Perhaps no shoe is more versatile than the white leather sneaker. I specify “leather” because as a time-constrained working woman, the last thing I have time for is cleaning my white canvas shoes. Leather also adds an air of professionalism if you plan to wear your sneakers to work. The white leather sneaker will take you from running errands, to walking the neighborhood, to airport travel, business meetings, and Sunday brunch. I wore my white leather sneakers to a business meeting in Seattle and received compliments from someone who said that she had a similar pair. A week before, I wore them with a vintage-inspired summer dress to a Saturday champagne brunch. If you can be lazy like me (or perhaps have difficulty bending down) and like the look of a sneaker with laces but don’t want to have to tie them, try the Kizik Women’s Vegas sneaker, which uses innovate technology to allow you to simply slip your foot into the shoe with no effort whatsoever! I invested in a pair of these shoes and am extremely happy with my purchase. No break-in time required!

As your “go to” shoe for those hot, summer days, I recommend either a pair of sandals, espadrilles, or close-toed huaraches. While we’re generally conditioned to consider some form of open-toed shoe as temperatures rise, I want options for those days or weeks I don't want to have to think about whether my toes are well-groomed enough to be sandal ready. Espadrilles, which originated in Europe in the 13th century, have a braided rope sole and a generally canvas upper that keep your feet cool on those warmer days besides being comfortable enough to wear all day. They come in all heel heights and colors. If you opt for only one pair, I suggest a pair in beige, tan, or gold, for the most neutral look. I recently purchased the Formiga Espadrille Wedge from Viscata in Cherry.  Huaraches, which originated in Mexico, are made with inter-woven leather strips and allow for air flow and circulation on hot days while keeping the toes covered. While they look especially chic on those with a Boho style, these shoes also look great with jeans, shorts, and summer dresses in general. Wear them to the beach or the park, out to dinner or to work. My current go to pair is Nisolo’s huarache (in bone, a great neutral).

Every woman needs a comfortable pair of flats. Wear them to work, on the weekends, on vacation, with your professional attire or jeans and a T-shirt. Depending on your personal style and the climate in which you live, I suggest either a classic ballet flat, loafer, or mule. All are slip-ons that are easy to get on and off. A woven mule is a great option in warm weather climates for those who aren’t able to wear sandals to work. My go to loafer right now is Vionic's Uptown sneaker in Cream Leather. So buttery soft and comfortable! For a modern twist on the classic ballet flat, consider Everlane's Day Glove. I recently bought this is in Pale Pink and plan to take it with me as one of three pairs of shoes to Europe later this year. For classic black, you can’t go wrong with the Demi ballet flat from Margaux, which has a soft padded footbed. 

If you only own one pair of boots, it must be the Chelsea boot. Chelsea boots are defined as close-fitting, ankle-high boots with an elastic side panel. In many instances, this type of boot has a loop or fabric tab on the back of the boot, enabling it to be pulled on more easily. Besides the easy on/off of these boots, they have a simple, clean, timeless profile (this style of boot originated during the Victorian Era and was worn by Queen Victoria herself) that works well for a multitude of outfits and occasions, and they come in various heel heights to suit your taste. One of my favorite pairs is the Frye Carson Chelsea in Pale Blush (a great neutral), which I’ve owned for several years and walked many miles in with nary an issue.

Wear them on the weekend with jeans, to the office with dress slacks, or with your favorite summer dress.

Every woman needs a pair of “fancy” shoes to wear with a cocktail or formal dress or uplevel a more casual look (Besides wearing with a summer dress, the right pair of heels can look great with joggers, for example). My number one suggestion is a pair of heels in either black or nude. Nude is the most neutral, versatile option and creates a longer leg line when worn with bare legs, but black may make more sense, especially if you like wearing black tights in colder weather. Heels add a touch of sophistication and formality, can create proportion to your outfit, and now come in so many variations (I recommend the block, wedge or kitten heel for those who are looking for a more practical/comfortable alternative to the more traditional “stiletto”). Unless you have foot problems that prevent you from wearing heels at all, I recommend adding a pair to your permanent shoe collection. As an alternative to heels, a pair of pointy-toe dress mules or flats can provide a similar combination of comfort and style. The Vivaia Aria flat comes in a wide range of color options, can be put in the washing machine, and is made from recycled plastic bottles. I just purchased the Pitaya color and the pink is bold and striking!