The 5 Pairs of Heels Every Woman Needs to Own, According to an Expert

If you don’t already have a trusty pair of black pumps in your possession, we regret to inform you that you’re just inconveniencing yourself! Whether you have a last-minute job interview, a cocktail party you totally forgot about or just want to look cute for date night, anything that’s black with a pointy toe and a spindly heel is guaranteed to come to the rescue. This Jimmy Choo version features a slim heel and a pitch that’s not too steep, so you can stay on your feet for at least two hours (maybe more, if you're a pro at heels). Plus, Russo points out: “Whether in leather or suede, these are the equivalent of an LBD that can be dressed up or down.” That’s an analogy we can totally get down with.

Splurge: Jimmy Choo ($595)

Save: Charles David ($132)

Take a note from Kate Middleton and consider the appeal of a pointy nude shoe with a chunky block heel. As an everyday style, these can definitely be worn to work or to your next outdoor wedding, plus, Russo points out, the neutral hue is easy to wear with dark shades and bright colors (including prints) alike.

Splurge: Marc Fisher ($160)

Save: Botkier ($83) 

Falling right in the middle between so-trendy-it-hurts and boring old classics is this sexy Sam Edelman sandal. The two-strap design lets you show off a lot of skin, meaning it’s a leg-lengthening shoe that will work with midi skirts, miniskirts and every hem length in between. Russo notes that this sandal has been popular for a few seasons and is still a best-selling style, so consider it a $100 investment that will pay off in years (or at least months) to come.

Splurge: Tabitha Simmons ($695)

Save: Sam Edelman ($100)

Skip out on the black for this dressy style. The pointy-toe slingback is having something of a moment, but it’s also a classic, tried-and-true silhouette that has been around forever. Select an unanticipated shade, like this deep navy from Kate Spade New York, so it doesn’t look borrowed from your granny when you pair it with your favorite work-appropriate skirt. This is the shoe that will also make your weekend uniform of jeans and a T-shirt feel instantly more refreshed.

Splurge: Miu Miu ($795)

Save: Kate Spade ($228)

Too timid to try snakeskin? Don’t be. “This print acts more like a neutral, especially in a black and white print,” Russo notes. That should help give you a good idea of what to pair this platform Via Spiga sandal with: anything that you would wear with a black, white, or black and white shoe. You might be surprised how versatile it tends to be. (Plus, the walkable height of a platform never hurts—and we mean that literally.)

Splurge: Via Spiga ($275) 

Save: Kenneth Cole ($160)