The Only Five Shoes You Need in Your Wardrobe, According to a Stylist
With slower fashion on the rise, 2025 is the year of doing more with less in your wardrobe. Searches for ‘capsule wardrobe 2025’ are up 750% over the last 12 months, as more of us shift toward high-quality staples that prioritise versatility, and personal style.
Stylist Natasha Itzcovitz looked at the latest styles by Michael Kors and created the ultimate guide to a capsule footwear collection that not only meets the upcoming trends of 2025 but also endures far beyond.
“Shoes can make or break an outfit” Natasha states, “yet many of my clients struggle to find versatile options that work across various looks and occasions.” By creating a capsule footwear collection, you can ensure you’re investing in timeless pieces while embracing the evolving needs of the fashion-conscious individual.
The Five Shoes Styles Every Wardrobe Should Have
Brown Boots
Boots are a wardrobe essential, and while most of us already own a classic black pair, searches for ‘brown boots’ have surged by 82% compared to last year, signalling a shift toward this versatile alternative.
According to Natasha, brown boots are the go-to choice for 2025. With shades ranging from sultry dark chocolate and warm mid-browns with a ‘70s boho vibe to barely-there light beige or tan, there’s an option to complement any outfit.
“By choosing a colour other than black, you’re breaking away from the crowd with some individual flair,” she says.
Bold Trainers
A white trainer is a clean, versatile, and a useful must-have, but 2024 saw many of us inject more colour and confidence on our feet as well. Google search terms relating to ‘bold trainers’ increased by 149% in the last year, with ‘red trainers’, ‘pink trainers’ and ‘green trainers’ seeing monthly search volumes of over 8,000.
“It’s a great part of your overall look to introduce colour that pops and is perhaps a bit less scary than a bright vivid jumper for example. I find wearing colourful shoes (bags and accessories too) with a neutral outfit is a great way to add splashes of conversational ice breakers.”
So how do you choose the right colour for you? Natasha advises you to “think of what tones make you smile and go for that. What’s the point of buying something that doesn’t make you happy?”
This season, why not pair bold cherry red with striking leopard print for a standout look? Natasha encourages her clients to “play around with matching colours and patterns and get creative with your kicks.”
Funky Flats
The ballet flat came back in a big way in 2024, and with Google searches for shoes like ‘Mary Janes’ at a whopping 27,100 on average, this trend is here to stay.
Natasha explains the humble ballet flat is currently being given a reboot, with “embellishments like studs and buckles, fun textures like mesh and velvet and straps to hold your foot in” and is a perfect way to add some flare to an outfit.
Searches for ‘ballet flats velvet’ and ‘mesh ballet flats’ have increased by 60% on Pinterest, whilst ‘animal print ballet flats’ have seen an 89% uplift in Google searches over the last 12 months, solidifying that the ballet flat revival is well underway.
“Pairing your feminine flat with jeans can make the shoe feel less girly and add some edge to a look. Opting for a skinny jean/legging (sorry Gen Z) and a chunky knit with that ballet shoe is the perfect nod to Audrey Hepburn’s timeless bohemian chic that made her a fashion icon.”
Comfortable Heels
2025 is the year we commit to comfort, and as Natasha highlights, “it may only be once or twice a year, but no one wants to be running around last minute looking for the perfect pair of heels.”
Versatility has become a key consideration when making purchases – particularly when curating a capsule wardrobe. The stylist adds, “it’s good to have heels that you can be fairly comfortable for large stretches of time in and go with multiple looks.”
It’s all about the retro looks in 2025, with Google searches for ‘slingback heels black’ up by 124% and ‘black kitten heels’ up by 174% in the last year. Natasha explains these are comfy heel styles that “you really can’t go wrong with”.
Snazzy Sandals
Although summer can feel fleeting in the UK, a stylish sandal remains a wardrobe essential. Natasha advises steering clear of flip-flops and sliders, instead opting for sandals that are versatile enough to dress up or down—and comfortable enough to wear seamlessly from day to night.
Social media is buzzing with sandal trends to watch for 2025. TikTok searches for ‘brown strappy sandals’ have surged by 430%, while ‘velvet platform sandals’ are up 35%.
“A leather look adds timeless class and versatility,” Natasha explains, “and metallic buckles or studs elevate the style, acting like jewellery for your feet!”
On a final note, Natasha adds “comfort is important to them but of course without compromising on style. Fashion, I believe, has shifted to accommodate that which is why we are seeing more shoes that both look and feel good”, and we are SO here for feel good fashion.