The Ten Pairs of Shoes Every Woman Needs

How many pairs of shoes should you really own? Here are the ten pairs of shoes that every woman should have in her closet.

1. Sneakers.
You'll need them for the gym. You'll need them to walk the dog. You'll need them for housework. When it comes to women's shoes, sneakers are the place to invest. Every woman has her own idea of what sneaker looks best on her foot, but no matter what you choose, make sure that it has ample support, or enough room to insert orthotics.

2. Painting & Gardening Shoes.
When your sneakers are too ratty looking for cute outfits, it's time to refit them for a new use. You only need one pair of women's painting or gardening shoes in your closet. Of all the pairs of women's shoes you own, this should be the only worn pair you keep. Chuck the others.

3. Every Day Shoes.
Women's shoes range from stilettos to skimmers, to go with a range of outfits. But your every day shoe should be versatile enough to go with almost everything you wear on a daily basis. If you're a stay-at-home mom, maybe a cute pair of tennis shoes will go with your shorts and jeans. If you work in a business-casual environment, a pair of comfortable loafer pumps might work with skirts and slacks.  Don't rule out an every day pair of slingbacks or mules either.

4. Low-Heeled Black Pump. 
When it comes to women's shoes, you'll always need a low-heeled black pump.  It will work in the office.  It will work with a dress or a suit.  Whether it's a date or a business meeting, this shoe will almost always be appropriate. If you need a little more stability in the heel, a tapered version is perfect to round out women's shoe wardrobes.

5. Nude Pumps.
When black won't work with an outfit, nude pumps almost always will.  Moreover, if you're wearing a skirt and your skin is light, it will elongate the line of your leg.  (The same principle applies to darker neutrals if your skin is darker.)  Again, if you need more stability in the heel, try a tapered version of the nude pump.