10 Shoes Every Woman Should Own

Nude Peep-Toe Pumps Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive As tempting as it can be to stockpile our shoe closet with feathery, sparkly, sky-high heels, we’ll grudgingly admit it’s not the most practical strategy  Collect all 10 of these always-chic flats, heels and sneakers (yes, sneakers!) to save yourself from what-to-wear moments — and some painful blisters. 1. Must-Have Shoes: Nude Peep-Toe Pumps Peep-toe pumps that match your skin tone are the ultimate leg-lengtheners and a chic showcase for a fresh-from-the-spa pedicure. Plus, as Eva Mendes proves, they go with almost everything under the sun.

Black City Boots Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 2. Must-Have Shoes: Black City Boots Whether you prefer the cool knee-high boot look, like Fergie, or the sexy over-the-knee style, sleek black leather boots with a not-too-high heel will take you places in this world.

Ballet Flats Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 3. Must-Have Shoes: Ballet Flats Giving everyday dresses and jeans a chic Parisian flair, ballet flats are essential to your wardrobe, especially after a long night out (or even just a half hour) in those daring high heels. To liven up the mood, contrast ‘em to a bright-colored dress like on-the-go cutie Alexa Chung.

Wooden Platform Sandals Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 4. Must-Have Shoes: Wooden Platform Sandals You can’t really go shopping or have brunch in sparkly Loubs, but sometimes plain-ol’ flats won’t do either. Katie Holmes and Isabel Lucas have the right idea with their wooden platform sandals—they’re daytime shoes with a fab nighttime attitude.

Canvas Sneakers Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 5. Must-Have Shoes: Canvas Sneakers Follow Blake Lively’s lead here, ladies, and slip on canvas sneakers on those days when you’ve really got your hands full. You’ll be comfy and look chic. Now if only every outfit warranted that description!

Black Pumps Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 6. Must-Have Shoes: Black Pumps The workhorse of all workhorses, basic (but sexy!) black pumps will take you from the office to dinner and back again. Just take a long look at the gorgeous Rachel Zoe in her cap-toe pair if you need any further convincing.

Metallic Sandals Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 7. Must-Have Shoes: Metallic Sandals Get a pair in gold. Get a pair in silver. Make sure they’re fabulous with a capital F. And the next time you have to wear a bridesmaid dress that isn’t quite as chic as Natalie Portman’s teal number here, you can look down at your feet and smile.

Suede Booties Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 8. Must-Have Shoes: Suede Booties Booties in sumptuous suede are as pivotal to the fall season as pumpkin-spice lattes (yes, it’s that serious). Wear them with jeans by day, or like Kate Hudson, with something fun and leg-baring by night.

Flat Leather Sandals Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 9. Must-Have Shoes: Flat Leather Sandals Basic leather sandals are meant for those days when you decide to lose track of time, laze in the grass or wander without direction. Or those days when you merely wish you could. Just looking at this pic of Marissa Hargitay makes us want to go on vacay.

Gorgeous Work-of-Art Shoes That Make You Happy Photo courtesy of Fairchild Archive 10. Must-Have Shoes: Gorgeous Work-of-Art Shoes That Make You Happy To Olivia Wilde, it’s a pair of gold Christian Louboutin boots. To you, who knows. Just follow your gut and whip ‘em out whenever really good (and, hey, really bad) things happen. Or just take them out and look at them from time to time—whatever makes you happy.