It's almost impossible to overstate the importance of footwear. The right pair of shoes can brighten your day, make a good first impression, deliver comfort and support when you need it most, or even help your prince find you after the ball (hey, we can dream!). Some stylish women have a multitude of shoes in their closets while other ladies keep just a few tried-and-true pairs. Whether you see shoes as a fun, expressive finishing touch to your outfits or simply a means of keeping your feet out of the elements, here are 7 must-have shoes for every woman's wardrobe that will serve you well no matter what life throws your way. 

THE FLAT

Right: SAS Women's Scenic in Black. Also available in Black Lace, Bronze, Cosmic Blue, Fog, or Scarlet Red. Left: Clarks Women's Kinzie Light in Dusty Pink Leather/Synthetic Patent. Also available in Black Leather/Synthetic Patent.

No shoe can beat the classic  flat for comfort or versatility. Ideal for everyday wear, you can pair an understated black or neutral suede flat with almost any outfit, or choose a bright patent leather ballet flat to add a pop of color and personality. Whether you prefer jeans and a tee or a flirty floral dress, with such a variety of styles, materials, and colors, the classic flat is a girl’s best friend.

The  Clarks Women's Kinzie Light is $84.95*. The SAS Women's Scenic is $136.94*.

THE WEDGE

Left: Clarks Unstructured Women's Un Plaza Sling in Black Nubuck. Also available in Peach Nubuck and Warm Grey Nubuck. Right: Sorel Joanie Sandal II in Oatmeal. Also available in Black and Camel Brown.

Nothing says summer like shorts, light dresses, and the perfect pair of  wedges! Offering the height of a heel and the comfort of a basic sandal, the wedge takes your warm-weather outfit from casual to chic, making it your go-to for summer barbecues, bonfires, and days in the sun.

The Clarks Unstructured Un Plaza Sling is $129.95*. The Sorel Joanie Sandal II is $150.00*.

THE SANDAL

Left: Bed Stu Soto in Taupe Rustic. Also available in Black Rustic. Right: Chaco Women's Z/2 Classic in Trine Black & White. Also available in Beaded, Black, Lotus Pine, Mayan Bungee, Quilt Golden, Static Eclipse, and Wicker Mandarin.

Most women have a few pairs of sandals that get them through the summer. Whether you want simplicity or elegance, convenience or style, there is a sandal out there to suit both your needs and your personality. From sports sandals to chic leather sandals, every woman's closet needs at least one great pair for the summer months!

The Bed Stu Soto is $124.95*. The Chaco Z/2 Classic is $104.95*.

THE SNEAKER

New Balance Women's 711v3 in Pigment with White. Also available in White with Sunrise Glow.

Celebrities and busy working women alike love athleisure style, and it's not hard to see why! These comfortable and casually cool looks are perfect for just about any event, plus they give you a whole new reason to love your  sneakers. Bringing together casual clothing and accessories with gym wear, athleisure keeps you comfortable and on trend at the same time—a combination we love! For the perfect athleisure outfit, grab a tee or a racerback tank, leggings or yoga pants, and your favorite sneakers. Accessorize with a stylish jacket, cool shades, or a bold lipstick to take your gym-ready look to the streets.

The New Balance Women's 711v3 is $69.95*.

THE BOOTIE

Left: UGG Women's Classic Mini II in Chocolate. Also available in Black, Chestnut, Grey, Navy, and Sand. Right: Clarks Maypearl Ramie in Black.

The ankle boot, or bootie, is quickly becoming ubiquitous, elevating it from fad to staple over the last few years. If you don’t already love booties, there are a host of reasons why you should: they can be worn year-round, they match almost any outfit, and you’ll find a ton of different styles to satisfy your personal fashion sense. Pair the bootie with cropped or cuffed skinny jeans, a flowing summer dress, a pencil skirt, or even leggings and a tee: you can’t go wrong with a good bootie!

The UGG Women's Classic Mini II is $139.95*. The Clarks Women's Maypearl Ramie is also $139.95*.

THE BOOT

Left: Hunter Women's Original Tall Rain Boot in Black. Also available in Hunter Green, Military Red, and Navy. Right: UGG Classic Short II in Black. Also available in Brindle, Chestnut, Chocolate, Fawn, Grey, Lavender Violet, Magenta Rose, Navy, Nightfall, Pajama Blue, Ribbon Red, Sand, Seashell Pink, and Sky Blue.

We can’t forget about the bootie’s older, wiser, and taller cousin. Nothing beats a classic  boot for cold-weather coziness, and the right boot will meld practical functionality with timeless style.

The Hunter Women's Original Tall Rain Boot is $150.00*. The UGG Women's Classic Short II is $159.95*.

THE PUMP

Left: Clarks Women's Rosalyn Wren in Black. Right: SAS Women's Milano in Black. Also available in Crema and Navy.

Last but certainly not least, no woman’s shoe collection is complete without a basic pump. The beauty of the pump lies in its flexibility: add a feminine touch to a formal or business casual look, or take your crop top and distressed jeans to the next glamorous level. Choose black, navy, or a subtle earth tone and pair with a dress or slacks for more formal events.

The Clarks Women's Rosalyn Wren is $109.95*. The SAS Women's Milano is $144.95*.

Of course, we all have a pair or two of those “just because” shoes that make us feel like we can conquer the world, whether they’re six-inch stilettos or combat boots. But nothing beats the basics, and with these seven styles in your closet, you’ll never find yourself with the perfect outfit and no shoes to match. Browse our huge variety of women’s shoes, from the staples to the statement pieces, and find the perfect pair for you!

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*All styles and prices are current as of the posting date, July 18, 2018