That’s right, shoes part 1. There will be a part 2. I mean how could I not break essential shoes up into two lists? This part one includes the all important classic black shoe. I decided to break out essential shoes into black and nude, since those can usually get you through any outfit you can come up with.
Lately (in fact I think 90% of my January outfits have featured a black boot or heel) I’ve been reaching for my classic black pumps or booties. They complete so many outfits. An outfit can fall a part if you don’t have the right base. Shoes are always the last thing I want to invest in, but always the first things I reach for over and over again. Below I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite shoes or shoe styles that I consider to be essentials in my closet from fall to summer and all year round. If I’m going to invest, then I’m going to look for quality in material and construction (typically leather for material) so that I can not only get lots of wear out of my shoes but also keep them for a long time. For instance, my black heels that I wear a lot are such a classic shape and style that I can hopefully keep for many years.
It was also quite hard to limit myself to what styles I really consider an investment. I mean there are a lot of shoes out there so I looked to my past posts to see what I truly get the most wear out of. Granted you never see me in flats on here but I wear them a lot outside of the blog. Got to keep things real. 😉
7 shoes to consider when investing in your closet:
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From the top:
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What is the essential black shoe (or shoes) in your closet?
99 Responses
This is such a great list! The only thing I would add would be a pair of black peep toe pumps. They can be paired with almost any dress and save you a bundle on fancy footwear.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
the classic pump, for sure! I’ve actually found that JCrew shoes are incredibly painful, but that might be because of my platypus feet…
http://www.from-thelionsden.blogspot.com
I agree with all of these! I actually have 2 types of black pump, a thicker heel like above and stiletto. I honestly LOVE this series, Kendi. I’m in the point in my life where I’m moving around a bit and need to only keep essentials… this is really helping me keep my closet at a minimum but with efficiency. Thank you! xx
http://www.chevronsandeclairs.com
my current black shoe essentials are pointed flats from steve madden, pointy heels from zara and sam edelman ankle boots with a slight heel!
xx, valerie @ lilyonfillmore.com
Love this! I live in Nova Scotia and I would add Sorels to the list for the coldest and snowiest winter days. These are all great picks!
I’ve been drooling over those Madewell boots forever! Need to have them!!
the Madewell booties are very cute.
http://www.myclayexperience.com/
Totally agree with this list! Black and nude shoes are such versatile pieces, looking forward to your part II.
Choo Choo
http://choochooli.blogspot.com
this is really helpful. i’ve been debating the investment in a black pump, as i seem to buy a new pair for under $50 every two-three years. i’d love to find one to last longer.
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/01/spruce.html
I’m all about those neutral colors. Love those Madewell boots. And a rockin’ pair of flats seems to be a closet no-brainer! Love it.
I love a rounded toe black pump for tights & skirt/dress in the winter and a pointy toe pump in the warmer months for bare leg dresses and work pants. You can never have too many black (or nude) shoes!
the j crew pumps are delicious!
becky,
accooohtrements.wordpress.com
shoes are very important!!
I def. invest in them. Shoes, bags, good pants and jewelry
Xo,
Belen
http://blog.androbel.com
Great selection! I have a pair of super comfy black ballet flats…a serious must have.
Tieks are the best flats I have ever owned and are worth the price! Everyone should own at least one pair. The only bad thing is they can only be purchased online, so you can’t try them on. After buying my first pair, I will not waste a dime on any other flat. Try a pair– you won’t be disappointed.
Wow, such great choices! Thanks for sharing! <3
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.wordpress.com
My Born Crown black ankle boots. I wear them at least three times a week all fall and winter.
Yes, ma’am those gorgeous shoes are worth every penny. I love that you are doing this series.
xx
Here&Now
Enter to win a $500 shopping spree!
gorgeous choices!!
http://www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Really beautiful shoes.
I need a new flat, Id rather buy an over the knee boot.
priorities.
I have a pair of black flat knee-high boots, and I wear them allllll winter long. Unfortunately they’re starting to scuff on the toes!
I think I would have to go with a knee high boot. Mainly because I keep getting Sabrina the Teenage witch flash backs of those pvc over the knee boots that came up mid thigh? haha Of course, the ones you picked out are far more gorgeous. But I just can’t shake the fear of me looking a little too much like I have just rocked out of an 80s glam rock band . . .
and I’d sorta want to double up in brown since I have a softer wardrobe palette 🙂 I love this series though, very cool can’t wait for part 2!
jess xx
love the pants!
http://glamourgirl-bg.blogspot.com/
Love this post! On point 🙂
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me
I wish I could have them all 🙂 Great post, I need to start saving for those clogs, love them!
xo
Christa
http://www.gardeniasandmint.wordpress.com
I totally agree will this shoe essential list. Great picks!
Jessica
the way to my Hart
I share your love for the classic black shoe, and here is a post to prove it 🙂
http://angeladissected.blogspot.com/2012/12/black-heels-and-revelations.html
I totally get why there would be a part 2! I think I have almost all of these, but you really do get a lot of use out of a black shoe.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
GREAT black shoes line up! You hit all the must haves! Great affordable picks.
OUTFIT POST:: SNOW LEOPARD
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
Are those Sam Edelman sanded or DV?
the black pump and leather clogs are my favorite. i am in serious need of some new black shoes so i really appreciate this roundup!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com
What do you suggest for someone falls and has trouble finding comfortable shoes? I don’t like to wear heels. But I love how they look.
That was supposed to say tall.
This is such a great list! The only thing I would add would be a pair of black peep toe pumps. They can be paired with almost any dress and save you a bundle on fancy footwear.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
the classic pump, for sure! I've actually found that JCrew shoes are incredibly painful, but that might be because of my platypus feet…
http://www.from-thelionsden.blogspot.com
I agree with all of these! I actually have 2 types of black pump, a thicker heel like above and stiletto. I honestly LOVE this series, Kendi. I'm in the point in my life where I'm moving around a bit and need to only keep essentials… this is really helping me keep my closet at a minimum but with efficiency. Thank you! xx
http://www.chevronsandeclairs.com
my current black shoe essentials are pointed flats from steve madden, pointy heels from zara and sam edelman ankle boots with a slight heel!
xx, valerie @ lilyonfillmore.com
Love this! I live in Nova Scotia and I would add Sorels to the list for the coldest and snowiest winter days. These are all great picks!
I've been drooling over those Madewell boots forever! Need to have them!!
the Madewell booties are very cute.
http://www.myclayexperience.com/
Totally agree with this list! Black and nude shoes are such versatile pieces, looking forward to your part II.
Choo Choo
http://choochooli.blogspot.com
this is really helpful. i've been debating the investment in a black pump, as i seem to buy a new pair for under $50 every two-three years. i'd love to find one to last longer.
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/01/spruce.html
I'm all about those neutral colors. Love those Madewell boots. And a rockin' pair of flats seems to be a closet no-brainer! Love it.
I love a rounded toe black pump for tights & skirt/dress in the winter and a pointy toe pump in the warmer months for bare leg dresses and work pants. You can never have too many black (or nude) shoes!
the j crew pumps are delicious!
becky,
accooohtrements.wordpress.com
shoes are very important!!
I def. invest in them. Shoes, bags, good pants and jewelry
Xo,
Belen
http://blog.androbel.com
Great selection! I have a pair of super comfy black ballet flats…a serious must have.
Tieks are the best flats I have ever owned and are worth the price! Everyone should own at least one pair. The only bad thing is they can only be purchased online, so you can't try them on. After buying my first pair, I will not waste a dime on any other flat. Try a pair– you won't be disappointed.
Wow, such great choices! Thanks for sharing! <3
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.wordpress.com
Love those booties!
http://www.loveandclothing.com
My Born Crown black ankle boots. I wear them at least three times a week all fall and winter.
Yes, ma'am those gorgeous shoes are worth every penny. I love that you are doing this series.
xx
Here&Now
Enter to win a $500 shopping spree!
gorgeous choices!!
http://www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Your pictures are gorgeous! I just started blogging myself, and would really appreciate it if you could check mine out in any free time you have! I post about travel, yoga, meditation, health and fitness, beauty, and more. I would love to stay in contact with you.. maybe we could follow each other’s blogs? Thank you so much!
I’d appreciate it if anyone else followed me too 🙂 I just started and I will obviously follow you back !!
http://lifelation.blogspot.com
Really beautiful shoes.
I need a new flat, Id rather buy an over the knee boot.
priorities.
I have a pair of black flat knee-high boots, and I wear them allllll winter long. Unfortunately they're starting to scuff on the toes!
I wish I could have them all 🙂 Great post, I need to start saving for those clogs, love them!
xo
Christa
http://www.gardeniasandmint.wordpress.com
I totally agree will this shoe essential list. Great picks!
Jessica
the way to my Hart
gorgeous black shoe options! mine are the same as yours above – classic black shoes for every season
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com/
I totally get why there would be a part 2! I think I have almost all of these, but you really do get a lot of use out of a black shoe.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
GREAT black shoes line up! You hit all the must haves! Great affordable picks.
OUTFIT POST:: SNOW LEOPARD
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
Are those Sam Edelman sanded or DV?
the black pump and leather clogs are my favorite. i am in serious need of some new black shoes so i really appreciate this roundup!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com
What do you suggest for someone falls and has trouble finding comfortable shoes? I don't like to wear heels. But I love how they look.
That was supposed to say tall.
I agree that nude and black are definite essentials! When my knee injury healed up enough for me to wear heels again, I scored a black and a nude pair on sale, they are great basics! 🙂
Away From Blue
Love those booties!
http://www.loveandclothing.com
Your pictures are gorgeous! I just started blogging myself, and would really appreciate it if you could check mine out in any free time you have! I post about travel, yoga, meditation, health and fitness, beauty, and more. I would love to stay in contact with you.. maybe we could follow each other's blogs? Thank you so much!
I'd appreciate it if anyone else followed me too 🙂 I just started and I will obviously follow you back !!
http://lifelation.blogspot.com
Love the pants 🙂
My Fantabulous World
gorgeous black shoe options! mine are the same as yours above – classic black shoes for every season
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com/2013/09/at-home.html
My OTK boots have become a staple for sure and my pointy toe pumps. I just got a pair of D’orsay black flats but haven’t been able to wear them yet in this Upstate NY weather!
xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish
Great post!! Is it bad that when I think about what I would choose for a new black shoe my mind automatically jumps to leopard? Looking forward to Part Duece!!
I agree that nude and black are definite essentials! When my knee injury healed up enough for me to wear heels again, I scored a black and a nude pair on sale, they are great basics! 🙂
Away From Blue
that j.crew classic black pump is perfect!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Love your picks! Definitely worth investing those shoes:) <3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
I learned this lesson about shoes the same way I did about bags: I’d buy a super cheap pair that I loved and a week later they were completely shot and I’d have to throw them out.
My secret now is ebay – you can find TONS of classic styles in real leather from great designer brands for a lot less than you’d normally pay. I recently bought a pair of suede Via Spiga wedge booties for $50 and they are goooooooorgeous.
Quality vs quantity. It pays off.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
I definitely need to learn to invest in shoes rather than buying cheap trendy pairs. The price tag is always just so scary!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Black boots are a must, especially for the long winters we have here!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Love the pants 🙂
My Fantabulous World
I’ve been searching for a classic black pump that isn’t a stiletto and those J. Crew ones hit the mark! This list is great! I would also add Steve Madden’s patent flats. They are my go-to when I know I’m going to be on my feet all day and heels or boots aren’t options.
xoox Allie / Joy and Ivy
My OTK boots have become a staple for sure and my pointy toe pumps. I just got a pair of D'orsay black flats but haven't been able to wear them yet in this Upstate NY weather!
xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish
Great post!! Is it bad that when I think about what I would choose for a new black shoe my mind automatically jumps to leopard? Looking forward to Part Duece!!
that j.crew classic black pump is perfect!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Love your picks! Definitely worth investing those shoes:) <3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
I learned this lesson about shoes the same way I did about bags: I'd buy a super cheap pair that I loved and a week later they were completely shot and I'd have to throw them out.
My secret now is ebay – you can find TONS of classic styles in real leather from great designer brands for a lot less than you'd normally pay. I recently bought a pair of suede Via Spiga wedge booties for $50 and they are goooooooorgeous.
Quality vs quantity. It pays off.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
when you do nude, feel free to pick nudes in darker shades as well for diverse skin tones!!! 🙂
was that a shameless plug to ask for help? maybe….
I've been searching for a classic black pump that isn't a stiletto and those J. Crew ones hit the mark! This list is great! I would also add Steve Madden's patent flats. They are my go-to when I know I'm going to be on my feet all day and heels or boots aren't options.
xoox Allie / Joy and Ivy
when you do nude, feel free to pick nudes in darker shades as well for diverse skin tones!!! 🙂
was that a shameless plug to ask for help? maybe….
Kendi, you have such great taste!! Love them all, especially the over the knee boots!! I’m thinking I might spoil myself and get a pair. But before I get them, I wanted to ask you if they were comfortable and true to size? Thanks.
Kendi, you have such great taste!! Love them all, especially the over the knee boots!! I'm thinking I might spoil myself and get a pair. But before I get them, I wanted to ask you if they were comfortable and true to size? Thanks.
i get the question all the time from my fiance…why do you need another pair of black shoes…I’ll show him this post. =)
PolkaDots & Lace
i get the question all the time from my fiance…why do you need another pair of black shoes…I'll show him this post. =)
PolkaDots & Lace
I love the shoes, and this is a great way to organize them. On a different note, I would really love it if your posts were readable in Feedly/other RSS aggregators. Pretty please 🙂
Love your choices for the basics. I also just recently bought these shoe clips which extend my basic pumps.
http://shop.avon.com/product.aspx?pf_id=49745
Love your choices for the basics. I also just recently bought these shoe clips which extend my basic pumps.
http://shop.avon.com/product.aspx?pf_id=49745
Read this great
blog about the best hiking boots and learn how you can choose the best boots
for hiking that would be comfortable and efficient for you. http://hikersalike.com/
Read this great
blog about the best hiking boots and learn how you can choose the best boots
for hiking that would be comfortable and efficient for you. http://hikersalike.com/