What Color Shoes Go With Everything?

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As much as it would be fantastic to have the disposable income to buy a different pair of shoes for every outfit, most of us aren’t so lucky! So in the effort to try and get the most bang for our buck, looking for a pair of shoes that goes with everything makes a lot of sense.

So the question is… what color shoes go with everything? You will actually be surprised that you have quite a few options.

In this article, we are going to go over some different colors for shoes that really do go with everything. We’ll also feature some different versatile shoe styles that will go with lots of different outfits as well.


Contents

What Color Shoes Go With Everything?

1. Black

Black shoes go with pretty much everything and can take you from the beach to the boardroom to the ballroom. If you’re going to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes (or boots!), you can’t go wrong with black.

It’s no wonder why it’s the most popular choice of shoe color. And handbag color, too!

Source: Freepik

2. Brown

Brown shoes, that’s to say shoes that are made of brown leather, or leather-esque material also pretty much go with everything, including similar tones like khaki. They come only second to black because black is better for more formal occasions.

At the end of the day though, how often are you attending super formal events?

For most of us, it’s not that often.

So if you are looking for versatility in an everyday shoe, brown definitely fits the bill.

3. Nude

Nude shoes really do go with everything because they match you. Nude shoes are fantastic for letting your outfit take center stage. They are also the perfect complement to a minimalist ensemble.

There are lots of different shades and nuances of ‘nude’. The right nude shoe for you will be the one that matches your skin tone.

There are lots of different shades and nuances of ‘nude’. The right nude shoe for you will be the one that matches your skin tone.

Nudes that have more of a pinkish tone are better for cooler skin tones. Nudes that veer a little more towards peach are best for those with warmer skin tones. You can go a shade or two lighter or darker, but keep it in the same range and tone.

When you are looking for a ‘nude’ shoe, don’t get hung up on the color name.

Be it nude, beige, tan, brown, camel, tawny or chestnut, look for a color that matches your skin tone – it doesn’t matter what the name of the color on the shoe box says.

4. Grey

There are different shades and tones of grey. If you are going to opt for a grey shoe, have a look at your wardrobe.

Is it full of cooler or warmer colors?

If your closet is filled with blue and pink and purple dresses and clothes, go with a cooler grey. If your clothes are more beige, orange, yellow, and brown, go for a warmer grey.

5. Taupe

Taupe is a bit of a shape shifter… it’s kind of grey, but a little bit almost nude and a kind of tan.  And whether you go for a light or dark taupe, all of its shades work with just about any outfit.

Taupe is neutral and a little bit of everything at the same time.

Taupe is neutral and a little bit of everything at the same time.

6. Clear

Clear shoes are almost invisible. Much like nude shoes, they are meant to hang back and let your outfit shine, which is why they go with everything. And like nude shoes, clear shoes will make your legs look longer.

As much as we LOVE clear shoes, if you are going to go for clear footwear, it’s much better left for spring and summer. And also best left open toed.

Far from the romanticized idea of Cinderella’s glass slippers, wearing closed-toed clear shoes would be like wearing tight rubber boots without socks… except they’re clear!

No one wants to see your sweaty toes all squished together in a clear closed-toed shoe!

Source: Photo By Cottonbro, Pexels

What Shoes Go With Everything?

You can maximize your wardrobe by choosing a few select different pieces that you can mix and match, to make different outfits. Shoes are a very big part of this. Finding shoes that are versatile enough to go with different outfits is key to getting the most out of your wardrobe.

Here are a few things to remember when looking for ‘shoes that go with everything’…

  1. Go for neutral colors, like the ones we’ve mentioned above.
  2. Make sure they are comfortable! You are not going to wear shoes if they hurt your feet.
  3. Leather tends to last a lot longer than other man-made materials, if looked after properly.
  4. There is no one right shoe for everything, but you don’t need to be Imelda Marcos to be fashionable. A few select pairs can pretty much cover all the bases for different occasions while still making you look stylish.

If you want to know what style of shoes are versatile enough to go with loads of different outfits, keep reading. 


Shoe Styles That Go With Everything

1. Flats

Flats come in all shapes and sizes. 

Whether you go for a sandal, ballet flats or slingbacks, flats are perfect for any casual outfit, can work with office attire and some can even work for semi-formal events.

They are comfortable and minimal, so they just kind of blend in and go with everything.

Flat 1 Flat 2 Flat 3 Flat 4
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Lido asym slingback sandal +Memory Foam, TAN 8
CUSHIONAIRE Women's Lido asym slingback sandal +Memory Foam, TAN 8
Vegan Leather Upper; Inside stretch gore for great fit; Premium Memory Foam Insole; Lightweight and flexible outsole
Amazon Essentials Women's Square Toe Slingback Flat, Light Beige, 5
Amazon Essentials Women's Square Toe Slingback Flat, Light Beige, 5
Modern sling back flat with square toe and ankle strap perfect for any occasions; soft faux leather and lining

2. Mules

Photo by Skylar Kang, Pexels

Mules are not only super easy to wear, but also super versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Their backless design makes them easy to slip in and out of and gives your feet a little room to breathe while still looking fashion forward.

Mules also come in a range of heel heights so there are a pair of mules out there that is right for you.

Mules 1 Mules 2 Mules 3 Mules 4
Sale
The Drop Women's Pattie High Block Heeled Mule Sandal, Natural Embossed Croc, 5
The Drop Women's Pattie High Block Heeled Mule Sandal, Natural Embossed Croc, 5
Staples by the Drop; The Drop: influencer-designed fashion and the staple pieces to complete the look
$34.93 Amazon Prime
Mona flying Women Leather Mules Shoes Backless Buckle Slip On Loafer Round Toe Low Heel Flats Summer Slide Brown Size 8
Mona flying Women Leather Mules Shoes Backless Buckle Slip On Loafer Round Toe Low Heel Flats Summer Slide Brown Size 8
Vamp: Luxurious Sheepskin Upper; Lining: Soft and Breathable Pigskin Leather; Comfy Leather-covered Insole: Non-removable
$118.00 Amazon Prime
Steve Madden Women's Pilars Heeled Sandal, Black Leather, 6.5
Steve Madden Women's Pilars Heeled Sandal, Black Leather, 6.5
Heeled Dress Sandal; Mule Slide Sandal; Open Toe; High Angled Block Heel with Platform; Luxe Leather, Suede, and Raffia Upper Materials

3. Sneakers

Sneakers are not only comfortable to wear, but look great with just about any casual outfit, from cargo pants and shorts, to skirts and dresses.

With sneakers you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.


4. Strappy Block Heel

If you are looking for shoes that are a little less casual and want to take your style up a notch, strappy block heels are perfect. They will give any outfit a more feminine and sophisticated look.

A block heel provides both stability and comfort. Strappy block heels look great with a multitude of different outfits and you can choose the height you are most comfortable with.

Strappy Block Heel 1 Strappy Block Heel 2 Strappy Block Heel 3 Strappy Block Heel 4

5. Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are a great complement to just about any fall or winter outfit. There are so many different styles of ankle boot. The one you choose will really depend on your personal style. 

If you have a more casual style, a Chelsea ankle boot is perfect.

For those that are a little more edgy, a combat boot will put a little kick-ass into any outfit.

If you’re going for a more chic and elegant look, a sleek ankle boot with a heel is just what you need.

And if you are looking for something somewhere in the middle that’s not too out there, but shows your unique flair, wedge ankle boots are fun and stylish.

Ankle Boot 1 Ankle Boot 2 Ankle Boot 3 Ankle Boot 4
Sale
Soda Pilot ~ Women Lug Sole Low Heel Chelsea Fashion Ankle Bootie w/Double Elastic Gore (BEIGE, us_footwear_size_system, adult, women, numeric, medium, numeric_5_point_5)
Soda Pilot ~ Women Lug Sole Low Heel Chelsea Fashion Ankle Bootie w/Double Elastic Gore (BEIGE, us_footwear_size_system, adult, women, numeric, medium, numeric_5_point_5)
Latest Fashion and Trend for Stylish and Sexy look; Platform measures approximately .75", Shaft measures approximately 5.5”
$20.00 Amazon Prime
DREAM PAIRS Women's Grey Suede Chunky Block Heel Ankle Booties Size 5 B(M) US Anita
DREAM PAIRS Women's Grey Suede Chunky Block Heel Ankle Booties Size 5 B(M) US Anita
Classic clean sleek look in these posh booties; Durable outsole and soft insole, fashionable almond toe
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Soda Ability - Mid Ankle Bootie w/Split Shaft and Zipper Stacked Wedge Heel (CLAY, numeric_8_point_5)
Soda Ability - Mid Ankle Bootie w/Split Shaft and Zipper Stacked Wedge Heel (CLAY, numeric_8_point_5)
Latest Fashion Trend for Stylish, Dressy & Sexy look; Man Made Imitation Suede; Side cut opening with Functional side zipper
$44.99 Amazon Prime

6. Calf and Knee-High Boots

There is nothing like a pair of calf or knee-high boots to add an extra dose of style for that “I wasn’t even trying but still manage to look well put-together” esthetic.

When the weather starts to turn colder, you are going to need some footwear that will not only look good, but keep you warm!

Boots in a neutral color will go with everything!

Knee Boot 1 Knee Boot 2 Knee Boot 3 Knee Boot 4
Sale
katliu Women's Slouchy Mid Calf Boots Zip up Flat Boots Brown 10
katliu Women's Slouchy Mid Calf Boots Zip up Flat Boots Brown 10
Shaft measures approximately 12.5 inch
$58.99 Amazon Prime
Naturalizer Dane Wide Calf Light Maple Leather 6 M (B)
Naturalizer Dane Wide Calf Light Maple Leather 6 M (B)
Don the Dame for a look that's anything but subtle.; Premium leather uppers with a round toe.
RF ROOM OF FASHION Women's Stacked Heel Slouchy Knee High Boots (Regular Calf) (TAUPE, Size 10)
RF ROOM OF FASHION Women's Stacked Heel Slouchy Knee High Boots (Regular Calf) (TAUPE, Size 10)
Pull on wear, no zipper, almond toe, perfect 3 inch block heel for easy comfortable wear.; Convenient hidden pocket inside boot for credit card, keys, or lipstick.
Sale
Franco Sarto Womens Katherine Pointed Toe Knee High Boots Black Stretch 7 M
Franco Sarto Womens Katherine Pointed Toe Knee High Boots Black Stretch 7 M
Knee high boots for women with eco-conscious linings with soft + sustainable comfort; Fashion tall boots with back-zip closure for easy on/off and all day comfort
$99.99 Amazon Prime

If you are looking for versatility, over-the-knee boots wouldn’t necessarily make our list of ‘shoes that go with everything. That said, thigh-high boots are rapidly gaining popularity as they are styled in a less stripper-pole look, and with more elegance. 

As long as you steer clear of the red patent leather stiletto platforms, thigh-high boots can go with a lot more outfits than you would have thought. Be sure to check out our article on What Dress To Wear With Thigh High Boots for a little inspiration.

Written by Jacqueline Ames

Jackie is the resident fashion and nail design guru at Luxe Luminous. With a degree in Management and a deep-seated passion for the glamorous styles of the 50s and 60s, Jacqueline offers a unique fusion of business acumen and vintage fashion flair in her captivating articles.