I will admit that one of my biggest guilty ‘shopping’ pleasures is shoes! This season, I carefully audited my wardrobe for the styles I reach for the most. If you are looking to curate your own footwear collection, here is the spring shoe capsule wardrobe that works for me. Whether it is buying new or restyling what you already have, I hope you find these 4 styles a good foundation to completing all your outfits for the season!
- Shoes: Nisolo Huaraches – use code STYLEDBYSCIENCE for 20% off (look 1) | Neutral Heeled Sandals (look 2) | Dressy Flats w/Ankle Straps (Look 3)
- Tweed Jacket | Grey Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Crop Flare Jeans
Dressy & Casual Flats
It is no surprise that I would start off this post with flats! If you find the right ones, they can look classy and elevated, while still comfortable for walking long distances in. For a more casual look, my favorite tried-and-true style is the Allbirds Tree Breezers. I wrote a thorough review, which you can read HERE. Their woolen insole wicks moisture well, and doesn’t smell when you sweat. Fit is true to size, and these flats are machine-washable too.
You can easily swap these for a dressier pair as well. To achieve this effect, pick a pair with a pointed toe shape, short heel, or shoe with a slingback or ankle strap detail. One of my favorite shoes this season are these pumps. I own them in beige and black, and contrary to their elevated look, these pumps are super comfy (also worn in THIS POST).
Neutral Sneakers
Neutral sneakers are great for spring, and can be worn across seasons. I currently own a pair of platform Keds that have served me well. Once these are worn out, I am hoping to maybe switch these up with a white leather pair. Another great option is the Allbirds’ Tree Runners, which come in a few light neutrals. I own this style in a different color, and they are a great walking shoe though the front is wider. Below are some other options from Cole Haan (I love their lightweight Crosscourt Sneaker), New Balance, Common Projects (higher priced), and Vejas (I don’t own, but I hear these take time to break into).
Slides/Flat Sandals
As the weather gets warmer, I love the ease of sticking my feet into a pair of slides, or Velcro-strap sandals. They are super effortless throw-ons, and go with so many different looks. If you want a more elevated outfit, opt for slides with a little bit of a heel. I have been eyeing a few cute pairs from Dolce Vita. (I’ve only owned their boots, and think their quality and customer service are both great) For more affordable options, Target carries a few highly-rated looks for under $30! All linked in the carousel below.
Nisolo is another one of my favorites. The Certified B corp offers high-quality, sustainably-produced leather sandals (e.g. the Flatform, slides), which I was able to try in-person at their Georgetown store. Sharing some thoughts below. You can use code STYLEDBYSCIENCE for 20% off your purchase.
- Flatform Sandals: True to size, with easy-to-wear Velcro side straps. Gives you a little height boost (1″). Only thing I would improve is the arch support. These sandals are truly flat. However, my friend purchased this pair and said they were great to travel with.
- Isla Woven Slides: Pretty lightweight, and simple design. I took a few steps around the store in these, and didn’t feel they were sliding off my feet.
- Huaraches: These handwoven shoes are a great hybrid between open-toe sandals, and flats. I love the pair I own in Desert Rose (see image below), and they are lightweight. These run big, and I bought a half size smaller than my usual.
Heels You Need for a Spring Shoe Capsule Wardrobe
Lastly, I am ending my post with heels! This year, I am challenging myself to wear comfier shoes, so unfortunately, I don’t reach for heels as often. But every once in a while, an occasion or look calls for it. I like to have 2 pairs handy: an everyday block heel sandal, and a dressy one for formal occasions like a summer wedding!
For everyday-wear, I love these 2 feminine styles that Nisolo recently launched: the Stella Block Heel, and Carina Cross Strap Mule. The Stella Block Heel is pretty easy to walk around in (2.5″ heel height), and they can be styled for weddings too. The Carina Cross Strap Mule has a higher heel height (3″). Note: I have not tried these in-person yet. Also linked some options from Dolce Vita I thought were cute!
For dressier options, I love this neutral pair from Nordstrom Rack. It’s $24.98, comes in a few different colors, and I have worn it to every warm-weather wedding since 2022 🙂 Also linked as the first product in the carousel below. Otherwise, Sam Edelman has a popular pair that I often see wedding guests wear. I have tried these on in-person, but personally, the heel feels too high for me. I linked the on-sale version from Nordstrom Rack as I find Sam Edelman’s customer service to be sub-par. I do not recommend ordering from their website directly.
Spring Shoe Capsule Wardrobe Summary
If you are looking to build a shoe capsule wardrobe this spring, I hope you found this summary helpful. These are shoe styles that I reach for the most often, as the weather gets warmer. Some of these are new additions to my wardrobe, while others are pieces I have restyled over the years. I love Nisolo’s options, so if you shop from them, be sure to use code STYLEDBYSCIENCE for 20% off your purchase!
With these 4 categories of shoes in your wardrobe, I am sure you will have plenty of options to mix and match for the season:
- Flats: I like to have 1 dressy, and 1 casual pair, but the choice is up to you based on the outfits you normally wear.
- Neutral sneakers
- Sandals: Slides, strapped comfort sandals
- Heels: Everyday heel, and dressier option for formal occasions. If you can find 1 that can serve as both, even better!
