Footwear 101: Must Have Shoes for Women
Shoes are the perfect long-term investment—if you make the right choice, they can last for ages. You don't have to go for endless choices, either; just a few pairs that go well with many different looks. By avoiding fast fashion and the latest trends, you can opt for classic pieces that will still make you excited to wear them for next season, too. Create your ultimate shoe collection in the best styles with the help of this guide by JCPenney.
One or Two Good Pair of Sandals
Sandals are the perfect addition for summer commute or a getaway. However, finding a decent pair can be quite challenging. Frequently, the stylish options cause blisters, while the most comfortable ones fall short in terms of fashion. But good news: JCPenney has a handpicked selection of on-trend, comfortable sandals in different styles.
Wedges
Reach for wedges with light canvas uppers, comfort foam insole, and adjustable buckled straps will help you walk comfortably for long hours.
Heeled Sandal
We also recommend adding a heeled sandal to your office wear collection that’s perfect for warm-weather chic.
Open Toe Adorned Sandal
Look for open-toe styles with an adornment on the front and an ankle strap closure. If ultimate comfort is your motto, shop footbed sandals with faux suede leather buckle-up straps and a supportive base.
Add Flats and Loafers in the Mix
After sandals, the best piece of cliché-but-true fashion advice is having at least one good pair of flats. Flats are the shoes you can really live your life in. They're essential when putting together your workwear ensemble, 10,000-step vacation, brunch, and everything in between.
Flats are also extremely versatile; you can wear them with a floral dress, strappy playsuit, or boho shorts. Look for a pair of flats that are easy to break in and provide ample support for your arches.
Other essential footwear options for women are loafers. Though they only came onto the scene a few years ago, living without them seems impossible. They instantly transform a look into something more refined and polished, and since they're entirely flat, they offer a stylish substitute for a ballet flat.
If you're just starting out with loafers, a timeless black pair is your top choice. And if you already own a few pairs of loafers, consider picking up a pair in a vibrant color or pattern to add some variety to your wardrobe.
Dress Shoes are a Must
There's one thing you can't live without and that's dress shoes – especially heels. For parties and work, they serve as a stunning companion to different outfits. Depending on your comfort, you can select block heels, kitten heels, stiletto heels, and so on.
To keep those feet happy, shortlist dress shoes that are supportive, have a sturdy outsole, and easy to style. Choose between brilliantly versatile neutrals for everyday wear or prints for that pop of color for when you want to stand out.
Sneakers for Everyone
Trainers aren’t just for the gym anymore. Now a fashion world staple, sneakers stand to be one of the cornerstones of your footwear collection: we think a pair of clean white ones are a must. Pair them with jeans on the weekend or wear as a more relaxed alternative to heels with a suit at work.
That said, when it comes to workouts, choose athletic styles specifically designed for the purpose, be it walking, running, or lifting weights at the gym. Reach for shoes with special (and essential) features, such as cushioned, non-slip grip, shock absorption, and so on.
For the Love of Boots
Flat, embroidered, heeled… you can never have too many ankle boots! They’re the quintessential shoe for fall, and if you invest in a good leather pair, they’ll last you forever. And in the winter months, the last thing we want to do is expose our ankles to the elements. That’s why you need a pair of knee-high boots too.
Coming heeled or flat, suede or leather, colorful or neutral, there are endless ways to wear this cold-weather staple.
