I turn 30 next year and have never had a style. I’ve spent my 20’s buying fast fashion and cheaper pieces that didn’t last, and now I’m ready to invest in nicer things that will hold up long-term. I’m slowly cleaning out my closet and rebuilding with staples that actually feel cohesive, mix and match friendly, and grown-up.
The big thing I need help with right now: shoes.
A few things about me:
I don’t like flats. At all. I’m short and only feel good in shoes with some height—platforms, chunky heels, anything that gives me a lift (just not stiletto-level).
I lean toward darker vibes—I love black and alternative-inspired styles but I still want versatility.
I need both dressier options (for work or going out) and sneakers that can work with everyday outfits.
I work in a casual office, and when I go out I usually wear longer skirts or pants if that helps with suggestions.
For those of you who’ve built capsule wardrobes: what are the few pairs of shoes you couldn’t live without? If you had to recommend the most versatile options (that aren’t flats), what would they be?
And just for funsies: I’d also love to hear your most staple clothing piece(s) you’ve discovered in your 30s that you absolutely love and would recommend.
Comments
Our resident short corporate goth wears platform docs to the office and platform creepers.
Frye black leather 12R harness boots are weirdly some of my most versatile footwear. I pair them with dresses/skirts, jeans, dressier pants, pretty much whatever. They have a little bit of a heel but are super comfortable. I wore my old pair so much that I got a hole in the sole after like 8 years and had to replace them 😂
I live in a very casual city and prioritize comfort and walkability (you will too in a few years lol), but I do dark gray Blundstones in the winter and black Birkenstocks in the summer. I also have a favorite pair of light brown Kork-ease (and had similar Dansks before that) sandals that look dressier but are still comfy.
I don’t wear them, but for a slightly more formal shoe that is trendy yet fairly timeless you could do leather loafers.
I love my Croc sandals. They’ve got a bit of platform to them, comfortable, easy to clean and looks cute with most things. I wear them in a professional setting.
Platform sandals for summer and different colour stilettos for every other occasion. In my twenties I wore platform high heels now I have swapped them for stilettos. I even have started to plan storage makeover just to find more space for them 🙈.
American Duchess makes great, long-lasting shoes to add some oomph to your wardrobe which play well with alternative and dark styles.
Another solid option: Steve Madden. Cole Haans are verrry good but have more traditional styling.
I second the suggestion on Frye boots. Belk has a ton of shoes on sale, and they carry great brands including Frye. For comfortable but funky, chunky shoes, here’s Aerosoles
Doc Martens are your vibe, but they are the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I’d try them on in person and walk around a lot in them before buying!
i hate uncomfortable shoes so these are my go tos for heels: heeled loafers, heeled booties, block heel pumps, block heeled sandals (platform for extra comfort). i’m 5’9″ and so most of my heels are around 3-3.5″ and i find this is a good height for comfort + style.
also pointed toe stiletto pumps in black suede – don’t have to be super tall, 70mm looks good and are a staple piece.
my staple clothing pieces are high end dresses (zimmermann is my fave), nice cardigans, and scarves….i get SO many compliments on an hermes scarf i own. jeans and a basic white top can look really put together with a nice scarf and well fitting cardigan.