The Shoes You Need To Own Before You Turn 30
By Bobby Schuessler
You know shoes are important; if whatever you’re rocking below the ankle doesn’t suit the rest of your look, your entire vibe could be ruined. Just imagine showing up to an interview in a beautiful suit and a dingy pair of flats. Or, a Tinder hookup in a your power dress paired with frowsy Mary-Janes. Game over. Indeed, building a collection that’ll carry you through all of life’s style challenges takes time, so we’d suggest starting to gather a solid assortment in your 20s. As you go, you’ll find it’s a great feeling to actually have appropriate footwear to face things like you first job or first fancy wedding.
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If you’re unsure which styles deserve a spot in your arsenal, we crafted a list of the 10 shoes you need to invest in before you turn 30. Because everyone’s budgets are different, there’s a low-priced (under $100), mid-priced, and high-priced (but nothing over $500!) option for each. Now, you just need to figure out how to fit 10 whole pairs of kicks in your itsy-bitsy studio apartment. Oh, the struggle.
The Fancy Party Heels
Your parties have graduated from keg in the middle of the basement to semi-sophisticated with Champagne at an actual venue (being of legal drinking age helps). To look the part, go for heels with higher-end finishes, like the shimmer and colorblocking seen here.
ALDO Welchpool Heels, $75.99, available at Heels.com.
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The wider block heel makes these ideal for impromptu dancing.
Zara Buckled Mirror Sandals, $99.90, available at Zara.
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Pair these with a simple dress to let ‘em really shine.
L’Autre Chose Sandals, $358, available at Shoescribe.
The Flat Booties
A shoe that just works every day is a no-brainer. These white stompers won’t slow your hustle (and will keep you blister-free!) without sacrificing style one bit.
Charles & Keith Zip-Up Ankle Boots, $93, available at Charles & Keith.
You’ll need these…in the future.
Carmelinas Bea Ankle Boot Bordo, $159, available at Wolf & Badger.
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Not your average black bootie.
Toga High-Shine Leather Ankle Boots, $480, available at MatchesFashion.com.
The Everyday Pumps
EVERY woman needs a pair of everyday pumps to get through life: work and drinks and dinners and random semi-dressy occasions you can’t get out of. You don’t want to get too crazy with your office kicks, though. Keep it classic with a standard silhouette and opt for different textures to give yours a little extra something, like the wood heel on this H&M pair.
H&M Canvas Pumps, $39.95, available at H&M.
Consider this a new neutral. It may be green, but it’ll go with everything. Promise.
Madewell The Mira Heel, $168, available at Madewell.
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These will last you season after season and then some.
Reiss Ellen Block Heel, $265, available at Reiss.
The Work Sneakers
Sneakers may not actually work in everyone’s office setting. Regardless, a higher-end trainer (like these rad Steve Maddens) is a quick way to come across put together and still remain comfy in your off-duty life.
Steve Madden Silver Trackk Sneakers, $59.99, available at Century 21 Department Store.
Sneakers can take your outfit to new heights, too.
DKNY 50MM Jill Net & Leather Wedge Sneakers, $168, available at LUISAVIAROMA.
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The tassels give this old-school silhouette an of-the-moment feel.
Marc Jacobs Fringed Leather Sneakers, $495, available at Stylebop.
The Open-Toe Sandals
You’ll undoubtedly have an iCal full of events when spring and summer hit, so a pretty heeled sandal to go with your party dress is a smart investment. The chunky heel on these may seem casual, but the silver steps up the fancy vibe.
New Look Pelican Buckle Heeled Sandals, $46, available at ASOS.
The conceptual heel (featuring wood, Lucite, and a touch of unexpected purple) that makes these particularly special.
Miista Isabella Heeled Leather Sandal, $106.08, available at All Sole.
It’s all about the details; Colorblocking, slim heels, and not-so-femme bows make this shoe.
Kenzo Sandals, $400, available at Shoescribe.