I’m a firm believer in making intentional purchases, and only adding items to my wardrobe that pair well with other things I own. There were too many years that I would buy random one-off pieces bring them home and realize that there wasn’t one other item in my wardrobe that they work with! Now that I build my wardrobe by colour palette, it’s easy to purchase accessories that are going to be around for the long haul, and I don’t mind investing in quality over quantity.
As a shoe lover, one of the hardest areas for me to change my shopping habits was impulse shoe purchases. I used to own 50 plus pairs of shoes, and they ranged in print, colour, heel size, and most were worn once a year (if they were lucky). Over the last three years I paired my shoe wardrobe down to under 25 pairs – that’s everything from runners & sandals, to high heels & Punjabi jhuttis, and I love every single pair, and most importantly every pair is comfortable!
My secret to shoe wardrobe success; start with 3 pairs of shoes per category, and build up to no more than 5 pairs per category at a time. Trust me, no one needs more than 5 flats or sneakers, or sandals, and having that many options is just causing you decision fatigue and making you late for work!
I think every girl needs a few pumps in her wardrobe. They are a classic staple item, and if you invest in a good pair, you can wear them for years. That doesn’t mean you have to break the bank on a pair of Louboutain’s {although I’d love me a pair}, but it does mean you have to take the time to try on a lot of pairs to find the perfect fit. The three colours I have in my wardrobe right now are; black, nude, and pink. This is the formula I follow for any fashion category – shoes, cardigans, accessories, hats, anything – purchase two staple pieces in neutrals that match everything (black and nude), and one fun colour or print that matches quite a few things (pink).
Your neutrals might be navy, white, or grey depending on what colours make up the base of your wardrobe, but if you are unsure of the neutrals to start with black and nude are generally a fail safe. (As a bonus, nude heels worn with dresses make your legs look ridiculously long!) For your fun piece you can pick a floral, something sparkly, or a neon colour even if you like. Just remember the fun piece is the one that will likely get traded out seasonally or replaced quickly so spend more on your neutrals and have them resoled at the end of the season.
A few random tips on choosing pumps:
The heel of the pump should always match up to the centre of your own heel. If it is too far back you’ll always look wobbly when you walk.
Try and splurge on a pair with a leather sole – especially if you are going to wear them all day.
Never buy shoes that are tight! Yes, leather shoes stretch a little with wear, but your feet also swell up during the day, so they still feel tight. Take the time to find a pair that is the perfect fit.
Wear insoles – they really do help! I even wearing the gel ones inside my flats when I’m going to be on my feet all day. {Pumps with payal is the perfect summer look in my books!}
A bonus tip on choosing nude pumps…Any time you are choosing a ‘nude’ shoe take the time to pick one that really matches your skin. I know this is hard for desi girls, because our skin is darker than most shoes, but don’t buy the ones that are too light! When you wear a nude shoe that is much lighter than you skin, it just cuts you off at the ankle and makes your legs look shorter. It took me nearly a year to find the pair above, so I know your pain!
Shoes in this post: The pink pumps are from Le Chateau a few years ago, and the black and nude pumps are Merona from Target.
I love the shoe swag! Good read. 🙂
Love that tip on nude pumps matching our skin- sooo hard to find. I was on the hunt and I finally found one a couple years ago!
That PINK one! Love the idea of adding Payal with them! 😉
I love a great colorful pump, but definitely agree a nude color is a must!