Essential Beautiful Shoes for Women

Essential Women's Shoes

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

This list contains the top ten essential women's shoes. While footwear comes in all styles, shapes, and colors, it never fails, something comes up, and the perfect shoes are nowhere to be found. This list will help solve that problem. Here are the essentials, complete with shopping links.

1. The "Little Black Dress" of Shoes - A Low Heeled Black Pump

A low-heeled, comfortable black pump is essential to every woman's shoe collection for all those times when a strappy sandal or overly-glamorous shoe is inappropriate or too dressy, like an early dinner; an impromptu business meeting; or even a funeral.

These basic pumps from Fitzwell are versatile enough to pair with anything, and feature heels that are only 2 inches high. As an added bonus, these classically-styled shoes are also available in wide widths.

2. The "New Black" - Neutral Pumps

Even with as versatile as black pumps are, they simply will not go with everything. Add a neutral colored (not white) pump to your collection, and you'll have the the "basic pump" category of women's shoes covered. Shoes like these pretty pumps from Stuart Weitzman offer a classic look that will work season after season, and year after year.

Looks great with black dresses too.

3. The "Comfort Food" of Shoes - Your Everyday Shoe

Only you can be the judge of what will work best as your "every day" shoe, but whether it's a sneaker, a loafer or a flip-flop; comfort, fit and style should be key in choosing the right shoes for your everyday wear. I wear a lot of jeans, so I'm a sucker for cute and casual flats, like the 'Sloop' from French Sole. I often opt for bright and unique colors, because they add a bit of personality to even the most basic of outfits.

4. The "Walk in the Park" of Footwear - A Sneaker

Again, the choice is yours, but whether it's a little white pointy sneaker, or an edgy, retro high top, every wardrobe needs a pair of comfortable sneakers. This simple sneaker from Puma is one of my favorite styles -- it's perfect for walks in the park, or trips to the grocery store.

5. The "Instant Make-Over" - Heeled Casual Shoes and Booties

Nothing can dress up a casual outfit and make you feel better about yourself, like adding a bit of height. It doesn't matter how high or low the heel is, it's just about getting out of flats for a bit. Look for casual booties or shoes with a bit of a heel for times when you want to be chic, even in jeans.

6. The Alternative to Women's Shoes - A Tall Boot

Whether it's a high-heeled fashion boot or a warm and comfy casual style, colder weather screams for boots. Plus, depending on the boots you choose, everything from skirts to jeans can look fantastic with them. Every woman's wardrobe should have at least one pair in brown or black. I like boots with a low heel that can go casual or dressy.

7. The "Warm Cup of Cocoa" - Slippers

I'm not talking about "glamourous" slippers here. I'm talking about, after a shower, sitting around in your bathrobe, talking on the phone kind of slippers. These "New Spa" slippers from Acorn are exactly the kind of slippers I'm talking about. After all, whatever shoes you wear during the day, you're feet will appreciate being pampered at night.

MY THOUGHTS

love this list. although recently i discovered i don't have pumps anymore. which shows to ptove that the shoes we buy and keep depends on our lifestyle. how can i have heels in my closet when i don't need them. i hardly ever go to formal affairs. even semi-formal events are rare. so,i have a whole array of comfort shoes. suitsme just fine.