Ask Belle: Spring Shoes, Part II

After last week’s post on under-$100 footwear, I was bombarded with more emails than I care to count asking for more shoe advice.  So let me see if I can answer some–hopefully, most– of these questions today.

From Top Left, KORS Tullah Flat ($195) // Kate Spade Red Ballerina Flat ($278) // Sincere Slingback Pump ($104) // Ivanka Trump Janie Pump ($125) // Nine West Speakup Flat ($69) // Nine West Caress Pump ($79) // Ivanka Trump Pinksy Pump ($133) // Ann Taylor Exotic Pump ($128)

I think that most women can get through the warm weather months with just three pairs of shoes: black heels, nude-to-you heels and one other pair of the lady’s choosing (I’d pick red pumps.).  But I know that some of you love shoes, while others just love choices, so feel free to pick and choose from this selection of eight shoes at will.

Nude Flats.  Great with sundresses, on casual workdays or with pencil skirts when your feet are tired.  Add a cute pedicure and you’re set.  I like the blend of leather and suede in this pair, but if you need something cheaper, try these Nine West shoes for around $50.  Also, if you would prefer closed toe, these Adrienne Vittadini’s are under-$75.

Red Flats.  I wear my red flats year round with jeans, but in the summer they are my go-to option of navy separates. This Kate Spade pair is lovely, but I also like this Ted Baker pair for $115 and these Kenneth Cole slip ons are around $50.

Kitten Heels.  I like kitten heels because they’re comfortable to walk in but they’re slightly dressier than flats.  They’re a good option for days when you need to wear heels (meeting, hearing, etc.) but can’t stomach the thought.  However, I would advise you to choose a slingback (like above) or a D’orsay style.  Kitten heel full pumps can look matronly on some women, the exposed skin of a slingback lightens them up. 

Black Pumps, Black Flats and Nude-to-you Pumps are great wardrobe basics for any season.  But the best ones that you can afford and maintain them by regularly replacing the heel tips and having the soles replaced.  Because unlike most items of clothing, a pair of shoes can last a lifetime if properly maintained.  And no one likes to hear the sound of exposed high heel shank stabbing along the marble floors of the Capitol.

Snakeskin Pumps are to summer what leopard pumps are to winter (why couldn’t that have been a question on the SAT?).  They go with almost everything, and I think they pair a bit better with suits than nude pumps do.  This pair from Ivanka Trump is nice (though I prefer more grey in my pattern), but this Target pair is virtually identical and costs less than-$30.

Colored Heels.  A pair of colorful shoes can liven up any outfit and brighten your day as well.  I like these berry-colored ones from Ann Taylor quite a bit.  I also spotted these coral slingback pumps and these Kate Spade’s in Pantone’s color of the year, emerald.  Colored shoes are, of course, optional, but I like to have the option.

So what are your must have shoes for springtime at the office?