Top 12 Types of Women’s Shoes

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When building your wardrobe, some articles of clothing are essentials, while others are luxuries. If you are trying to establish a wardrobe that is suitable for the office, nights out on the town and weekends at home relaxing, you will need a pair of shoes from each of these essential shoe styles.

These are my choices for the top twelve types of women’s shoes.

Classic Black Pump
The classic black pump can be worn everyday to the office, to church, to job interviews and to just about every other business occasion. This closed toe simple shoe should have a 2-3 inch heel depending on your own personal preference. You can choose from leather, microfiber or other fabrics. Just keep it basic.

The Bandolino pump from Zappos.com is a great choice. At just $72.95, you can’t beat the price. The pointy toe gives these basic shoes a touch of femininity.

Neutral Low Heel Pump
You can’t wear black with every outfit. Therefore you need another neutral. Beige or taupe would make great options. However, you can also choose navy or brown, if you have more clothing in those color scheme. This should be a low or kitten heel shoe that has also has a closed toe. Whether you choose round or pointed toes is up to you, but remember that round are more comfortable. This shoe should be versatile enough to wear with twill pants, slacks or even a dress.

This taupe Vaneli pump is perfect. It’s feminine style and sculpted heel make it a beautiful choice. It’s priced at just $76.95 at ShoeMall.com

Open Toe Dress Heel
This open or peep-toe shoe can be a closed back pump or a slingback. The heel should be higher than the first two shoes, preferably 3-4 inches. This shoe is for dressing up - whether you are going on date, to meet the girls for drinks, or to your company party. The open toe makes it a little sexy. A shiny patent leather or metallic are good options. But remember that you want this shoe to last through several seasons. Therefore, you shouldn’t pick anything that’s too trendy.

This Jessica Simpson chocolate croc peep-toe pump is just fabulous. Though it is very chic, it’s not too flashy. You can get this Josette Heel from Heels.com for only $81.99.

Tall Boot
Everybody should have one knee-high boot in their closet. If you living in a cold, wet climate, you should probably stick to flat boots. High heel tall boots are more difficult to walk in on icy sidewalks. You can choose a dressy variety, or a waterproof winter boot with shearling lining or furry trim. Choose a boot in either black or brown that can be worn regularly throughout the fall and winter. Slouchy boots are also an alternative, but this style comes and goes in popularity.

These flat boots from Nine West come in brown and grey. These are a very simple style that can be worn with jeans tucked in or played up with a mini-skirt and tights. You can find these on Overstock.com for $89.99.

Ankle Boot
Booties or ankle boots are also great options. You can select the menswear style booties that look like oxfords, but have a boot heel. Or instead, pick up a pair of traditional ankle boots that come up just over your ankle. Distressed leather, patent leather and suede are terrific fabric choices in ankle boots. Heels can be flat, stacked or even stilettos. Find a pair that fits your personality.

These Marc Jacobs oxford booties hit below the ankle, but they fit the bill. They are a cute alternative to regular ankle boots. You can find these at most major department stores like Nordstrom.

Athletic Shoe
You want to keep in shape, so you should have one top quality athletic shoe. Choose from Nike, Adidas, PUMA, New Balance are other established athletic shoe companies. If you do a lot of running, make sure to get a pair of athletic shoes with plenty of cushioning and support. If you play a particular sport, find the shoe that is best suited for your workouts or training regimen.

Visit Nike.com where you can find the latest in athletic shoes.

Summer Sandal
A flat or low-heeled summer sandal is a must. You can choose a flip flop thong or any number of other type of sandals. Pick bright colors, metallics or prints. If you spend a lot time near the water in the summer, choose a rubber or waterproof sandal. If you tend to party and go out often, choose a dressier variety.

At Neiman Marcus, you can find a great selection of summer shoes, including these Tory Burch thong sandals for $195 in bright pink, orange or blue.

Evening Shoe
Every woman should have one absolutely drop dead gorgeous evening shoe. You can choose a silver high-heel sandal embellished with rhinestones, an elegant black evening shoe or a multitude of other styles. If you go out to formal affairs often, don’t be afraid to spend a big chunk of change on an incredible evening shoe. However, if you rarely get dressed up, choose a more affordable option instead.

These glamour Via Spiga evening sandals feature rhinestones covering black satin and a 4 inch heel. These shoes are over $250 at Zappos.com.

Flat or Skimmer
Ballet flats or skimmers are comfortable shoes that are very versatile. Skimmers come in fun colors and patterns. These shoes can be worn with jeans, capris or other casual wear. If you want something a little more dressy, you can choose a ballet flat trimmed with bows, jewels and ribbons instead.

This cute red and green plaid skimmers from Keds are under $40. You can find them in stores or in various online retailers, such as Shoes.com.

Suede Mules
Pick a suede or fabric mule with a 2-3 inch heel that can be worn from the office to Happy Hour. These open back shoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pick one that suits your own personal style.

These cute mules feature a multicolored print that isn’t too bright or overwhelming. The Vaneli Imir mule is just $83.95.

Slipper
A pair of warm slippers are essential for hanging out at home, lounging in your pajamas, or using after you get out of the shower. You can choose closed or open toes depending on your preference. Pick fun colors like pink or outrageous prints.

This leopard print Chooka Signature slipper features a suede upper and warm sheepskin lining. Get these at Nordstorm for just under $50.

Favorite Shoe
This shoe is your wildcard. It can be an espadrille sandal, a funky wedge pump or a wild pair of platforms. It can be your favorite shoe for dressing up, or your everyday shoe to wear on casual days. If this is a shoe that you will wear for many seasons, shell out the cash and get a shoe that you really love. Whether it’s a designer high heel or an extra pair of sneakers.

My choice right now is this slick black patent Mary Jane Pump from Charles David. It’s a luxury buy, but something I’d wear for years. You can get these at Heels.com.

With these twelve essential types of shoes, your closet will be full of versatile footwear that you can wear over and over again. With all the different online retailers and clearance sales, these shoe styles are available in every price range.

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