When to spend money on Designer Shoes
I was thinking about this topic the other day, and though I have purchased my fair share of designer shoes, not all of them have been worth the money. I wish that I had someone tell me this when I was working in retail, but I was always convinced that it must bet better because it’s designer. Truth is, it’s not. If I were to break down my 10 most-worn shoes, 40% of them would be non-designer brand.
When I was working, I was spoiled and was able to acquire designer brands at a fraction of the price. I made some really good choices and some really un-wearable choices. For the most part, I wear the same 10 pairs of shoes on a day-to-day basis. 4 of them are non-designer and 6 are designer.
If you follow any of the large influencers on social media, you’ll notice that majority of their handbags and shoes are from a designer house. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the money is well spent. And, to be honest, a lot of top influencers are not only gifted these designer items, but they are also paid to post about them. So, if you are looking for an honest review, you may need to read a few blogs or follow a few micro influencers. Generally, these are the individuals who are making those purchases and will give you honest, heart felt feedback on their large purchases… you’ll get the good and the bad.
CONSIDER THIS…
If you are deciding on whether or not to spend the money on a designer shoe, I would encourage you to think about a few things before making a final decision:
Dollar per wear: Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Designer shoes are expensive, so you will want to consider your price per wear. If it is a classic addition, you will probably find that you will choose it more frequently than something that is for an occasion. Take my Gucci Princetown Mule for example. I can wear this shoe with practically any outfit so it makes it’s price per wear much more alluring.
Style & Color: Though it’s not very fun owning all black shoes, you can be certain of one thing… black goes with everything. If you are on the fence about a shoe (any shoe really) you may want to consider its color. Is it a color that can be worn through multiple seasons? If you live in a climate with multiple seasons, will you feel uncomfortable wearing it throughout the year? The same rule applies to the style of the shoe. If it’s open-toe will you be able to wear it in the winter? This may not be a deal breaker, but I think it’s important to ensure that it is not only stylish but functional at the same time.
Versatility: How many outfits can you wear it with? As I mentioned previously, the Gucci Mule can be worn with almost any outfit I choose. This makes it extremely versatile and a purchase I will most likely not regret.
When should you spend money?
In my opinion, if you think you will love the shoe year after year, you can afford it, and you’ve considered your lifestyle, then I would encourage you to make the purchase. Everyone’s needs, wants and economic status vary so I don’t think there is a black and white answer, but I will tell you that this is how I justify purchasing a versatile designer shoe:
“I could continue to buy multiple pairs of shoes over the next few years to try to mimic the same aesthetic but will still always want ‘these.’ Or I could bite the bullet, get the ones I want and take care of them for the next several years. When they are looking worn, I could bring them to a cobbler and have them fixed for about $30-$70 and wear them for another several years.”
Your journey may be different, but I know my shoes make a huge difference in my confidence when getting dressed. I don’t get a discount anymore so I am absolutely more conscientious when I make a purchase, but when I do, I want to make sure it’s something that will be versatile with my wardrobe, a classic style and will be something that I will love for a lifetime.
FAVORITE NON-DESIGNER SHOES
I’m sure my taste will change if I move out of Arizona, but for the last 2 years, these non-designer shoes have been my go-to choices when I’m feeling casual.
Veja Esplar - I was in-between the Esplar and the Campo. I decided on the Esplar because it was very low profile and that was what I was looking for. Though the Campo looks almost identical (I swear) through the shoe, the sole is a touch thicker. I thought the Esplar would be a better fit for my wardrobe. No, I did not read reviews before purchasing, but I am a 7.5 and am wearing a 38.
Madewell Boardwalk Sandal - This is the easiest sandal I’ve ever worn. It is comfortable & it goes with (I kid you not) EVERYTHING. Oh, a plus, it’s under $60. I took my normal size.
Birkenstock Arizona (Soft Footbed) - I don’t think I’ll ever buy a non-soft-footbed ever again. This shoe is by far the most comfortable sandal i’ve ever worn. It’s more rugged looking than other sandals that I own, but it’s functional, and it feels supportive on my hips and knees. I generally wear a 7.5/37.5 and took a 38 in the Birkenstocks because my third toe is weirdly (slightly) longer than my others.
Stacked Converse in canvas - The canvas gets dirty but oh well, they’re sneakers. They are meant to get dirty. The reason I love this simple sneaker is because it is cute, functional, and it adds another inch onto my short frame. Where my 5’4” and under ladies at?! You know that this is a BIG win!
FAVORITE DESIGNER SHOES
Gucci Princetown - Simple & classic. These will go with almost any outfit - promise. Wearing size 37.5. Reviews say to size up but unless you have a wide foot or single long toe, I recommend purchasing your regular size. Review coming soon.
Stuart Weitzman Nudisong - This comfortable, sleek and sexy heel is versatile, dainty and super minimal so it really pairs back to anything. You can style it with jeans, skirts, shorts and dresses. Also, the ankle strap is placed really well on the ankle that it doesn’t cut you off like some ankle-strap sandals do.
Chanel Ballet Flat - I have wanted these flats for years and I finally own them! I will love and cherish them forever. The leather is so incredibly soft and the silhouette is sleek and feminine. I am wearing my usual size, 37.5. I tried on a 38 but it felt too long - like it was going to slip as I walked. Linking similar style. And linking here. And here.
Gucci T-Strap - These don’t look comfortable but they really are. The sole is lined with rubber so you have tried and don’t slide. The t-strap is made out of soft leather so it doesn’t rub between your toes, and the GG is minimal enough that it doesn’t SCREAM GUCCI!!! Oh, and did I mention that they are super versatile? These by far got the most wear out of anything this summer.
Alexander McQueen Sneaker - My darling husband and daughter picked these out for me last Christmas and they are a really fun go-to sneaker. I like to wear these when I am feeling like I need a little more ‘funk’ than my Veja’s. They are stacked so they give me an extra inch to my height (WIN), and they are a little stiffer so they keep their shape really well. At first I was worried the 37.5 was too small but then the leather stretched nicely and now they fit perfect. If you like your sneakers snug, stick with your regular size.
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies - Dear Christian Louboutin, thank you for making a pump that is actually comfortable. This and my Apostrophy are the two most comfortable Louboutin pumps I own. The leather is soft, the silhouette is beautiful and I can wear them for hours without my feet hurting. I am wearing my regular size (37.5) but if you have a wider foot (or a bunion), you may prefer to size up a half size and utilize a heel gripper. The leather is soft so it will stretch but if the shoe feels tight then you should probably go up a half size.
When to spend money on an item (not just shoes)
Do I LOVE it? Not like… LOVE.
Does it make me feel good? Confidence is important.
Is it comfortable? If it’s not comfortable you will not wear it.
Will it go with multiple outfits? And do you know how to put those outfits together?
Will I want to/be able to wear it for the next “X” amount of years? Up to your discretion but my general rule is at least 10 years.
If you have answered 'yes’ to these questions then you’re probably on your way to making a really fun purchase, however you need to ask yourself one more thing: “Can I afford it?” Let’s all be honest. This item will not bring us any more satisfaction or make us feel any more confident if we are struggling to pay our necessary bills because we went on a spending spree. In my opinion, material things can wait, obligations and essentials can not.
So, the when to spend money part is actually up to you, but as a personal stylist, it is my job and my goal to encourage you to dress in a way that makes you feel like the best version of yourself: confident, whole & authentic.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
