Top 10 Essential Women's Shoes

1. The "Little Black Dress" of Shoes - A Low Heeled Black Pump

A low-heeled, comfortable black pump is essential to every woman's shoe collection for all those times when a strappy sandal or overly-glamorous shoe is inappropriate or too dressy, like an early dinner; an impromptu business meeting; or even a funeral.

These basic pumps from Fitzwell are versatile enough to pair with anything, and feature heels that are only 2 inches high. As an added bonus, these classically-styled shoes are also available in wide widths.

2. The "New Black" - Neutral Pumps

Stuart Weitzman Women's Pal Pump,Bluebird Soft Patent,4 M US

Even with as versatile as black pumps are, they simply will not go with everything. Add a neutral colored (not white) pump to your collection, and you'll have the the "basic pump" category of women's shoes covered. Shoes like these pretty pumps from Stuart Weitzman offer a classic look that will work season after season, and year after year.

3. The "Bread and Butter" of Women's Shoes - A Semi-Casual Flat

You'll want a shoe that can look cute with jeans, but not so casual that you couldn't wear nicer slacks with it too. This pretty skimmer from Gabriella Rocha is a great example the kind of shoe I'm talking about, and it's available in loads of great colors and materials.

4. The "Must-Have" - A Black High Heeled Dress Shoe

Charles By Charles David Women's Pompadour Pump,Camel Leather,9 M US

Nothing too strappy, nothing too trendy -- remember these are the basics -- but a black, dressy high heel is definitely an essential. This sexy "Pompadour" pump from Charles by Charles David is a prime example of a stunning classic. For wardrobe staples, I like fabric, matte leather, or suede uppers as they're a bit more versatile than patent.

5. The "Show Stopper" - A Metallic High Heeled Dress Shoe

 

Liliana Women's Coystal Sandal,Gold,10 M US

There are some special occasion outfits that won't work well with black shoes. For those, try a metallic killer evening shoe, such as this "Coystal" silver evening sandal from Liliana. Shoes like these are ideal with pastels, silver, grays and whites, but will still work great with black dresses too.