede pumps with brooch embellishment I had, but I found I lacked many of the key footwear pillars. So, I set about rectifying that.

After undergoing a Marie Kondo–esque clear-out a few years back, I rid myself of countless pairs I'd never even worn, which I proceeded to flog on Gumtree, eBay and the like. I then used whatever money I had accumulated to invest in classic shoe styles that'll never date (and that I'll likely get more than four wears out of). Below, you'll find what has since become my shoe capsule. For the record, I now own around 20 pairs of shoes—10 of which are iterations of the below categories. From those courts I so desperately needed to the trainers I wear daily and the sandals I turn to every summer season, keep scrolling to see the classic shoe styles no fashion fan something should be without.

1. Stiletto Courts

Almost every shoe dilemma can be sorted out with a pair of elegant court shoes. Black leather styles will serve you well, but if you keep the silhouette as clean as possible, you can experiment with different colours and prints (such as leopard) and they'll still look chic.

SHOP STILETTOS:

2. Loafers

I never thought I was a loafer girl until I bought my first pair a year ago. Now they're easily the most-worn pair of shoes I own and instantly give any outfit an air of cool. Induct yourself into the loafer movement with an affordable high-street pair, or if you're already a fan, investing in Saint Laurent may be a viable option.

SHOP LOAFERS:

3. Ballet Flats

Flat shoes have become more fanciful over recent years, but none are quite as versatile as ballerina pumps. Wear them with jeans and a long-sleeved Breton top and you'll soon see why they're Alexa Chung's shoes of choice. 

SHOP BALLET FLATS:

4. Heeled Ankle Boots

There are so many boot options out there, but I find the two I always come back to are Chelsea boots—more on those later—and heeled ankle boots. Because they provide a bit of height (ideally not so much that it affects your ability to walk), I can always count on these boots to make me look polished while keeping the chill at bay.

SHOP HEELED BOOTS:

5. White Trainers

The allure of trainers is their ease of wear, which is why it pays to have a simple white pair on hand. Be it dresses or jeans, they'll go with everything you pull them on with. They'll probably be the comfiest shoes you own, too.

SHOP WHITE TRAINERS:

6. Chelsea Boots

I told you we'd get to Chelsea boots in good time. These come in handy for when you need shoes that are easy to walk in but also need to be more formal than white trainers. I wear mine with cropped jeans and checked miniskirts. 

SHOP CHELSEA BOOTS:

7. Strappy Sandals

For flirtier ensembles and warmer climes, a pair of simple strap sandals will look elegant and sultry all at once. Again, you'll never regret buying black, but here, you can experiment with other hues too. This style is so minimalist that it won't detract from the rest of your outfit.

SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS:

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next: 24 Pairs of White Trainers That Are the Foundation of Every Impressive Outfit