I know it’s July, but I feel like 2020 hasn’t totally counted yet. So I wanted to put together a list of all the best shoes you need for 2020. Why do I know this? Because I bought them all in the first three months of quarantine. But after looking through everything I bought, I’m convinced I have the best, must have, wardrobe staple shoes for the rest of the year. With any luck, they’ll carry me through 2021, too!
You definitely do not need every shoe on this list. I am a minimalist in theory but not in practice; I like to buy everything I *might* need for 10 outfits instead of making the same thing work 10 times. If you’re not as frivolous with your spending as I am (smart), I broke these must have shoes down into essential categories, or types of shoes every woman needs in their closet. You are, obviously, welcome to purchase more than one of each type though 🙂
Here are the 7 essential shoes you need for 2020
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1. Everyday Sandals
The first thing I buy every summer is a new staple summer sandal. They’re probably the number one pair of shoes I need every year. so easy to throw on every day and go with a ton of looks. I personally like to go for a sandal that’s affordable, comfortable, and neutral. I like a flip flop/thong style over a slide — I literally don’t pick my feet up enough when I walk and I always wind up, well, sliding out of slides. They’re not for me!
These are the pair I got for this summer. They’re simple and comfortable and come in a bunch of color options. I grabbed them on sale in white for less than $15. Cannot complain!
2. Pool Slides
My friends and boyfriend absolutely love to make fun of my pool slides, but in my opinion they’re an essential shoe! If you don’t want to get your faux leather sandals gnarly and want something a little nicer than an Old Navy flip flop (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), I love a pool slide. They’re perfect for the beach, the pool (obviously), and dayclubs in Vegas!
This year, I sprung for some Sam Edelman pool slides that I’m completely obsessed with. I feel like they’re super unique and I haven’t seen anything like them before!
3. Neutral Heels
One of my favorite shoes in my collection is always a staple, go-to neutral heel. I like to go for something in a nude, black or grey that I know I can wear with anything from mom jeans to a wedding guest dress. Most importantly, I want them to be low enough to be comfortable but high enough to be elegant.
This season, I went with a trendier option. I found these nude strappy sandals from Marc Fisher and immediately fell in love. The heel shape is so different, the color is a flattering tan for so many skin tones, and the height was extremely comfortable. I wound up buying these in nude and blue, and would probably get another if I didn’t have to stop myself. If you had to get any, these are the shoes you need in 2020.
4. White Sneakers
I wind up buying a white sneaker probably every 6 months. I wish I wasn’t like this, trust me. This year, I decided to dip deep into my emo kid past and finally pick up a pair of white slip on sneakers. I debated for a while investing in actual Vans, which I’ve loved in years past. However, I know for me I’m obsessed with my Nike Roshes, so I was cool skimping on a non-name brand white slip on knowing I probably wouldn’t wear it that often anyway.
In hindsight, these are probably my most-worn shoes in quarantine! I love how they look good with everything and add a little sporty spice moment to so many outfits. Maybe when it comes time to replace them, I’ll go with the Vans, but in the meantime the Lugz have been working out great!
Pro tip: Scotchguard your white sneakers first to help protect them against stains. This is something I don’t remember to do literally ever, and why I wind up needing new shoes every six months.
5. Staple Ankle Boots
Buckle up, cause this is gonna be a long one. In fall, winter, and spring, I live in an ankle boot. Ankle boots are my one essential staple shoe. They’re cute, comfortable, go with everything, and are perfect for every weather. With my purchases this year, I’m shocked/proud/embarrassed to say that I think I finally have every ankle boot I’ll need in 2020.
Here’s a quick overview. My every day black boots are these from Franco Sarto. The heel is just high enough that it’s flattering on my short legs (does anyone else feel like short heels just make them look shorter?) but it’s still low enough that I can walk to work in them and wear them all day without complaints. I loved the style of this boot so much that I wound up grabbing them in this brown snake print as well, which acts as a trendier neutral and an awesome finishing touch to an all black look.
I probably wear grey boots more than anything else. Not sure why, but I feel like they just go with the most, and break up my legs in a flattering way that I don’t think black boots do for me. I’ve been wearing my tried and true favorite grey boots from Steve Madden for almost three years now, and though I love them, they’ve seen some better days. I decided to upgrade this year to this pair of Sam Edelman booties I found on STUPID sale from Macy’s for like $20. They’re a beautiful grey-sage green color that’s so unique and perfect. I can’t wait to wear them!
Because I simply couldn’t stop there, I decided to venture into the world of white boots. I feel like white boots are the perfect way to wear boots in spring and summer, and they look so cute with a floral dress or miniskirt. I grabbed this western-inspired pair from Sam Edelman.
After all of these, I rounded it out by buying one last must-have bootie. The Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie was a staple in this past year’s Nordstrom Anniversary sale. They were sold out for ages, (and I personally felt they were a little overpriced anyway) so I never wound up grabbing them. However, scrolling along one day I saw that they were available not only on sale, but in a new, beautiful dusty rose color. I didn’t think twice and bought them immediately, because I am a menace with no self control! I love them and want to wear them every day.
6. Trendy Shoes
What would a new season of essential shoes be without exploring the trendiest shoes of 2020? While I typically tend to go for shoes I can wear longer-term, I did pick up a handful of trendier shoes this year.
First, I wanted to explore the sock boot look. How do you wear sock boots when you’re 5’3″ with all your height in your torso? Simply put them on, and that’s it! You’re wearing them. I really didn’t think I’d like these white sock boots but once I got them, I fell in love. They’d be SO cute for going out, for a music festival, or for a girls night with a floral mini.
Next, I wanted to be a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, so I picked up these AMAZING holo heels from Dolce Vita. The height is perfect, the heel is unique, the toe strap doesn’t rub, and the holo? It’s incredible. They reflect beautiful blues, pinks and purples in some light and just look white in others. They’re such a special shoe, I honestly hope I can pull them off for longer than the trend lasts!
Finally, I caved and I got the platform sandal everyone has. Instead of the Kimmie, which everyone has, I went with the Madden Girl Crispp. I just saw that ankle strap on the Kimmie and I could just see the marks on my legs where the strap would rub off my fake tan, and I knew I had to explore a different option. The Crispp gives the same look without the strap, and are an affordable way to get in on 2020’s trendiest platform sandal.
7. Workwear Flats
I’ll be honest, I hate flats. I feel like nothing on the planet makes me look shorter and wider than a pair of flats. For whatever reason though, I can work with mules. with a little bit of ankle and a pointed toe, I feel like a mule can be so flattering on so many people. Plus they’re perfect for work!
Back when I thought I was going into the office again at some point this year, I picked up these white wicker slingback mules (is that an oxymoron?). They’re so perfect for summer and a super trendy look. Take a half size up in these!
I hope this post inspired you to check out your closet and see what shoes you need in 2020!
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