Five Shoe Styles to have in your Wardrobe for Spring

While I fell off track for a minute there, my wardrobe journey has predominantly been all about finding those wardrobe staples that will see me through the years. Essentially, classic silhouettes that are modern enough for me to want to wear them now, but timeless enough that I’ll still be reaching for them in the years to come. Spring is on standby at the moment here in Sydney, but I figured there’s no time like the present to narrow it down to the essentials; the five shoe styles that I’ll be reaching for day in and day out throughout the season.

The flat sandal

I’m pretty quick to bare my toes the minute the sun comes out – I really am a total summer baby at heart. Because of my bunion on my left foot, I have a hard time finding a pair of flat sandals that I really like. But over the last couple of years, I’ve managed to stumble across a couple pairs that really work for me and have become major style staples in my spring/summer wardrobe. The first pair I found was a bit of a wild card purchase for me: some snakeskin and nude slip on sandals from Sportscraft. Despite the ‘bold’ print, these have turned out to be one of the most versatile shoe styles I currently own. Most recently, I was lucky enough to be sent these t-bar sandals from Jo Mercer. I’ve been wanting a pair of sandals in a t-bar design, and I love the minimal clean lines of this sandal, combined with a very low heel.

The low heeled sandal or mule

Probably my most worn style of shoe during the warmer months is a low heeled sandal, or a pair of mules. I like the extra bit of added height that this easy go-to option provides. I’m a big fan of the two strap style sandal – one strap across the toes and another around the ankle – it’s minimal, it’s elegant, and it’s a shoe style that keeps coming back year after year. My most recent purchase of this style are this classic design from ATP Atelier. For a more 90s throwback, I’ve also been loving the low heeled mule as an alternative to the sandal. This is generally where I’ve gone for jazzier options, like these statement heel mules from Chloe.

The pointed toe pump

The pointed toe pump is one of those shoe styles I find myself reaching for year round. Again, I opt for a slightly lower block heel for day in and day out, as I like to wear something that doesn’t slow me down, and that I can wear even if I’m walking 5km or more in a day. Plus, they’re smart enough to wear to the office, or during your down time if you want to elevate your outfit up a notch. My favourite pair are from Charlotte Olympia, but I’m also pretty partial to this style which is a really great affordable dupe.

The ballet flat or loafer

A new pair of Porselli ballet flats (also here) has been on my wardrobe wishlist for the last couple of years; they’re hands down one of the best pairs of flats I’ve ever tried, and well worth the investment. While I’ll be freeing my toes for the majority of the next six months, I’ll alternate between sandals and a classic pair of ballet flats or loafers (like these ones from Sam Edelman, also available here), if I’m looking for a closed toe option that also looks smart.

The sneaker

My final staple in my spring shoe round up is a great pair of sneakers. While this might feel like a bit of a departure from my usual style, I’ve found that my outfits have gotten much more relaxed over this past year as I focused on making my wardrobe feel in tune with my lifestyle. A classic pair of Converse are a great starter option, and look good paired with everything from tea dresses to denim shorts or skinny jeans. For something a little more fashion forward, you could opt for a dad sneaker, or find balance in the middle with the Adidas Stan Smiths or Common Projects sneakers. I’ve got two options, both of which fall within that middle category; a pair of FRANKiE4 ‘Jackie’ Sneakers, and this more ‘out there’ style from Boden with leopard print panelling on the sides.

Which shoe styles do you gravitate towards in the Spring?