The Modern Way to Wear Your Favorite Shoe Style

By Samantha Sutton

Updated on 10/22/2016 at 1:00 PM

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Trends come and go, but you know what's always in style? Flexing those creative muscles and finding ways to wear old items. Take shoes, for example: each year, the same options come back into rotation, but it's the outfit you pair 'em with — jeans and a tee, a sweater dress and a scarf — that makes them feel new again. This season, we're skipping that shopping spree, snagging only what we "need," and coming up with ways to revamp our old footwear. Scroll on for a few ideas inspired by street style stars, then check out the shoe styles every woman should own.

01
Ankle Boots
Tim Regas | @wheresmydriver

Ankle Boots

While basic booties will always pair well with boyfriend jeans, bloggers and influencers have another great way of showing them 'em off: with a pair of cropped pants, from jeans to culottes.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a miniskirt and ruffled top or turtleneck (and an optional pair of tights).
  • With a solid tee and track pants for a trendy-meets-athleisure look.
  • With a midlength skirt or dress, letting a little bit of skin show.
02
Sneakers
Getty | Christian Vierig

Sneakers

These days, it seems like sneakers are the most versatile shoe . . . ever! Style a solid pair with structured trousers to turn your work pants weekend-ready.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a long-sleeved maxi or sweater dress.
  • With boyfriend jeans, a t-shirt, a blazer, and a neck scarf.
  • With a utility-style jumpsuit.
03
Slides
Tim Regas | @wheresmydriver

Slides

These slip-on shoes feel a bit like slippers, so naturally, street style stars are taking advantage. A look we saw repeated throughout Fashion Month? This footwear option paired with maxi dresses and dusters.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With boyfriend jeans and a striped button-down.
  • With cropped wide-leg pants, a belt, and a turtleneck.
  • With a pleated midi skirt and solid top.
04
Heeled Sandals
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Heeled Sandals

A solid pair of strappy or lace-up heels will make A-line styles look elevated and feminine, but they're also the perfect way to balance out a statement-making bottom.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a leather fringe skirt and solid tee.
  • With cropped frayed jeans and an off-the-shoulder top.
  • With a tight, thigh-slit midi dress for a supersexy date night.
05
Loafers
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Loafers

These sharp shoes will make any suit more elevated, but we're fond of styling them with a more casual pair of denim culottes.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a miniskirt, sweater, and pair of socks.
  • With loose silky pants and a button-down.
  • With a simple, sleeveless shift dress.
06
Over-the-Knee Boots
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Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots are a key component to one of Fall's easiest styling hacks: lampshading. Just style 'em with an oversize shirt, sweater, or minidress and your outfit is complete.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a pair of skinny jeans and a top of your choice.
  • With a midi dress that covers the top of the boots.
  • With a pair of culottes and a t-shirt.
07
Pumps
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Pumps

Power woman may enjoy pairing pumps with classic shifts, but the fashion crowd styles them with skinny or slim-cut jeans for a look that's super sleek.

Other Outfit Ideas:

  • With a full A-line skirt and ruffled top.
  • With a ribbed top and pencil skirt set.
  • With a pair of track pants and button-down.