It's one of those days when I feel like the universe is messing with me. I recently did a ruthless cull of my fall and winter footwear, settling on a chic capsule of just five perfect pairs (and a search for just one more) that truly are all I need. Now, the trouble with telling the world about this is that I've backed myself into a corner where I really can't make any sneaky additional shoe purchases—which was the whole point, to be fair.
And now, just when I thought I was in the clear after commendably making it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday without so much as *harmlessly* popping a pair of shoes in my cart, Nordstrom decided to go ahead and have another massive surprise sale, seemingly in an attempt to ruin me. In lieu of shopping for myself, I've thrived in curating the tip-top pairs for you out of everything that's on sale: chic flats, black boots, Mary Janes, modern heels that feel special (but aren't doing too much). For the record, all of these would slip very nicely into my capsule wardrobe, which is exactly what will be happening as soon as a spot opens up.
Cole Haan
Lux Pinch Penny Loafer
Burgundy loafers so dark they're almost black.
Sam Edelman
Franci Pointed Toe Pump
The perfect heel for this season.
Vince
Leah Ballet Flat
Glove flats are the moment.
Sam Edelman
Mable Knee High Boot
If you've been waiting to invest in a great knee-high black boot.
Coach
Renn Mule
With wide-leg jeans.
Jeffrey Campbell
Dancerina Ballet Flat
Editors are loving these super-soft, buzzy flats.
Franco Sarto
Rina Kiltie Bit Flat
Offended by how expensive these look.
Franco Sarto
Lola Mary Jane Pump
Oh my.
New Balance
990 V5 Sneaker
The New Balance sneaks to know about now.
Dolce Vita
Linny H2o Bootie
You'll want to go a half-size up, but then you'll be wearing these every day.
Franco Sarto
Carolynn Tassel Loafer
Tassels! And more burgundy!
Sarto by Franco Sarto
Arina Half D'Orsay Slingback Pump
The color is amazing, and the shape of the heel looks so expensive.
Life gets so much better when you have actual waterproof boots.
Steve Madden
Kiley Platform Bootie
With a bit of a heel, if you're so inclined.
Vans
Old Skool Sneaker
The best price I've ever seen on these classic Vans.
Lisa Vicky
Mood Pavé Block Heel Slide Sandal
A heel designed for late nights.
Sam Edelman
Franci Pointed Toe Pump
Further proof that low kitten heels are where we're at right now.
Franco Sarto
Balin Platform Wingtip Derby
Finally, the moment when being a massive New York Times crossword nerd finally pays off! That's how I know the end of a lace is called an aglet, and these gold aglets are the story here.
Linea Paolo
Caia Pointed Toe Slingback Flat
Buttery flat slingbacks to wear all the way through next spring and beyond.
Sam Edelman
Clive Knee High Boot
More great brown suede boots, please.
Sam Edelman
Trevin Ankle Strap Sandal
These keep popping up on my feed.
Lisa Vicky
Gambit Penny Loafer
Patent-leather footwear is on the rise.
Coach
Kenna Platform Bootie
Massively discounted Coach boots that have already sold out in black.
Fitflop
F-Mode Platform Sandal
These leather sandals look designer, and you'll be thrilled to already own them come summer.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.