Your Winter Wardrobe Isn’t Complete Without These 5 Shoe Styles

There’s no denying that a great pair of shoes has the power to make or break an outfit. If you’ve ever pulled together a look, only to discover that the shoes you hoped to wear with it don’t look quite as chic as you expected, you’ll know this all too well.

It’s on these occasions that I find having an edit of failsafe, go-with-everything shoe styles at my disposal really comes into its own. A capsule shoedrobe, if you will, of staple styles that can easily be mixed and matched with a variety of outfits. During the summer, this edit usually consists of of sandals and flip flops, which can be dressed up or down as the occasion calls for. During the colder months, however, building a winter shoe capsule takes a little more consideration. You see, not only do you have to contend with the outfits themselves (and of course the winter shoe trends), but also the unexpected shifts in weather and the ever-decreasing temperatures. After all, nobody wants to be left with cold feet (in the literal sense) by the end of a chilly winter day.

What this means is that the ultimate winter shoe capsule calls for even more versatility than, say, your spring or summer shoe options. Think boots, for extra-cold days, trainers for busy ones and flats and heels that can easily be dressed up or down (for those unplanned festive drinks that always seem to arise). Once you’ve got these bases covered, however, trust me, those mornings where you find yourself gazing into the mirror, questioning ‘but what shoes should I wear with this?’ will be a thing of the past.

Keep scrolling for the only staple shoe styles you need for the coming months…

5 Shoe Styles That Will Make Up Your Winter Shoe Capsule Wardrobe:

1. Heeled Boots

Style Notes: The ultimate winter shoe, boots are a staple in any hardworking cold-weather wardrobe. For maximum versatility, opt for a heeled pair that can easily be dressed up or down. And, don’t forget to think about the length—knee-high styles look great worn over leggings or under dresses, while ankle boots look sleek when worn with jeans or trousers—so, when shopping, think about the outfits you wear most regularly to allow for maximum cost-per-wear potential.

Shop the Best Heeled Boots:

Toteme

Croc-effect Leather Knee Boots

Next

Olive Green Curved Heel Knee High Boots

The curved heel on Next's knee high boots makes these look luxe.

Khaite

Ona Leather Ankle Boots

These are a great winter shoe investment.

& Other Stories

Kitten Heel Leather Knee Boots

The croc effect makes these black boots extra special.

Nobody's Child

Black Leather Ankle Boots

Wear with straight leg jeans as shown here.

2. Elevated Flats

Style Notes: Ballet flats and Mary Janes have been trending for a few seasons now, and they’re still a smart choice for dry winter days too. To add interest to all your cosy looks, rather than a pared-back style, opt for an elevated flat with added details like playful textures, embellishment or strap designs. While you may think these details would make your flats less versatile, in fact, in my experience, they have the opposite effect, as you can wear them through the day and for more dressed-up evening events too.

Shop the Best Elevated Flats:

H&M

Studded Maryjane Pumps

Not so basic black flats.

COS

Pointed Ponyhair Mules

Zara

Suede Slingback Shoes

Chocolate brown makes an interesting alternative to black tones.

Le Monde Béryl

Stella Slipper / Rouge Leather

Alohas

Rosalind Cream Leather Ballet Flats

3. Loafers

Style Notes: I’m a firm believer that having an arsenal of flats in your wardrobe is key, even when building a concise and curated winter shoe capsule. While elevated flats fill the day-to-night shoe slot in your wardrobe, loafers offer a tougher finish with a chic, menswear-inspired feel. Pairing expertly with everything from preppy looks to tailoring, they’re great for adding both polish and playfulness. And, if you’re feeling the chill on icy mornings, just add ankle socks for a little more coverage.