The shoes you’ll always reach for when you don’t know what to wear

Let’s be honest, most of us own way more shoes than we actually wear. And yet it feels like there’s nothing that fits the moment.

Of course, keep your heels for weddings, dinners, and those rare occasions that call for dressing up. And don’t toss the boots, you’ll need them once it cools down or for trips where the weather turns and you need to bundle up.

But for now, for this stretch of warm days, spontaneous plans, and half-packed weekend bags—here’s a cheat sheet that can pretty much carry you through the season.

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A go-to slip on

This is your everyday pair. You want them to be comfortable enough for a long walk, but clean enough to wear with decent clothes. These are perfect for grocery runs, coffee stops, school pickups, or last-minute plans where you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed. They live by the door because you wear them more than anything else.

The low-key Mary Jane

When you want to feel like you put in effort without actually doing much, this pair is key. Not flashy, just a nicer pair. You can wear them with jeans and a plain top and suddenly look like you meant to be stylish. Great for brunch, hanging out with friends, or days where you’re not trying to impress anyone, but you also wouldn’t mind a compliment.

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A good pair of slingbacks

Sometimes you want something a step up. Not heels, but something that shows you tried. A slingback—flat or with a small lift—is perfect. It’s comfortable, feels a bit more dressed up, and goes with pretty much anything: skirts, trousers, flowy dresses. Wear it to a dinner, a meeting, or a day where you want to look nice but still be able to walk more than three blocks without regrets.

The not-so-sporty sneaker

This isn’t your gym shoe. This is the sneaker you wear when you know you’ll be on your feet all day, but you still care about how your outfit looks. Go for a low-profile one, maybe in white or with some small detail to give it character. You’ll wear these for travel, weekend errands, or any time comfort is non-negotiable. They’ll save you on days when everything else feels too stiff or too much work.

The pair that’s just for fun

Last one. This doesn’t need to match anything. It doesn’t need to be practical. This pair is just for the days you want to have a little fun. Maybe it’s a soft pastel, or something with texture, or shoes that make you smile even if no one else notices. These are for when your outfit feels boring, or your mood needs a small lift. You won’t wear them all the time, but when you do, they’ll make the day feel different in a good way.

The new lifestyle.