The Perfect Footwear for Both Day & Night
The worst part about packing for a vacation is making room for all your extra shoes. I’m not even as footwear obsessed as most women, but needing a separate shoe for every single social situation is a very real struggle. If only there were one pair of shoes that were casual enough for everyday wear but also look chic enough to wear on a fabulous night out.
In the past, this may have been a pipedream. But this Winter, there are plenty of footwear options that look just as good at work as they do out at a fancy restaurant. Styling is definitely key to creating polished looks for these versatile pieces of footwear – but just think of all the extra space you’ll have in your suitcase!
Take a look at my picks for day-to-night footwear and learn how to style them to perfection.
Booties
When it comes to ankle booties, you can’t go wrong. Neutral boots are versatile and pair perfectly with almost everything already in your closet. Animal prints add extra glamour to your casual looks, while a bright white pair has a mod vibe that pops. Get a pair in any color to create both casual and dressy outfits that are perfectly on-trend.
My Pick
Versatile and ready for anything, these suede booties from Vince Camuto are perfect. They’re comfy and cute and come in a wide range of colors, making them a perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.
For Daytime…
A versatile pair of booties is the perfect fall and winter staple. Comfortable and incredibly cool, you can wear these all day without feeling restricted. A good pair of ankle boots with minimal heels are easy to wear and easy to walk in, making them ideal for almost any daytime occasion.
Pair Them With…
Distressed, ankle-length jeans look amazing with on-trend ankle boots. Top it off with an oversized sweater and gorgeous accessories for a daytime look that is ready to take on colder temperatures.
For Evening…
Believe it or not, booties are perfect for creating a cute nighttime look. Play with proportions by pairing them with a mini skirt or short sheath dress. A jacket – and even tights, if it’s super cold – will also add edge and visual interest to your overall look.
Pair Them With…
Find a stylish sweater dress and add your favorite cardigan or moto jacket. Top it all off with a statement necklace and on-trend accessories, like a boho hat or cozy scarf.
Tall Boots
No winter wardrobe is complete without a striking pair of ultra-tall boots. Over the knee styles might seem a little too high-fashion for everyday wear. Style them thoughtfully, however, and they’re an easy way to add some “oomph” to your favorite daytime and night-out outfits.
My Pick
These over-the-knee stunners from Steve Madden are ready to make a stylish statement. Their simple look keeps them sophisticated, while the stretchy back panel means you never have to worry about them slipping down. They come in neutral colors, but I’m loving the Grey version for Fall and Winter 2019.
For Daytime…
An ultra-cool pair of tall boots don’t have to be reserved for late-night events. They also look incredible when worn with your favorite casual pieces. If you’ve never tried wearing tall boots during the daytime, you’re missing out. They’ll make your favorite low key looks even more on-trend.
Pair Them With…
When styled correctly, over the knee boots can actually look super cute and cozy. Start by pairing them with a sweater that complements the color of your boots. Then, select a pair of skinny jeans (or white pants), stylish accessories, and top it all off with ultra-cool outerwear.
For Evening…
An easy way to make any eveningwear look more dramatic is adding a pair of over-the-knee boots. Their extra-long length is incredibly sexy, especially when paired with a micro mini skirt. Perfect for date nights and girls nights out alike, these boots are sure to earn you tons of attention.
Pair Them With…
Over the knee boots look even more elegant when paired with winter whites. An ultra-short, cream or ivory sweater dress will make the proportions of your boots positively pop. A long jacket and handbag in neutral colors will put the finishing touches on this lovely look.
Loafers
Loafers have an old-school prep vibe that will never go out of style. Plus, these ladylike shoes are comfortable and incredibly easy to wear. Just like flats, they go with pretty much anything and can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. They’re the perfect footwear pick when it comes to creating a look that transitions from day to night.
My Pick
What I love the most about these loafers is that they aren’t too masculine. The glossy patent leather finish and oversized bow put a ladylike touch on this traditional shoe. Incredibly cute and even more comfortable, these can be worn a ton of different ways.
For Daytime…
Loafers will put a sartorial twist on any daytime look. Their crisp, professional appearance makes them perfectly appropriate for looking polished at the workplace. Plus, you can even pair them with jeans and casual outerwear for weekend trips to brunch or sipping lattes at the farmers market.
Pair them With…
Start with your favorite pair of denim – from sleek skinnies to trendy mom jeans. Then, add a minimalistic sweater, a sharp jacket, and of-the-moment accessories.
For Evening…
To make your loafers work at night, pair them with other crisp, classic items. Putting a modern, feminine twist on menswear pieces look extra chic when paired with a glossy leather loafer. While this look won’t work for black tie events, it will make a splash at after-hours work events where looking chic and professional is the ultimate goal.
Pair them With
Keeping your ensemble minimalistic will amp up the elegance. A sleek sweater dress adds a bit of extra polish, while a crisp pair of cigarette pants and a button-down looks extra sophisticated.
Pumps
You can never go wrong with a classy pair of pumps. High heels like these ones will make any look – day or night – a little more polished and ladylike. They might not be the most comfortable shoes around, but I’ve got a solution for that as well. Add special insoles and this soothing stiletto cream to make them cozy enough for everyday wear.
My Pick
It doesn’t get any better than this traditional pair of pointy toe pumps. Sleek, versatile, and always in style, these are shoes with true staying power. Plus, I love that they are available in a range of on-trend colors and textures.
For Daytime…
Jeans and pumps are a fun combination. The laidback look of denim – especially in a contemporary, oversized cut – contrasts beautifully against the sleek sophistication of a pump or a stiletto. Adding a pointy-toe pump to a casual outfit instantly elevates it and makes it extra chic.
Pair Them With…
Modern, high-waisted jeans are a must when creating an on-trend casual look. On top, a silky cami and a blazer will make your look incredibly polished. Or, opt for a vintage band tee and cutting-edge prints to make the entire look both fabulous and funky.
For Evening…
Everyone knows that a classy pair of pumps is always appropriate for evening events. It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to happy hour or a black tie wedding – a sleek pair of pumps will get you there in style. That’s what makes these a closet staple for any serious fashionista.
Pair Them With…
A crisp pencil dress looks great with a classy pair of pumps. With that said, they also looks incredible when worn with polished separates. No matter which look you opt for, keep everything in the same color family for nighttime look with serious style.
The Comfiest Heels Around
Want to wear heels but don’t want to end up with sore feet by the end of it all? Nordstrom has an entire selection of Comfort Heels and Pumps that allow you to sport a little lift every single day. Thick, stacked heels are always more comfortable than stilettos, as they distribute your weight more evenly on the heel. Look for straps and other details that add support. They’ll make wearing heels an even more pleasant experience.
My Picks
Cole Haan – Liesel Pump
These sleek heels put a chic twist on your classic strappy stiletto. Their slingback design is stretchy enough to keep them comfortable all day long. Plus, the strap and heel were designed to be extra supportive in nature.
CC Corso Como – Ryanna Pump
The thick, stacked heel on these shoes makes them perfect for all day wear. Covered in a soft suede finish, they also include a feminine tapered toe. Plus, they come in an array of colors (and animal prints!) so you can easily justify buying more than one pair.
Cole Haan – Grand Ambition Wedge Pump
There’s a reason that wedges are a workplace staple. Unlike stilettos, wedges mean your entire foot can carry weight, keeping your feet super comfortable all day long. Flexibility and special cushioning also ensures they’ll feel like a dream while keeping you on your toes.
GEOX – Faviola Pump
Plan on dominating the dance floor at your next wedding or social event? If so, these glossy pumps are a true must-have. From the outside, they look just like a classy pair of heels. Inside, however, you’ll know that they come complete with a special memory foam footbed built right in.
