I’ve been a shoe fanatic ever since I was a little girl. I remember going into my mom’s closet many times during my childhood to dig through her shoes and put them on my little feet. I remember being so excited for the day that my feet would be big enough to wear my mom’s pretty shoes, and when we went to the store to buy me new shoes I always wanted them to look like hers.
Now that I’m a fully grown adult with size 8.5 feet, not much has changed. I LOVE shoes, and have accumulated more pairs than any one person reasonably should. I think that shoes absolutely make an outfit, so I love having just the right pair to pull everything together. For seasonal trends, I generally buy cheap dupes, but I also openly embrace the idea of paying a little bit extra for shoes that I will wear for multiple seasons.
Today, I am listing out my favorite “investment” shoes. These shoes have served me for multiple seasons already, and that I am confident will continue to serve me in seasons to come!
Warm Weather
Birkenstocks
I can’t stress enough how much I love Birkenstocks. They are incredibly sturdy, and will last you years. They never seem to go out of style, and they’re super comfortable and easy to walk in. I first started my collection with some neutral brown leather Yara sandals, and have expanded my collection to include some cute, bright Mayaris and some versatile white Eva sandals. There are endless ways to wear them, and they instantly give any look a low-key bohemian touch.
Tory Burch Sandals
Tory Burch sandals are widely known as great quality, classy sandals. They come in all different colors and styles, so you can really wear them any way that you want. Personally, I like to add a bit of color to my outfits since they offer a wide range of amazing colors, but they also have plenty of neutral options. They’re very comfortable and stylish, and have definitely proven that they will withstand the test of time.
White Chuck Taylor Sneakers
I love the way that a fresh pair of white Chuck Taylors adds an old-school americana look to any outfit. For me, they provide some nostalgia to my teenage years since I would wear them all the time. The white color is inherently feminine in my opinion, and I feel cute and put-together whenever I wear them. They’re also super comfortable, so they’re a great option for travelling or walking around amusement parks during the summer time!
White Adidas Sneakers
White sneakers instantly add a sporty edge to any outfit. Personally, I love this pair of Adidas sneakers that I got on Amazon. They’re comfy and flatter my feet nicely, and I like how simple they are. They’re a fun way to dress up a pair of leggings or joggers, but are also great with jeans. Just like the converse sneakers listed above, I can walk around in these all day. Plus, they always make me feel edgy and cool no matter how I wear them.
Colorful Vans
Vans are another great sneaker brand that have been in style forever. My favorite thing about vans is that they provide a ton of different styles, colors, and prints so you can easily find a pair to fit your style. Personally, I like their low-top and slip on sneakers, and I have them in a bunch of fun colors. They’re a great compliment to a white tee, and always seem to go perfectly with a denim jacket.
Cold Weather
Timberlands
Timberland is such a classic brand, and they have been around forever. Whether you like the legacy look or their heeled booties, they have something for everyone. I have a pair of classic Timberland boots that are super fun to wear with a plain tee and jeans, and I also have a super cute, girly pair of brown leather boots with a woven detail. The boots that I have fit two totally different styles, but I absolutely love them both! They’re very comfortable and water resistant, so they actually handle the elements really well!
Tory Burch Leather Boots
If you have ever spent any time in Chicago, you’ll know that brown leather Tory Burch boots are a wintertime classic. They’re incredibly well made, and they do a really nice job of dressing up a black winter coat. I really love the pair that I bought from The Real Real since they also incorporate grey wool. The wool adds a bit of warmth, and it also adds a really nice color block effect that makes it so that they match virtually every outfit! I swear by these, and would definitely recommend them.
Hunter Rain Boots
I had always wanted a pair of Hunter boots, so I was super excited when I found my pair on sale at Nordstrom Rack. These are a really fun fall/winter/spring transition boot since they do an excellent job of repelling water. They don’t have a ton of insulation by themselves, but you can get inserts that make them super warm and cozy. They run a teensy bit large, which works out well in the fact that the extra room allows for thick socks during the winter months. They’re functional and add a whimsical element to an outfit, and I couldn’t love them more!
Sorel Boots
I first learned about the Sorel brand when I was studying in Montana. It snows a lot there, so I needed a really good pair of boots to wear for the (sometimes treacherous) walks between classes. I noticed that a lot of Montana natives in my classes wore the brand, so I decided to give them a look. They are absolutely my favorite duck boot out there, specifically because they offer varying amounts of insulation in their boots. I have some really heavy-duty insulated boots, as well as some less insulated low-top boots. They are super stylish, and offer options to fit a variety of different styles. Whether you like a classic duck boot or you want some good boots on the sportier side, Sorel has got you covered.
Designer Treats
Sparkly Louboutins
These shoes were one of my first big purchases after getting my big job post-graduation. I had always wanted a pair of red bottoms, and I felt that the over-the-top gold sparkles compliment those red bottoms perfectly. I have been surprised with the number of outfits that I have been able to pair these with since they definitely make a statement. They go great with long evening gowns, sexy jumpsuits, and classic black cocktail dresses. The trick is to make them the star of the show!
Jimmy Choo Suede Wedges
My favorite thing about these shoes is that they don’t really look like designer shoes upfront. Once you put them on, though, you are immediately made aware of how well made they are. These wedges are perfect for summer. They’re super cute with sundresses and skirts of varying fanciness levels, and they’re a great compliment to a classic biker jacket and jeans look for a date night. I’ve worn them many times already, and I will continue to do so for a long, long time!
Valentino Pumps
There’s nothing better than a pair of black pumps to make you feel like a woman. The high-ankle nature of the straps makes them surprisingly easy to walk in, and they instantly up the sass level of an outfit by 200% when you put them on. I absolutely love the way that these pumps look with jeans for an evening out with my fiance, but they would also be super cute with a mini-dress for a night out with the girls.
While some of these styles may not be in season right now, there is a good chance that you can snag them on sale. The only thing better than finding your signature pair of shoes is finding the on a bargain!
What are your go-to investment shoes? Let me know in the comments below!
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