10 shoe silhouettes that’ll never go out of style

There’s always room for classics!

Dec 01, 2023 | by Bani Sachar

The undeniable power of a classic is perhaps the only thing in fashion that holds perpetually true—a garment or accessory perceived just as chic today as it was decades ago. The perfect example? The little black dress. Karl Lagerfeld best put it when he said, “One is never over-dressed or under-dressed in a little black dress”. On taking a closer look, we can see this thinking can be applied to every element of fashion, from head to toe (quite literally)—from hats like the beret to bags like the tote and on to shoes like the stiletto.

Whether you’re a sho(e)paholic or a minimalist footwear enthusiast, we could all use a core rotation of foot styles. At one end of the spectrum we have the humble flats, think loafers, ballet slip-ons, and sneakers. These are famously considered a go-to for dressing down more polished items of clothing such as shirt dresses and well-tailored trousers, alongside playing the perfect companion to casual weekend looks. At the other end are the polished heroes, the likes of stilettos, knee-high-heeled boots, and even showpiece shoes (we’re looking at you, Loewe). The variety is undoubtedly a godsend, giving you a plethora of sartorial choices—from evenings out on the town to workplace-appropriate.

Flats might be your best friends when it comes to functionality, adding just the same insouciance to a floral dress as they do to a pantsuit. From designer sandals to casual flip-flops, they serve as the building blocks of every shoe wardrobe. Knee-high boots might prove to be a saviour in those cold months when your ankles beg to be hidden away from the frigid elements, whilst still looking fashion-forward. Fashion sneakers are evidently all the rage right now, with sports brands and designers sharing the stage to promote a cool, laid-back style. It leaves us reminiscent of Lady Di’s frequent picks. Looking for something more formal? Court shoes and stilettos! Always rising to the occasion, these popular silhouettes come with varying heel heights, from kitten to sky-high. More unisex styles include the Chelsea boot and the flat loafers (bonus points if they’re Prada). And my personal favourite among all, we have showpiece shoes– stand-out pieces that’ll elevate any look in an instant. These babies always manage to turn heads, and we’re not complaining.

Pairing style with substance to capture the true essence of the classic shoe, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite silhouettes below.

Celine Margaret Chunky Loafers, ₹1,08,800