7 Pairs of Shoes Worth Investing In
Classic styles you'll wear everywhere.
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When it comes to shoes, there are seven types that will carry you through every season and event. Whether your sartorial goal is slaying the 9-to-5 game or looking pulled-together on the weekend, the shoes you wear can have a major impact. Invest in pairs that will get better with age and have a high benefit-to-buck ratio (so, go budget with skimmers that you'll toss after a busy season, not with rich leather boots you'll return to for years to come).
See the seven pairs worth spending a little more on, shot at Westfield's architecturally stunning new World Trade Center location in downtown Manhattan.
Leather Boots
Knee-high flat boots will be the lynchpin of your autumn daytime wardrobe, looking just as handsome worn with skinny jeans as they will with a chic cashmere midi-skirt. The best part of all? The rich texture will only get better with age and use.
The Shoe: Tory Burch Jolie Riding Boot, $495, toryburch.com
The Clothes: H&M Wool-Blend Coat (similar), $129, hm.com; J. Crew Deck-Striped T-Shirt, $40, jcrew.com; & Other Stories Pleats Panel Skirt, $85, stories.com; BCBGeneration Lizard-Embossed Saddle Bag, $58, bcbgeneration.com; Fossil Fur Tail Bag Charm, $38, fossil.com
Party Shoes
All you need is one perfect pair of killer stilettos and you'll be set for life—or for every last-minute cocktail party you're scrambling to get dressed for. Find a style you love and take them home with the confidence that you'll be able to instantly make any outfit after-hours appropriate.
The Shoe: Sam Edelman Hayden Studded Suede Pump, $160, samedelman.com
The Clothing: ASTR Lace Inset Fit & Flare Dress (similar), $79, nordstrom.com; kate spade new york Jazz Things Up Boom Box Shoulder Bag (similar), $398, neimanmarcus.com; Tory Burch Logo Bead Ear Jacket, $95, toryburch.com;
All-Weather Boots
No reason to resign yourself to bulky footwear when the weather turns. This fall's crop of water-resistant boots offer the same protection as clunkier styles, but with detailing and height that feel après ski-chic (even if you're just commuting on a nasty day). Spend money here, and you'll never regret it.
The Shoe: Sorel Addington Waterproof Lace-Up Bootie, $250, nordstrom.com
The Clothing: Club Monaco Asal Sweater, $229, clubmonaco.com; ZAC Zac Posen Maeve Sleeveless Tiered Maxi Dress (similar), $850, neimanmarcus.com; Falke Firenze Cotton Socks, $30, nordstrom.com
Work Pumps
If getting dressed in the morning often turns into a three-act-play, save the drama for the boardroom and invest in a smart pair of neutral pumps. They'll go with anything in your closet and can be worn multiple times throughout the work week.
The Shoe: Aldo Cassedy Heel, $90, aldoshoes.com
The Clothing: J. Crew Campbell Blazer in Donegal Wool, $198, jcrew.com; Madewell Denim Zip-Front Popover Shirt, $80, madewell.com; Topshop Freedom of Speech 2-Pack Brooches, $15, nordstrom.com; T by Alexander Wang Velvet Midi Skirt (similar), $375, neimanmarcus.com; kate spade new york Kick Up Your Heels Metro Watch, $195, katespade.com
Flat Leather Sandals
Sleek leather sandals are always good to have on hand—break them out in case of unseasonably nice weather or to pack for a last-minute trip somewhere warm. The clean and classic style is super versatile, working with a chic dress for dinner or pulled on to stroll poolside. Higher-quality picks will live through the wear and tear that normally destroys sandals.
The Shoe: Tory Burch Gemini Link Ankle Strap Sandal, $275, toryburch.com
The Clothing: Free People Rogue Slim Buttondown Cord Top, $98, freepeople.com; Mother The Looker Crop Skinny Jeans, $205, nordstrom.com; Urban Outfitters Blaire Mini Handle Chain Strap Bag, $49, urbanoutfitters.com
Loafers
Loafers have earned their spot on the forever-in-style list: Penny or tassel, heeled or flat, they instantly make outfits look pulled-together. A well-made pair—with real leather and thoughtful construction—will feel good for all-day wear and take the beating that comes with near-constant use.
The Shoe: J. Crew Biella Tassel Loafers, $288, jcrew.com
The Clothing: kate spade new york Bow Collared Sweater, $298, katespade.com; H&M Jacquard Patterned Knit Skirt, $35, hm.com; Free People Cece Sparkle Socks, $16, nordstrom.com; Miansai Gold Hook Leather Bracelet, $80, nordstrom.com; Urban Outfitters Cross Hatch Cardholder Pouch, $28, urbanoutfitters.com
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are everyone's favorite shoe for a reason: They instantly up the ante of any outfit, from worn-in jeans to a mini skirt. Invest in a neutral color and a mid-height heel for a style you'll wear year-round.
The Shoe: Club Monaco Zadie Embossed Bootie, $449, clubmonaco.com
The Clothing: COS Shirt with Cuff Details, $99, cosstores.com; & Other Stories Patchwork Leather Skirt (similar), $145, stories.com; Urban Outfitters Alissa Studded Choker Necklace, $18, urbanoutfitters.com; Aldo Picou Bag, $55, aldoshoes.com
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