No black shoes: Faux leather Holly jacket | Rag & Bone jeans | Sandals

I Stopped Buying Black Shoes … Here’s Why

A while back, I was chatting with a CEO friend on her podcast about our years in the Nordstrom dressing room together. She asked me: “What’s one thing you tell people not to buy?” And, without missing a beat, I said “black shoes.” I heard everyone in the room gasp (!), and that’s when I realized that most people are genuinely surprised by this!

I know, it sounds a bit dramatic, but hear me out. Black shoes can be tricky, especially with dresses or skirts, because they can look a bit severe. As stylists, we know that with black shoes, your eyes go straight to your feet. While we all need a great pair (or two) in our wardrobes, just stick to a simple strappy sandal or a slingback. This said, I don’t think they’re super important … especially now as we enter the spring and summer seasons.

After two decades in the Nordstrom dressing room, I discovered a simple trick that works every time: invest in neutral shoes! This is the secret to making your outfits come together. “Neutral shoes” include everything from metallic sandals and soft white styles to the specific shades that work magic with your skin tone. Because they blend in, they have a leg-lengthening effect that works with every color in your closet.

I’m so passionate about this because I’ve tested it for years, and trust me—it works. My best advice: don’t make the mistake of only owning one pair. Below, you’ll find the styles that I’m recommending for Spring 2026, including some that I own and love, plus a few other surprises. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? Have fun with it!

ICYMI … here are a few posts you might enjoy

Spring Dress Edit: What’s Trending for 2026

The Spring Capsule Wardrobe: 25 Pieces You’ll Wear All Season

#1 See-Through Sandals

Left: Striped shirt | White skirt, similar here | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I’ve worn this Schutz sandal for several years, and recently someone someone asked me if they’re “dated.” Then I began to wonder the same thing. But, I noticed two of my super stylish Instagram friends wearing them on vacation. I think they’re fine, and who really cares whether they’re officially dated or not? If you like them, wear them! So, I’ll likely wear them again this year, but I’ve noticed that there are new options that I’m liking even more. For example, this Veronica Beard and this wedge that I found at Tuckernuck. If you like the look, here are some of the new styles that caught my eye recently.

#2 Neutral Shoes Go With Everything

Left: Crop trench, similar | Wide leg jeans | Stuart Weitzman sandals | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I can’t say enough about the importance of owning several pairs of neutral shoes. Though not really a trend, neutral shoes are the style that everyone needs in their wardrobes! 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 🙂

#3 Gold and Silver Metallic Shoes

Left:  English Factory dress | Gold sandals, similar | Lady Dior bag | Gigi Clozeau necklace | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This shoe trend is one I’m most excited about 😉 Metallic shoes are really versatile. Everyone should probably have a gold sandal — they they work with everything from jeans to a pretty spring dress. 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 love this new pair I’ve been wearing on repeat by Gianvito Rossi, and now I’m considering this flat sandal.

#4 The One Shoe Color That Makes Everything Look Sophisticated

Left:  Farm Rio dress | Savette bag | Sandals | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Caramel is the one color that works with everything! 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 even going to add brown to the list, since it’s in the same color family and works just as easily with all the other colors. Talk about versatile!

#5 Soft White Shoes

Left: Frame striped shirt | Frame Rodeo jeans (available in petites too) | Prada pumps | Prada bag | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I’ve been wearing these soft white Prada pumps ALL season long, and was reminded how versatile they are. Right now, I’m in spring outfit planning mode, and now I’m looking for a new sandal. Soft white shoes look 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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