10 pairs of non-basic shoes to elevate your outfits

Why opt for basic

1/11

We’ve been there – some days, all you want to do is roll out of bed, hop into jeans, slip into a pair of ballerinas and be out the door. Then there the other days where you want to make a statement, and honestly, there’s no better way than with a pair of amazing shoes.

If you’ve been schlepping about in basic booties or simple sandals, here are 10 pairs of show stoppers you need to add to your footwear rotation ASAP.

Photo: United Nude and Shopbop

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United Nude Cube Sandal Hi Ice Fire, €365, available at unitednude.com

2/11

The brainchild of a former architect, United Nude is known for their incredible architectural pieces that seem to defy the norms of gravity (remember that incredible Zaha Hadid collaboration), and this pair is no exception.

Despite the pop colour combination, this versatile pair will easily take you from day to night. Pair with a neutral colour combination in clean, classic lines (like a black shift dress or white goddess pleated maxi) and keep your make up fresh.

Photo: United Nude

ALSO READ: THE TOP 10 SHOES YOU NEED TO OWN FROM RESORT 2020

Go That Extra Mile Fluffy Perspex Heels, USD$34, available on Nastygal.com

3/11

We know you’re already writing fluff in your reports, so why not wear them on your feet too? We love these kind-of-ridiculous but also kind-of-cool heels to elevate a simple white shirt and denim jeans combination. When your shoes are this loud, you’ll want to keep everything else pared down so that they do the talking.

Photo: Nasty Gal

ALSO READ: 14 PAIRS OF COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY

Punch Chunky Platform in Khaki Cord, $83.37, available on Asos.com

4/11

The 90’s called… to say you need this pair of shoe ASAP. Can you imagine how amazing they’d look with a white shirt dress, your hair up in a messy bun and statement earrings? Alternatively, embrace the 90s in its entirety and pair with wide legged denim pants and a blazer for a top (no camisole). Don’t forget the tiny sunnies.

Photo: Asos

ALSO READ: THE TOP 10 SHOES YOU NEED TO OWN FROM RESORT 2020

Floral Embroidered Mesh Slide Sandals, $69.90, Charles and Keith

5/11

There are slides, and then there are these slides that feature not just stunning embroidery but also edgy lace detailing and an accent bow. We love these slides for brunch – pair with a basic navy sundress or high waist shorts and crisp linen shirt combination. Pro tip: match your lipstick colour to the lightest red on the shoe that your skintone can pull off.

Photo: Charles and Keith 

ALSO READ: 14 PAIRS OF COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY

Alia Mule in Glitter, $460, Cult Gaia

6/11

This will be the closest you’ll ever get to wearing pearls on your feet. Easily dressed up or down, we love not just the subtle glam of the glitter fabric, but also that statement heel. Style these babies with skinny denim jeans or any monochromatic dress with an asymmetrical hemline.

Photo: Cult Gaia

ALSO READ: THE TOP 10 SHOES YOU NEED TO OWN FROM RESORT 2020

Area A Heel PVC Boots, USD$695, available on shopbop.com

7/11

Fall/Winter season is upon us, and if you’re planning to head west for vacation, you’ll definitely want to pack these stunners with you. Whether you’re styling them with black jeans and a leather motorcycle jacket or a dress and suede trench, we can guarantee you’ll have the best outfit in whatever room you step into. Bonus points for that broad heel base for walking over pesky cobblestones!

Photo: Shopbop

ALSO READ: 14 PAIRS OF COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY

Prada Leopard Print Touch-Strap Sandals, USD$1,149, available on Farfetch.com

8/11

Sandals don’t have to be basic, just ask this pair of Pradas. Featuring a metallic buckle, arresting leopard print and utilitarian straps, this is a fabulous example of how good taste can elevate even the simplest designs. We love these with trapeze skirts, culottes or capri pants – basically any hemline that draws extra attention to your feet!

Photo: Farfetch

ALSO READ: THE TOP 10 SHOES YOU NEED TO OWN FROM RESORT 2020

Driska Black Woven Leather Sneakers, £245, available at miista.com

9/11

Some days your feet just need a pair of sneakers, and thanks to athleisure, they’re actually socially acceptable these days. Although that being said, you might want to put away your basic CDG x Converse kicks aside for something a little different, like this pair of Miistas for example. This unique texture calls for juxtaposition – think silk pants or suede skirts in contrasting hues like black or blood red.

Photo: Miista

ALSO READ: 14 PAIRS OF COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY

Mercury Pixie Wings Iridescent heels, USD$27, available at Dollskill.com

10/11

Just because it’s OTT doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them into your everyday – all you need to do is ensure all other elements of your outfit is chill. So with this pair of holographic fun, think neutrals like black linen, white organza or beige cotton. You’ll also want to balance out all that “lightness”, so make sure the fabric of your outfit has some weight to it.

Photo: Dollskill

ALSO READ: THE TOP 10 SHOES YOU NEED TO OWN FROM RESORT 2020

Two-Tone Leather Stripe Ankle Boots, $139, available at Charles and Keith

11/11

A nod to Beetlejuice, we are obsessed with this statement number that would clearly elevate anything. In fact, you want whatever you’re wearing to be as simple as possible, because obviously, it’s the shoes that’s going to help you walk the talk. For an easy, casual Friday ensemble, pair these shoes with a black shirtdress and pile on the gold-toned accessories for extra oomph.  

Photo: Charles and Keith 

ALSO READ: 14 PAIRS OF COMFORTABLE SHOES THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY