All the white shoes I want to buy right now

Yes I might have a problem. And I don't have a problem with that.

It’s been a minute since I talked fashion. Let’s rectify that with a celebration of my favourite wardrobe hero. 

Isn’t it weird to think there was a time when white shoes were seen as the most heinous of all the fashion crimes? But I’ve always loved them. I think it’s helped that I didn’t grow up in Britain. Back in the 90s and noughties, everyone here seemed to decide that white shoes marked you as ‘an Essex girl’ and for some reason that too was deemed as something bad.

I’m delighted to see that everyone’s evolved from both of those misconceptions. Some of my best friends are from Essex. And more importantly, I honestly don’t think I could get dressed without a good arsenal of white shoes. They just work. They make even the most thrown together jeans and T shirt kind of ‘pop’ in a way that looks considered.

And so I’ve done for you my own White Shoe Edit, for no other reason than I am addicted to white shoes and wanted to share with you a few favourites I’ve been eyeing. Oh and just a quick note: I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I’m not really your woman for high heels. Nope. Just can’t be doing with them anymore.

Contains some affiliate links, just FYI.

These wedges

A nice bit of 70s inspired - and comfortable - chic for you. I actually once had a Marc Jacobs pair that looked just like this, except they were lime green. I am a moron for letting them go. These from Zara are perfect with any length dress you like, that’s a no-brainer, but also try under a great pair of very flared jeans. I’d also love them with a super wide culotte or Bermuda shorts.

These kitten-heeled sandals

Just the other day, my Friday Night Fashion co-host Amanda Wakeley asked me if I had come across any kitten-heeled sandals in my travels. At that time, no, I had not. But then I found these and I might buy them before I tell her about them. I will be standing for absolutely hours at a wedding next week so I think these would be a great choice under a long dress for then.  Not everyone copes with the toe separation situation but I’m here for it.  

These cool sandals

Always, always check out Ancient Greek Sandals for your sandal-buying needs. They are just so damn good and not unreasonably priced for really well-made and very chic flats. I found these on The Outnet so they’re further discounted. I love the beaded ankle which makes them elegant enough for even the fanciest evening dos. 

These awesome slides

Look at these sturdy stompers from Stradivarius, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine for shoes. Love the idea of these for office wear with cropped trousers or mid-skirts. 

These reliable Mary Janes

I bought these from Arket and they’ve been so useful. The diagonal strap is a nice touch that stops them being a bog-standard ballet. The husband thinks they look like lawn bowls shoes which amuses me and only makes me love them even more. 

This fab trainer/ballet hybrid

OK so these from Puma will be a room divider, but I am sold. I’ve been loving the ‘sportification’ of ballet flats in recent times (thanks owed to Miu Miu, I think), and so why shouldn’t the actual sports brands get involved? They’d be super cool paired with dresses or longer line shorts. Need. 

These lacy ballet flats

Trust Ganni to keep inventing a new ‘it shoe’ and for me this is it right now. These beauties from Ganni come in a variety of colours, including a fabulous leopard print. Of course I got the white. I particularly love the pointe toe. 

These almost heels

A low-ish heel and the chicest touch of embellishment make these from Charles & Keith an eternally useful pair to have ready for action.

These pretty sandals

My friend Donna tuts constantly at my love of a block heel. They’re not the sexiest, no. But I do think they bring a certain ladylike polish, and you won’t be crying with pain an hour after leaving the house. Love the simplicity of these.

And one white(ish) wild card

OK, OK, not white. Not totally. But how joyously adorable are these from Penelope Chilvers! Justification enough.