Shoe Mistake: Farm Rio dress | Gold sandals | Smoothing shorts | Straw bag
The Shoe Mistake You Could Be Making … And How to Fix It
How often do you go shopping, find something you love, and then fret while it just sits in your closet?! Well, usually it’s because of this shoe mistake: we’re missing the key piece that helps pull it all together. Sometimes it can be a jacket or the right accessories, but more often than not … it’s THE SHOES! That’s why having the right shoes is so important. Since we’re at the beginning of a new season and many of us are in spring outfit planning mode, I thought it might be a good time to share my best advice when it comes to buying shoes.
After spending over two decades in the Nordstrom dressing room, I came up with a simple trick that works every time: invest in neutral shoes! This is the key to getting dressed successfully, and your outfits will always come together. So, what exactly are “neutral shoes?” Neutral shoes includes everything from metallic sandals to soft white shoes to the color that works magic with all your outfits. They’re versatile because they blend with your skin tone, making them leg lengthening (especially with skirts and dresses). And, they work with every color of clothing!
Today’s post is all about neutral shoes and my recommendations are below. I feel so passionate about this subject because I’ve tested it out on myself, and trust me — it works. My best advice in this regard: don’t make the mistake of not owning several pairs and styles! Keep reading to see which neutral shoes I have personally tried and love, and three other options you might be surprised to discover. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair shoes? Have fun with it!
ICYMI … here are a few posts you might enjoy
The 5 Coolest Things I Found Shopping in NYC
These Are the Most Talked About Fashion Trends for 2025
The Wardrobe Essential Everyone Should Have in Their Closet
The #1 Shoe You’ll Wear for Years
Left: Spanx jumpsuit | Loewe tote | Middle: Cara Cara dress | Raffia clutch | Right: Eyelet dress
This Schutz sandal is the #1 most-worn shoe in my closet. The lower block heel is ideal, and I recently had to purchase a third pair since my old ones were starting to look really tired! I might go as far as to say this: if you don’t own these, you are missing out … they’re that good. Don’t take my word for it – check out some of your comments as well here.
Update: Recently someone asked me if these are “dated,” and I began to wonder the same thing since I have talked about them for several years. But, last week I noticed two of my super stylish Instagram friends wear them on vacation. And just tonight, while outfit planning for Palm Beach, I pulled out my tan ones and I still think they’re perfect. So for another season, I’ll be wearing them once again, and I recommend you do the same!
Neutral Shoes Go With Everything
Susie: Frame Gillian blouse | Frame flare jeans | Slingbacks, similar
Left column: Anne Klein slingback | SW flat slingback | SW heel slingback | Cork sandal
Right column: Cap toe ballet flat | Schutz Victorie | Gucci loafer | Gianvito Rossi | Schutz
I can’t say enough about the importance of owning several pairs of neutral shoes. I recommend a casual, flat style, and a mid-heel like this Chanel lookalike or this slingback that’s so versatile. If you can wear heels, try this style (my latest purchase) or this Gucci one. The trick is to find a shade that blends with your leg — then the shoes kind of disappear. They’re leg lengthening, and they go with every single outfit. Stop thinking you should only have one pair — you should have several. It gives you more options 🙂
The One Shoe Color That Makes Everything Look Sophisticated
Susie: Denim dress | VB wedge sandals | Zara bucket bag
Left column: Raffia slide sandal | Manolo Blahnik sandal | VB slingback | Gucci Horsebit sandal
Right column: VB slide sandal | VB block heel | VB wedge | Manolo mule | L’Agence mule
What is the one color that works with everything? Caramel! It compliments all other colors: black, white, gray, navy, chambray, pink, bright pink, tan, green … I think you get the idea. Caramel (aka cognac or saddle brown) is sophisticated, elegant and timeless — a true classic. I’m also going to add leopard to this list, since it’s in the same color family and works just as easily with all the other colors. Talk about versatile!
Gold and Silver Metallic Shoes
Susie: J.Crew linen blazer, similar | Mother denim | Cult Gaia sandals
Left column: Tory Burch flip flop | Dolce Vita sandal | Manolo sandal | Marc Fisher sandal
Right column: Marc Fisher sandal | Rag & Bone loafer | Sam Edelman platform sandal | Strappy heel | Fendi flat
This shoe trend is at the top of the list because it’s the one I’m most excited about 😉 Metallic shoes are really versatile, and if you could only choose one, I’d go with a gold pair. They’re the perfect shoe when you want a little “extra” for your outfit, and you might be surprised at how often you wear them. I own this pair by Cult Gaia, and they look great with this reasonably-priced clutch.
Silver is also everywhere now. A while back, I picked up my daughter Emily for dinner and she was wearing the cutest outfit: an oversized trench, faded denim, a simple gray t-shirt, and silver metallic pumps from Zara. I loved the look and grabbed these lower heeled slingbacks — they’re new and different, and definitely worth a try!
Soft White Shoes
Susie: Red dress | Sandals, similar | Lady Dior bag
Left column: Gianvito Rossi slingback | Veronica Beard wedge | Flip flop | Ferragamo loafers
Right column: Prada pump | Veronica Beard sandal | Schutz sandal (on sale here) | Rag & Bone loafer
I’ve been wearing my soft white Gucci loafers ALL season long, and was reminded how versatile they are. Right now, I’m in spring outfit planning mode, and recently splurged on this new Prada pump. It looks so good with every outfit, I’m pleasantly surprised. Find one you love, I’m certain they work with every spring outfits have been trying them on on all
Thank you for reading xx
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