Welcome to my TED Talk on shoes, because that’s nearly all I looked at this month.
My hot take? Most people don’t have enough—or at least not enough different pairs. Especially compared to the endless pile of clothes we’ve got going on.
From where I sit, I get to peek inside a lot of real closets. I’m a straight-up professional wardrobe snooper. And something I notice again and again is that folks will have 300+ items of clothing and like…11 pairs of shoes.1
If we’re talking about “enough” for functional coverage across life occasions, 11 pairs is plenty. If we’re talking about basic protection from the elements, even one pair does the job.
And I know the conventional wisdom: a “smart” wardrobe keeps it simple. Buy a few neutral, versatile pairs that go with everything and call it a day. But here’s the thing: just because your shoes don’t clash doesn’t mean they’re doing anything for you.
If your closet feels stale or lacking friction, I’m willing to bet a couple of (carefully chosen!) shoes might get you a lot further than another cute top.2
Because what’s on your feet is one of the most powerful tools you have to shift the vibe of an outfit. Shoes carry huge visual weight. A big shoe vs. a slim one. A flat vs. a heel. Neutral vs. bold color. Each one can transform the same outfit into a completely different feeling. They’re critical levers for balance, contrast, and mood.
The real killer with these 11-shoe closets isn’t quantity, it’s redundancy. While the options cover varying levels of formality, they often all have the same vibe.
For example, the range looks something like this:
A flat, a sneaker, and a heel. Totally different, right? But they’re all slim, all quite feminine, all in some version of a light, neutral ‘goes with anything’ tone.
They don’t clash—but they also don’t contrast. Each one adds the same thing to an outfit, just in slightly different flavors. It’s like choosing between French Vanilla and Vanilla Bean ice cream.
In this scenario, if the rest of your outfit is loaded up with other feminine elements, you might already feel too feminine. With this kind of shoe closet, there’s nowhere to go. Your only option is to keep piling on more of the same. Oops! Now it feels like a costume, and the whole thing’s no good. You wonder what’s wrong with you that nothing ever feels quite right, and how so few outfit formulas work for you.
But imagine you had a masculine, chunky oxford. Or a super sporty, gorpcore-ish sneaker. Those are tools! Ways to balance your outfit rather than just echo it instantly unlock more options.
My thing, in particular? Strange shoes. I tend to stick to more classic, simple shapes and colors in my clothes, so a weird shoe brings the kick of personality and modernity I often crave to balance that out.
ENOUGH, already! What shoes, strange and otherwise, did I covet this month?
My low-buy “rules”
This is my third year shopping this way, and the “rules” I’ve personally settled on are:
I’ll only buy 12 new pieces of clothing in 2025
Secondhand doesn’t count
Accessories (bags, shoes, jewelry, etc.) also don’t count
This works well for me and my goals, which are to 1. generally keep a lid on things to prevent overconsuming and 2. force myself into better choices so I end up with things I actually love.
THE LIST as it stands:
What I didn’t buy:
On THE LIST? ❌
But I’m always partial to a strange shoe, as previously discussed. These were a buy and return.
I’ve coyly admired the mesh flat trend the last three years, with my opinion cycling between “way too trendy!!! I’ll hate it soon enough” and “ugh, but it feels so good and friction-y right now.” I’ve so far sat out.
This totally bejeweled, good-strange green version gave the trend just enough of a twist that I could maybe squint and convince myself: yes, they’ll date... but at least they’ll date a little differently? One or two steps removed from the army of ultra-duped black mesh Mary Janes or clear jelly cage sandals.
Unfortunately, I have no idea what shape feet these are made for because they would not stay on mine. The elastic heel slipped off within a few steps, no matter how I repositioned them. That’s a no from me.
On THE LIST? ✅
(same idea as “slim pointed toe heeled ankle boot”, to me)
The Bronson Boot is back for fall, a major story in the Tibi-verse. I’ve been stalking a secondhand pair in my size for ages. But as
said in her recent try-on, these are such a cult favorite among Tibi fans that they never hit the resale market. It’s a compelling case for buying new, now that they’re back.The color is incredible, the perfect ish that creates rich, interesting combinations with so many others. Walkable heel. Icky tacky texture. Slim silhouette.
But can I stomach the price point? Idk. I fear they won’t go on sale.
On THE LIST? ❌
I’m honestly not a huge fan of the fall Tibi collection in general. It just isn’t hitting as hard for me. It’s quite….dark? And serious. Maybe I’m just not there yet because it’s literal July.
But these flats are my cup of tea. Strange, with a flash of skin. Eloooongating. A little bit cowgirl (I’m from Texas, okay?!).
I just don’t love them enough to buy them straight up.
What I bought:
On THE LIST? ✅
We did it, y’all. These were on my “What I didn’t buy” list last month, where I ended my thought with “I don’t know why I haven’t bought them yet”. I am SO happy to finally cross “slim black low heeled sandal” off THE LIST.
Are they comfortable? Mostly. The big metal ring around your toe is…a big metal ring around your toe. You feel it. I’m probably not hoofing it miles and miles around town in these. That’s okay to me.
My spidey senses tell me that these may be quite popular, as I noticed the list price went up to $400 just a few days after I bought them. Or, is this another quiet tariff impact?
I Regret to Inform You That Tariffs Are (Still) Coming for Your Closet
I need to start this one with a PSA:
On THE LIST? ❌
Same story here, guys. I was still thinking about the fishy, sequined top so I got the fishy, sequined top. It’s giving me and my closet a (very small) dose of Love Island UK. It’s got major texture. It’s a shade of blue I don’t already have (shocking!) that compliments my eyes perfectly. I love it.
This went so well last month, so let’s do it again: I’d love any and all suggestions on how you’d style it! I’m looking mostly for “toned-down” ideas that might be wearable day-to-day. Think: coffee dates, casual dinners, working from home. Click here to explore my closet and send your outfit ideas.
Where we are so far this year
For those keeping track…
New pieces of clothing: 7 (+1 in July) / 7 months of 2025
New accessories: 4 (+1 in July) / no limit
Secondhand pieces: 4 / no limit
If you’re ever curious, you can see all the details of my real closet on Indyx. I’ve shown you mine…will you show me yours? 👀
My personal ratio? 158 total items and 27 pairs of shoes.
The average closet already has 69 (!) tops, according to the Indyx report
Yes to icky weird shoes!! But comfy versions are so hard to find. I’m still hunting for a good red pair and silver pair
Adore your buys and can’t wait to see you style them!
I had similar thoughts about shoes this past weekend!!! I look at my tops and bottoms and love them all. Shoes? Meh. I’ve always been a sneakers girl, prioritizing function over anything but I’m getting to a point that a sneaker is just not enough ALL the time. So this is a great sign to incorporate other shoes in my wardrobe. I always look forward to your posts 🫶🏼