The Shoes I'd Plan an Outfit Around
Updated: Aug 28
I love having something in my closet that starts to feel like my signature. For me, that’s my blue Generator Fluevogs. I’ve worn them to nice dinners, weddings, concerts where I stood all night, and even on long walks home. They were a splurge, but I’ve worn them so much that the cost per wear has to be down to a few cents at this point.
Fluevog is temporarily offline, but I highly recommend scouring resale sites for the Generator style—they’re genuinely the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned. In the meantime, here are some other shoes I’m loving:
I’ve been really into all the Tory Burch pierced shoes lately, but this one might be my favorite. I’m always drawn to unique shoes, and this color is perfect because it gives a classic pump a twist for the office, but it’s also bold enough to stand out with jeans and a sheer top for dinner. I love when a shoe can do both. Even though the pierced detail is trendy right now, the classic shape means you’ll probably keep these in your closet for a long time.
The shape of these reminds me of the cool sneaker heels that are everywhere right now, but I think I’d keep these in my closet for much longer than just a season. I love trying new trends, but I also appreciate shoes I’ll wear for years. These have a unique, sporty vibe but still look classic enough that I can see myself wearing them long after the trend fades.
I really like the mesh flat trend, but I’m not sure I want to make it a permanent part of my closet. These Steve Maddens are at a great price point, so it’s easy to give the trend a try. I can see myself wearing them a lot right now, and then bringing them out every so often with jeans when I want to change things up. They might not be a long-term staple, but I’ve had a lot of fun styling them this past year. (I first saw these on Chicago influencer Kelly Miller, and she styles them impeccably every time!)
I’m a big fan of slingbacks, and these Sam Edelman ones look way more expensive than they actually are. What stands out to me is the color and texture—they’d be perfect for a summer night, but would also look great in the fall with a fun pair of socks. I want to try the caramel croco pair with dark-wash jeans and a light blue sheer sock peeking out the heel. The snake print is also a favorite. Honestly, even if it’s not the most practical choice, I could see myself buying these in more than one color. (The silk rose suede is amazing, too.)
As classic as a black pump is, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve worn mine. A lot of wardrobe “staples” we’re told to buy end up sitting in the back of my closet, while the shoes I actually get excited about are the ones I wear over and over again. I mean, who would have guessed that a pair as out there as my blue Fluevog Generators would become my most-worn heel?
I really believe that if you buy the shoe you’re excited about, you’ll find ways to wear it. Of course, it’s nice to have a simpler pair for travel or to keep in your work bag—my black mesh flats serve that purpose—but even a shoe that “goes with everything” can still have some interest—color, pattern, texture, or all three. The Bianka Slingback Pump, for example, would work with most outfits, but the texture and colorways keep it from feeling boring.
I’ve never once worn a plain black leather ballet flat in my life, and I hope to keep it that way.