How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

Headed back to work after almost three years as a SAHM. All my old work shoes are toast. I know I need to buy several pairs, but how many would you say I absolutely need? I bought a lot of dress pants, pencil skirts, and dresses. Dress code is business casual. Help?

How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

oh, I'm a bad one to ask, because I have more than I can count! I'd say black and brown pumps definitely. Then a tan/cordovan/wine color that can go with black, brown, navy, grey etc..At least one pair of knee high, high heeled boots. I don't wear flats, so I'm no help with that, but I would think a neutral pair of those would be good.

Message edited 8/19/2013 7:53:29 PM.

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

black heels
black flats
nude heels
grey, subtle animal print heels, or red/burgundy heels (more of a statement shoe when you are wearing all one color)
black or brown boots depending upon the color of your wardrobe.

I would start with the black heels, nude heels and the black flats. Add the others in a few months or next year if you need to for budget reasons.

Message edited 8/19/2013 7:59:55 PM.

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

If we're talking bare minimum, b/c you don't want to blow a ton on shoes right away, you'll need:

black heels
nude heels
black heeled boots (for pants)
camel heeled boots (these will match black based outfits AND brown)

You can fill in the blanks later... brown pumps, red pumps, maroon, etc.

To be honest, once summer ends I spend 99% of my work time in black and/or camel high heeled boots.

How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

PS - Marshalls has had LOTS Of nice dress shoes lately. Just bought a pair of nude 9west pumps the other day for $30

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

Define need

When I'm explaining it to DH, I NEED a whole lot of shoes; when I'm shopping, I see lots and lots of shoes that I NEED! In reality, you can get by with a few basics - I'd start with black and nude pumps and a couple of pairs of flats that go with many different outfits. After that I'd add a few pairs in colors that you like (I love red shoes!) that you think will go with a few different things

Message edited 8/19/2013 8:05:16 PM.

How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

LOTS! And then I wear just one. Haha!

No, but in all seriousness, you need:
Black heels
black flats
nude heels (or a neutral heel-grey even)

This will get you through every outfit.

But as previous posters said, add as the year goes on and Marshalls is FANTASTIC!

Add:
a casual sneaker (not a fitness shoe but something that you can wear with trousers and a sweater)
Color!!! Silver!!! A mix of flats and heels.

How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

I very very rarely wear heels to work-I would say once a month, so I usually only wear black ballet flats-but I'm a teacher so it's ok

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

I am a shoe minamalist.
I just never find shoes that are comfortable- I have really bad feet- so they end up torturing me no matter what.
So I spend my cash on clothes instead!
I also don't wear flats. Like ever. I just can't stand how they look and they are the most uncomfortable creations on the planet for me.
I also don't wear a lot of brown so I don't own any brown shoes
So for work purposes this is what I have

For all seasons
Nude pumps
Black pumps
Red pumps

For winter/fall
Black tall boots
Taupe tall boots
Camel tall boots (my fav!!!)
Black booties for under jeans and pants

Summer
Black strappy high heeled sandals
White strappy high heeled sandals
Black wedge sandals
Camel/tan colored sandals

And I just rotate like that- in summer I wear some of my all season shoes in the rotation like the pumps.

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

Boots, flats both in black and brown.

If you wear heels, I would get them both in black and brown and maybe a nude?

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

Definitely black flats. I also have a gray pair, because I wear gray a lot.

If you're on a budget, definitely check out Payless.

I just got a couple of flats there a week or two ago.

I used to buy boots in black and brown every season, but now that I'm on my feet all day, I may skip it this season since even a smaller heel tend to kill my feet.

Also check out places like Kohl's and the discount stores like TJs and Marshalls. I've gotten some good deals on boots there in the past.

I do like to throw in colorful shoes with a plain outfit to change things up a bit.

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

define "need" .......

I'd say black & nude pumps, and a pair of flats to start ......then build from there

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

I recently started a new job and bought black and nude flats, black pumps and two pairs of black wedges because I find heels very uncomfortable and I need the height with my dress pants

Re: How many pairs of shoes do you really need?

I would buy 1 pair of black shoes, 1 pair of nude shoes, 1 pair of black flats and 1 pair of boots. I also like to have 1 pair of booties but not everyone likes that style. Rain boots would probably be good to have in the fall. Make sure the shoes are comfy. I buy so many shoes throughout the year and don't wear most of them because they hurt my feet. I currently rotate between three pairs of shoes that don't hurt my feet.