Types of Women Shoes | Styling Guidelines

Shoes are an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe. They not only protect our feet but also add style to our outfits.

There are many types of women’s shoes, each designed for different occasions and purposes.

We’ll explore various shoe types and learn how to style them. We’ll also look at how to choose the right color of shoes for different outfits.

Types of Women’s Shoes for Casual Events

Wedges

Wedges are shoes with a sole in the shape of a wedge. The sole is thick at the heel and gets thinner towards the toe. Wedges give height like high heels but are more comfortable to walk in. They’re great for outdoor events because the wide sole doesn’t sink into grass or sand.

To style wedges, pair them with sundresses, maxi skirts, or cropped pants. They work well for picnics, beach parties, or casual summer gatherings.

Ballet Pumps

Ballet pumps, also called flats, are inspired by ballet slippers. They’re flat shoes with a rounded toe and no heel.

Ballet pumps are very comfortable and easy to wear. They come in many colors and materials.

You can wear ballet pumps with jeans, skirts, or dresses. They’re perfect for running errands, going to school, or any casual outing where you’ll be walking a lot.

Lace-Ups

Lace-up shoes have shoelaces that you tie to keep the shoe on your foot. This category includes many types of shoes, from casual sneakers to dressier oxfords. Lace-ups can be flat or have a small heel.

For a casual look, wear lace-up sneakers with jeans and a t-shirt. For a more put-together outfit, try lace-up oxfords with tailored pants or a skirt.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are made from a strong, durable fabric called canvas. They’re lightweight and breathable, making them great for warm weather. Popular brands of canvas shoes include Converse and Vans.

Canvas shoes look great with casual outfits. Wear them with shorts, jeans, or casual dresses for a laid-back look.

Wellington Boots

Wellington boots, often called “wellies,” are rubber boots that keep your feet dry in wet weather. They come up to your calf and are waterproof. Wellies were originally made for outdoor work, but now they come in fun colors and patterns.

Wear wellies on rainy days with jeans and a cozy sweater. They’re also great for gardening or walking in muddy areas.

Flip Flops

Flip flops are simple sandals with a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap that goes between your toes. They’re very casual and perfect for the beach or pool. Flip flops come in many colors and styles, from basic rubber to more fancy designs.

Wear flip flops with swimsuits, shorts, or casual summer dresses. They’re best for very casual settings or beach vacations.

Mules

Mules are shoes that don’t have a back. You slip your foot in, and the shoe stays on without anything holding the back of your foot. Mules can be flat or have a heel. They’re easy to slip on and off.

Style mules with cropped pants, skirts, or dresses. They work well for casual outings or even semi-formal events, depending on the style.

Loafers

Loafers are slip-on shoes with a low heel. They often have a piece of leather across the top called a saddle. Loafers were originally men’s shoes, but now they’re popular for women too. They’re comfortable and can be dressy or casual.

Wear loafers with tailored pants, skirts, or even casual dresses. They’re great for work, school, or any time you want a polished but comfortable look.

Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals have many straps that go up your foot and sometimes up your leg. They’re named after the sandals worn by gladiators in ancient Rome. Gladiator sandals can be flat or have a small heel.

These sandals look great with shorts, skirts, or summer dresses. They add an interesting detail to simple outfits.

Trainers

Trainers, also called sneakers, are shoes designed for sports and exercise. They have a flexible sole and provide support for your feet. Trainers come in many styles, from basic white to colorful and fashionable designs.

Wear trainers with jeans, leggings, or casual dresses for a sporty look. They’re perfect for working out, running errands, or any time you need comfortable shoes for walking.

Women’s Dress Shoe Types

Court Shoes

Court shoes, also known as pumps, are classic dress shoes. They have a closed toe and a heel that can range from low to high. Court shoes are versatile and can be worn with many different outfits.

Style court shoes with dresses, skirts, or tailored pants for work or formal events. They’re a staple in many women’s wardrobes.

Brogues

Brogues are shoes with decorative perforations (small holes) in the leather. They originally came from Ireland and Scotland. Brogues can be flat or have a small heel. They give a stylish, masculine-inspired look to outfits.

Wear brogues with tailored pants, skirts, or even dresses for a unique look. They’re great for work or casual outings when you want a polished appearance.

Heels

Heels are shoes with a raised heel that makes you taller. There are many types of heels, including stilettos (very thin, high heels), block heels (thicker, more stable heels), and kitten heels (short, slightly curved heels). Heels can make an outfit look more formal or dressy.

Style heels with dresses, skirts, or pants for work, parties, or special events. The height of the heel often determines how formal the shoe is.

Types of Women’s Boots

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are short boots that come up to your ankle. They can have a flat sole or a heel. Ankle boots come in many styles, from casual to dressy.

Wear ankle boots with jeans, skirts, or dresses. They’re versatile and can work for many occasions, from casual outings to more formal events.

Calf Boots

Calf boots come up to the middle of your calf. They can be flat or have a heel. Calf boots are great for colder weather because they keep more of your leg warm.

Style calf boots with jeans tucked in, skirts, or dresses. They’re perfect for fall and winter outfits.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are ankle boots with elastic sides. They don’t have laces – you just slip them on and off. Chelsea boots usually have a small heel and a rounded toe.

Wear Chelsea boots with skinny jeans, skirts, or dresses. They give a cool, slightly edgy look to outfits.

Military Boots

Military boots, inspired by boots worn in the army, are sturdy boots that often lace up. They usually have a thick, heavy sole and come up above the ankle. Military boots can give an edgy or tough look to outfits.

Style military boots with jeans, cargo pants, or even flowy dresses for an interesting contrast. They’re great for casual outfits with a bit of an edge.

Choosing the Right Color of Shoes

Choosing the right color of shoes can tie your whole outfit together. Here are some guidelines for pairing shoe colors with different colored outfits:

Navy Outfits

Navy is a versatile color that goes well with many shoe colors. For a classic look, wear navy with black or brown shoes. For a more interesting outfit, try navy with red, white, or metallic shoes.

Red Outfits

Red is a bold color, so it’s often best to keep your shoes neutral. Black, nude, or metallic shoes work well with red outfits. If you want to be more daring, try pairing red with animal print or patterned shoes.

Grey Outfits

Grey is another versatile color. It looks great with black, brown, or navy shoes. For a pop of color, try pairing grey with red or purple shoes.

Black Outfits

Black goes with almost any color shoe. For a classic look, wear black shoes with a black outfit. For more interest, try colorful shoes or metallic shoes with black outfits.

White Outfits

White outfits look fresh and clean with neutral-colored shoes like nude, tan, or white. For a bolder look, pair white outfits with brightly colored shoes or metallic shoes.

Conclusion

Shoes are more than just protection for our feet – they’re an important part of fashion. Understanding different types of shoes and how to style them can help you create great outfits for any occasion.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose shoes that are comfortable and make you feel confident. With so many types of shoes available, you’re sure to find styles that suit your personal taste and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions