We hear it all the time, but shoes truly can make or break an outfit, and this in-between season is always a little tricky. With warmer days, more travel, casual weekends, and so many spring events and occasions on the calendar, you need a range of options that can cover it all.
At this point in the season, I’ve put most of my boots away and I’m building a spring footwear capsule with styles that feel lighter and more spring-ready. Today, I’m sharing the five essential shoe categories I think every woman should have in her closet, along with the colors, materials, and details that are trending right now.
5 Spring Shoes To Have In Your Closet
Before we dive in, a quick note on where I’ve been shopping for shoes lately. I found a lot of great options at Zappos (their fast shipping and easy returns are hard to beat), and DSW is always a solid choice for more budget-friendly styles. Nordstrom and Macy’s both have really good sales happening right now, too.
I also pulled a few favorites from Margaux and M.Gemi for higher-quality leather options, along with Madewell (currently having their Insiders Event), J.Crew (30% off select styles), and even Splendid—which has some surprisingly good styles right now and is 30% off with code FAMLOV.
1. Neutral Fashion Sneakers
Dolce Vita Sariya Sneakers (8.5) // Michael Stars Mikela Pullover c/o (M) // Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) – 25% off for Insiders // Quince satchel // BaubleBar earrings c/o // Tom Ford sunnies
For those of us who live a casual life, sneakers are the everyday workhorses of a spring wardrobe. They’re comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear with everything from denim and casual dresses to travel outfits.
Right now, slim, minimalist styles are trending, and I’m seeing a shift away from plain white sneakers toward light neutrals—think taupe, beige, sand, and grey. Color is also having a moment in sneakers right now.
Trending now:
- gum soles
- streamlined trainers
- slim retro silhouettes
- suede finishes
- light non-white neutrals
Shop neutral fashion sneakers for spring:
2. Comfortable Flats
Steve Madden Lucia Mary Jane in Taupe Suede (8.5) // Velvet Zoella Sleeveless Collared Sweater (M) // Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) – 25% off for Insiders // VESTIRSI Eden Suede Shoulder Bag c/o // Boho Bangles // Stella & Dot necklace – 15% off with JOLYNNE15 // Baublebar earrings c/o // Tom Ford sunnies
This is another big category right now. Flats are everywhere again this season, and there are so many stylish options that feel fresh and modern.
Mary Janes are definitely the most popular, but ballet flats, boat shoes, and loafers are all having a moment, too, so there’s no shortage of great options. Natural textures like raffia and rattan are popping up across many of these styles as well.
Trending now:
- Mary Janes
- ballet flats
- square-toe and pointed-toe silhouettes
- glove flats or high-vamp styles
- low-profile loafers and backless loafers
- woven leather
Shop comfortable flats for spring:
3. Casual Flat Sandals
Kaanas Alayta Sandals (8) // Palm-A-Dora Sheath Dress (L) // J.Crew Clutch // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // YSL Sunnies
When it warms up, easy flat sandals are my go-to for warm-weather outfits. They go with everything from shorts and linen pants to casual dresses and vacation looks. Rattan and raffia materials are big this year, and I’m also a fan of metallics—they add a hint of glam and go with everything.
Trending now:
- sleek minimalist styles
- delicate strappy uppers
- simple leather slides
- modern flip-flops
Shop casual flat sandals:
4. Dressy Sandals
Sam Edelman Camille Kitten Heels (8) // Dress Forum Strapless Dress (M) // J.Crew Clutch // Sea Seeker Pendant c/o // Electric Picks Jewel Necklace c/o // LOFT Bar Cuff Bracelet
These are the sandals you reach for when you need something a little more polished—think dinners out, events, or summer occasions.
Trending now:
- kitten heels
- thong sandals with heels
- delicate strappy designs
- square or elongated toe shapes
Across both casual and dressy sandals this season, I’m seeing a lot of:
- metallics
- ivory and bone tones
- espresso and cognac leather
- raffia or rattan textures
Shop dressy spring sandals:
5. Pumps & Slingbacks
Dolce Vita Alenna Slingback Pumps (8.5) // Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants (8)
Finally, when you want something polished and dressy with a closed toe, a classic pump still has a place in a spring wardrobe—but slingback kitten heels are especially strong this season. They’re polished without feeling overly formal and pair beautifully with everything from tailored pants to dresses and denim. I especially like styles with a narrower vamp, which gives them a more modern look.
Trending now:
- slingbacks
- kitten heels
- square or pointed toes
- woven leather and open-weave styles
- raffia textures
- animal prints
Shop pumps and slingbacks:
Once you have these five categories covered, you’ll find that getting dressed in the spring becomes much easier. From casual outfits and weekend errands to travel days and dressier occasions, these styles create a solid foundation that works with almost everything in your wardrobe.
Of course, once the essentials are in place, it’s always fun to add a few trend-forward pairs to the mix—but starting with these basics ensures you’ll always have the right shoes for the season.
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16 Responses
Do leopard print shoes look too heavy for spring and summer? I have ballet flats, slingbacks and loafers in this print that I love, but wasn’t sure if they look right in warmer weather.
I’d wear them if you like how they look with your outfit. I guess I tend to reach for mine more in fall but there’s no reason you can’t wear them during spring/summer.
I have all of the above, but what I wear the most (for work) – ballet flats and flat/low heel dressy sandals.
To Debbie R – I wear leopard print shoes all year round! I have multiple pairs, I just wear them with lighter color clothing in spring/summer and my darker hues in the fall/winter. 🙂
PS Jo-Lynne – please thank your aesthetician friend Jenni who did that post on makeup brushes. She inspired me and I replaced all my old brushes. Oh my goodness, I am so happy! My makeup is going on smoother and lasting longer. I would never have guessed that changing a brush could make such a difference!
So glad to hear that!
Thank you, Carolyn for saying that about brushes! I just bought one from the Ulta sale and hope I love it as much as you do! Bonnie
Bonnie, you’re welcome. My brushes were all very old, and I didn’t realize how worn out they were until I got the new brushes. I always keep good care of my beauty products, but apparently there’s only so much use and so much washing and so many years you can own something before it isn’t really helpful anymore. 😉
Carolyn………You are so right about the time frame of brushes…….my foundation brush was bought during Covid and that was awhile back now. Time for a new one. Bonnie
This is a fun round-up of options. I am surprised that two trends I keep seeing everywhere weren’t mentioned. Probably the reason it stood out to me is that I am not a fan of either trend lol. I’m talking about mesh flats (true mesh, not the open woven leather styles) and jelly sandals/flats/heels. I like the open-weave styles but seeing someone’s entire foot through a thin mesh veil is just strange to me. I mean why not just wear a sandal if you’re going to show your entire foot anyway? And I think the jelly shoes of our youth scarred me for life! I did just order a pair of jelly sandals from Splendid during the 40% sale but they are a solid brown and I’m hoping they won’t have too much of a transparent appearance.
I included a few of each in the shopping options, but I was focusing on broader categories for this post. 🙂
Yesterday, I put some heavier cold weather items in storage and took out my shorts and tanks, even though it’s going to be a while before I can wear them. I got to my shoes today, so this is good timing. I put a couple pairs of boots into storage and brought out some transitional flats and huarache sandals. I am not quite ready for a full sandal or to put away my everyday boots but hopefully I will be soon!
Looking through everything, I was reminded that I do not need more black shoes of any kind and that flat, cognac brown sandals are high on my to-buy list. Sam Edelman makes a flat sandal similar to the Cora (same footbed, strap width) called the Ellina that I have been eyeing. I think I need to try them.
Yes, those are cute! I’ve had my eye on those too. So many good options right now.
Hi Jo-Lynne,
I plan on buying a new pair of sneakers. Which do you think would be more versatile this spring/summer- the Steve Madden Aziel or the Dolce Vita Sariya? Thanks!
They’re both pretty versatile, but I think the Dolce Vita might look better with dresses and skirts? But it’s really just preference.
I can understand skin like/beige sandals–but sometimes you need a nice black leather sandal to coordinate with your top. I’m looking at black birks for summer–but I’d like a back strap. Alittle surprised that there are no black casual sandals in your line-up.
I, also, have no problem wearing leopard print shoes any time of the year–if they work with your outfit.
I like a black sandal, too. A lot of the ones in my lineup come in black.
Hello~
Would you please tell me when your friend posted about makeup brushes? I would like to read that. I’m probably in need of some new ones myself.
Thank you!