TYPES OF WOMEN SHOES AND STYLING GUIDELINES
Shoes are the foundation of every fabulous outfit and the key to unlocking unlimited style possibilities. As modern fashionistas, we’re blessed with endless types of women shoes. Whether you crave the versatility of flats, the sophistication of heels, or the casual cool of boots and sandals, there’s a silhouette for every mood and occasion. This comprehensive guide celebrates the diversity of footwear by exploring all the must-have women’s shoe styles.
From timeless classics like pumps and oxfords to contemporary favorites like wedges and platforms, we’ll break down the details that define each unique design. You’ll discover styling tips for rocking each type from the office to after-hours. Get inspired as we uncover the perfect pair (or pairs!) to amplify your flair. Strut into any room confidently by first stepping into the shoe that suits your taste.
Types Of Women shoes for Casual Event
Whether a walk in the park or a trip to the local coffee shop, ladies’ casual shoes are versatile – ideal for many occasions. These are usually teamed with casual wear for a relaxed look. Comfier heels that are not too high, or wedges, can also fall into the casual category as they’re easier and more comfortable shoes to wear (try adding shoe insoles for added comfort). Check out the most popular casual womens shoe types below:
Wedges
A wedge heel can give an outfit a more polished look without sacrificing comfort. They are far more comfortable than traditional heels, especially a lower wedge, and can help complete a variety of outfits.
For a hippy-boho vibe that looks amazing in summer, choose a pair of printed wedge sandals to add a mix of comfort and sophistication. Wedges can help add that final flourish to your outfit if you’re going to a party.
Ballet pumps
Ballet pumps are a pretty and practical solution to casual, everyday footwear. These flat slipper-type shoes are ideal for women who want something they can wear anywhere. Ballet pumps come in every print, color, and pattern imaginable, from classic nude to wild animal prints.
When choosing a look for the office, team your colored chinos with a pair of classic ballerina pumps. You can mix up your look daily by picking out different colors, textures, and detailing.
Lace ups
Lace ups are a catch-all term for any shoes that fasten with laces. They can be brogues, loafers, heels, ballerina pumps, or other ladies’ shoe styles. Lace-up shoes are slightly sturdier and can provide additional support for your feet.
Choose lace-up canvas shoes with your boyfriend’s jeans for those busy weekends with the kids. Not only are they comfortable, but by choosing different prints and patterns, you can add a bold, fun look to your outfit.
Canvas shoes
Lightweight women’s canvas shoes are slightly sportier looking than ballerina shoes, but they’re an equally great shoe style for women looking for a casual style. They’re comfy, practical, and come in various colors and patterns.
For a simple weekend outfit, canvas shoes look great with jeans and a T-shirt. Printed canvas shoes can also be styled with shorts for those sunny weekends in the park.
Wellington boots
Traditionally known as Wellington Boots, a trusty pair of women’s wellies is practical and stylish. Perfect for keeping dry in the winter or for keeping mud at bay at a summer music festival, wellies typically feature a thick rubber boot and a chunky sole to enable you to walk through muddy fields and jump in puddles without getting your feet wet.
Wellies are stylish, too, and are now available in a vibrant range of patterns and colors. Gone are the days when wellies were all dull and green. Wellies are best bought in size up from your normal shoes, so you can wear thick socks underneath without your wellies becoming too tight.
Flip flops
The ultimate summer shoe if you’re heading to the beach or pool, flip flops are the perfect shoes to put in your beach bag. Women’s flip flops are generally made from a foam sole, with a plastic toe support in the middle.
For a longer-lasting style, opt for a pair made from leather. Very basic styles will have simple plastic straps, but you can also find some with pretty, woven leather straps finished with gems to add sparkle to your outfit. Flip flops are super versatile and come in a range of patterns and colors to match them to any swimwear or outfit.
Mules
Mules are open-backed shoes with a closed front. Ladies’ mules are suitable for slipping on and off and are generally far more casual than closed shoes. They also provide more support than flip-flops. Perfect for summer weather and easy to fit into your suitcase for holiday getaways, mule sandals offer a welcome alternative for your wardrobe when you fancy something a little more substantial than flip-flops.
Loafers
Loafers are casual shoes that slip on. They feature elasticated panels on either side, negating the need for laces or fastenings. Ladies’ loafers offer a classic style that adds vintage glamour to a daytime outfit or office wear. They’re also extremely versatile and can be matched with different outfits. It’s no wonder they’re a staple in many people’s wardrobes.
Gladiator sandals
Wear a pair of gladiator sandals with a maxi dress for optimum Grecian glamour. There’s something about gladiator sandals that work so well on holiday. A strappy sandal with a heel works well with tailored trousers or office wear. Add them to leggings or jeans to complete that perfect summer vibe.
Trainers
Women’s trainers are perfect for use at the gym or yoga studio or as a fashion statement. These are more supportive for your feet and comfier than any other exercise shoe. You must protect your feet with the right support and cushioning when exercising. Wearing decent sporting trainers will benefit your legs, hips, and knees.
Women’s dress shoe types
Dress shoes for women are typically a more formal option, designed to add sophistication and elegance to an outfit. These more formal looks are among the more glamorous shoe styles for women, with more embellishment and higher heels. The different types of dress shoes are explained below.
Court shoes
Court shoes are a classic style that works well for more formal events, such as weddings or work. They generally have a low-line upper, which means that the top line of the shoe sits quite low down on the foot. They have a medium-height heel and a pointed toe. Court shoes usually come in classic beige, black, and brown colors, but more fashionable styles are widely available.
Brogues
Brogues aren’t just for men anymore. In recent years, they have also become a major fashion staple for women. Women’s brogues are as versatile as any flat shoe but have the advantage of looking more formal than ballerina flats.
Brogues can add quirkiness to a summer dress by adding a masculine element to something feminine or making a tailored office outfit look polished and traditional. Traditionally made of brown or black leather, brogues can now be picked in various colors, patterns, and heel heights.
Heels
Heels are an obvious choice for evening or dress wear, but they can also work in a casual setting just as well. Give your skinny jeans a new lease of life by pairing them with pointed-toe high heels. This elongates your legs and gives you a high-fashion look straight off the runway.
If you’re looking for a casual evening vibe, why not choose a jumpsuit as a quirky alternative to a dress? Caged high heels are a dream match for such a bold outfit and can add the finishing touch to your desired head-turning look. There are a wide variety of styles of heels – look at our guide to heels for more information.
Types of women’s boots
Women’s boots are a practical choice for every season. From functional wellies to stylish ankle boots in vibrant colors, there are boots to match any occasion, outfit, or weather. Choose the perfect pair with our guide to the most common types of women’s boots below.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are exactly what it says on the tin boots that reach your ankle. Investing in a good pair of women’s ankle boots is always a good idea. They are classic shapes that transfer well from the office to out and about.
Ankle boots look great with a pair of tailored trousers or a summer dress and are as versatile as they are stylish. They come in different looks, such as the Chelsea and Pixie boots, which are both staple ladies’ shoe styles for any wardrobe.
Calf Boots
Calf boots offer more coverage and are better for winter and colder spells. Calf-length boots are best bought in a material that will last, especially if they will be worn mostly during winter. You need something that will survive the wet, cold, and mud. Store these boots with supports to help them keep their shape and ensure they are well-cleaned before they are put away for summer.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are close-fitting, flat boots with an elasticated side panel. The design first appeared in the 1850s and was Queen Victoria’s walking shoe of choice. Since then, they’ve been popularized by groups like the Mods in the 1960s.
If you’re a fan of skinny jeans, Chelsea boots are the ideal shoes to wear with them. They are suitable for daytime and evening occasions, offering comfort and style at the same time.
Military Boots
As the name suggests, these are inspired by boots worn in the military, chunky, sturdy boots, usually with laces at the front that reach up. Military boots create a definitive look that adds toughness to an outfit. These boots always stay in style and can offer an alternative take on many outfits, giving you an edge to help you stand out from the crowd.
Choosing the right color of shoes
Almost as important as deciding what shoes to wear is figuring out which color goes best with your outfit. While black goes with almost every other color, embracing a splash of something else can be nice.
Navy Outfits
Navy is a classy color that can provide a timeless and sophisticated look. Nude ballerinas and court shoes can help make the navy pop. For summer looks, tan and gladiator sandals can stand out against navy palettes.
Red Outfits
A red dress is as perfect for cheering up your work wardrobe as it is for evenings out with the girls. Pair your red dress with black pointed heels for a match made in heaven. If black is not your color, try adding some nude or gold.
Grey Outfits
A grey suit is a must for all stylish working ladies. But grey doesn’t have to mean boring. Black and nude shoes work great with a grey suit. Add a splash of color to your wardrobe with some red shoes to be more daring. This is one color combination you’ll want to wear again and again.
Black Outfits
Every woman has a trusty little black dress in her wardrobe, whether for work or a night on the town. A black dress can be dressed up or down, and it goes with all shoe colors.
White Outfits
Just as the little black dress is a wardrobe staple, a white dress is just as important, whether it be a formal dress for work or a special occasion. A monotone theme is always in fashion and can give you a chic look, and it’s best paired with black or white shoes.
Add a pop of color with red, blue, pink, or green shoes for something a bit different. These colors work just as well when you put them on with some classic white jeans.
Conclusion
Matching your shoes to your outfit can make you feel like the very best version of yourself. Once you’ve got a better idea of the style you’re looking for, you can experiment with different womens shoe types to find the perfect option. With so many gorgeous styles available, from casual slip-ons to glamorous heels, the world of women’s shoes is filled with possibilities to elevate any look.
Whether dressing up or down, the right pair of shoes can tie an entire ensemble together and allow you to step out with confidence and flair. So have fun exploring all the fashionable footwear options and curate a collection that speaks to your unique personal taste.
