Essential Shoes for a Curated Closet | Minimalism | Capsule Closet 

I'm 63, slightly over weight, in recovery from a 15-year bad marriage and learning to like myself, my life and my clothes again. Your videos have inspired me. I've hit the thrift shops hard and have developed a head-to-toe designer wardrobe with an extremely tight budget. Standing in front of the mirror with this huge smile is a new and wonderful experience. Thanks for your help. 😊

Note to self: - Polished, put-together shoe (pump or flat) 1:29 - Esthetically pleasing but more practical shoe (possibly metallic) 2:56 - Comfortable shoe (classic sneaker) 3:36 - Sexy shoe (sort of edgy but very personal) 4:35 - Everyday shoe (slip-on loafer) 5:56 - Party shoe (fun but neutral and classic) 6:54 Thanks for the video by the way, I especially loved the outfit pics as I already own enough nice items, but they just hang in my closet because I don't know how to style them and add the right shoes to finish it off :S

I love shoes too! And agree 100% that a good looking shoe makes any outfit look 3 thousand times better.

You said it. When I was younger I wasted money on shoes that hurt and I did not wear them again! GET a cute and comfortable pair of shoes! They are out there. I like the list. It fits all the occasions.

Beyond 50 and have finally accepted I cant walk in heels! My party shoes...beautiful gold converse and beautiful black glitter converse, love how they keep a glam outfit (and me) grounded :-). Really enjoy your videos Alyssa, thank you :-)

Literally binge-watching your videos and making notes. I would love a complete closet tour sometime Alyssa

This was "hands-down" the most useful video I've ever seen about shoes & how to categorize them. I'm even excited about the loafer shoes that I never imagined I'd wear. LOL. Great video and your personality is awesome. Ciao!

I currently own 20 pairs of shoes counting my muck boots & if you live in an RV you will need muck boots at some point! Lol. Of course the number fluctuates from time to time. I was recently informed that 20 pairs of shoes is too many. I can not fathom how 20 pairs of shoes can possibly be too many. Lol. When I had a house I had over 300 pairs of shoes. Therefore, this has been a major lifestyle change for me! I am a minimalist in many things, but shoes are my absolute weakness! This is where minimalism & slow fashion can be powerful tools...great video Alyssa!

I think I’ve rewatched this like 10 times over the years 😅 commenting for the algorithm because your suggestions are always so inclusive.

This is such a great way to think about essentials! I do this in my head when I'm thinking about what items I need in my wardrobe - "a casual shirt that can be dressed up for all seasons" or "earrings that make feel fancy, but aren't super heavy", but I like how you formalized it in this list. I loved all your essentials for your lifestyle, even though I know mine requires different essentials. The "warm weather shoe for water activities/dirty jobs" aka Chacos sports sandals I wear to the splash pad and or for any outdoor work in my yard. The "rainy day shoe for when it's pouring all day, but you still have to GTD" aka Hunter wellies that keep me warm and dry walking around campus all day. The "presentable and cold weather friendly" aka Tory Burch leather riding boots that I can pair with a cocktail dress or jeans. And, of course, the "it's effing freezing, but I'm gonna be outside in some form of precipitation or mud" aka LLBean boots that are basically my snow shoes. But between needing a wardrobe that functions for presentations and playtime with 5 year olds in all four seasons, I have curated my shoe collection down to just 9 pairs, and I have exactly what I need for anything that could possibly come up.

Hi Alyssa!! I've been following you forever and I love your videos. This guide was so helpful and I hope you make similar videos for tops, bottoms, etc. This is so much more versatile than giving rigid guidelines i.e. "1 pair if flats, pair of high heels, etc."

Great advice Alyssa. In my mid thirties and I too have conformed to the comfortable shoe! I now go for kitten heels with a pointed toe and slingback, I have these in nude and black and wear them to work and with jeans! Also I go for ankle straps/ghillie style lace up where the skin shows but the laces/straps cross over up the shoe for a heel, so I still feel sexy and supported. (Not sure if I explained that well lol)

Loved your advice on how to pick out a party shoe: “imagine your favorite party and select the shoe that reflects that party” ( I know not the exact quote but the idea) Very helpful recommendation! Thank you.

Thanks for another good one ♡ I am as always in awe of anyone who can walk around all day in high heel pumps and call them comfortable. My idea of comfortable footwear is a pair of wellies or well worn in sneakers. Anything else is a compromise :)

I know I’m late to the game, but this is the exact video I needed! I often feel my shoes ruin my outfit, likely because I rely on one or two pairs to get me through each season. I feel better equipped to find great shoes now. 🎉

Wow! Those over the knee boots! They seemed to have a chunky heel but I could be wrong. I’ve only seen them with punishingly high heels and to see the chunky one just renewed my faith in looks and comfort being attainable in one look. Thank you for this video! I’m trying to scale my wardrobe way back at the moment. I have a pair Ralph Lauren slightly over the knee w side zipper and low heel. I feel good wearing them.

I LOVE this list. Your explanations of why you like each shoe type, and for which occasions. As I'm paring down my wardrobe and trying to replace the less comfortable shoes I've loved for years but no longer work with my lifestyle, I'm trying to invest in high quality versatile footwear, and I love the basics you've mentioned. I've been eyeing a pair of black loafers, and this video has convinced me to pull the trigger (and maybe sell another less perfect pair I had tried out). My favorite "everyday comfort" sneaker are my converse shoes. I had a chocolate brown pair that I wore from college until I was nearly 40, when they finally bit the dust. I have a brand new pair in the perfect shade of grey, and a white pair that I picked up secondhand (so I would just wear them without worrying about dirtying the white!). :) So, first the black loafers, then next up for me is the hunt for the pretty and practical. :)

I love styling and I love footwear. Many days I would build an outfit around the footwear of my choice. I am a very eclectic person so a very minimalistic, monochromatic closet will not work for me. That said, I love a more curated closet . I am continuing to purge, no buying and shopping my extensive closet. Thank you for another fun and useful video Alyssa! My closet looks like it belongs to many women. Hahaha! And all these different women are the many facets of me.

Thank you! I learn so much from your videos! You have such a great vibe. I leave your videos believing that I am okay and that my style is good for me.

Absolutely loved this video Alyssa! Thank you for helping me navigate the confusing shoe world 😃

Alyssa you are a joy to watch and I love your practical fashion wisdom & advice. I find myself buying so many clothes but only wearing a small portion of them. Thank you for doing these kinds of videos to help me make better choices with what I buy! Ciao! Xoxo

Great video because you discuss the reasons it is a basic in your wardrobe. Here in Southern Arizona, open toes are more accepted for business wear because of our high temperatures. Likewise, I'd never wear knee high boots!

I love the black and white flats 😍

Ditto to EVERYTHING that Free falling into grace wrote below. I LOVE shoes and have too many but you offer a terrific way to categorize and streamline my collection. Thank you! You are an inspiration!

I find that a good sandal and an ankle bootie round off most wardrobe shoe staples. 😀❤️

Very helpful video. Yes comfort is of prime importance.

So happy I stumbled upon your channel! So in love with your style and charisma! Keep up the good work :)

Just came across your channel. Love 💕 your style. Since I’m older and leaning more to flats, my favs are the second, neutral colored shoe and the black flats. Can’t wait to watch more! 😃. TFS

I LOVE your categories! It's so much more useful and helpful than the very prescriptive "must-have" shoe lists that abound on the Internet. Like, what if I don't want a nude pump and a black ballet flat??

I love a good pair of pumps. I have wide feet, so when I get a comfortable pair of pumps, I hang on to them for dear life. I have a silver glittery pair that I got for a wedding that I absolutely love. Even though they are kinda blingy, they don’t look cheesy. I guess because the toe is closed and they aren’t gold. Great video, as always. ☮️💕

Can't get enough of your videos :) Such great advice on taming the ever growing shoe collection. I know it's silly of me, but I love your blowing kisses in the beginning and at the end of your videos. It's such a lovely personal touch. Don't stop that... please :) xo

What a great episode, shoes are EVERYTHING! For birthdays and Christmas, I actually give my daughters a day of shoe shopping complete with lunch at a fun restaurant. We all get a pair or two and enjoy this shoe worshipping above all else, lol!

Loved this! I need to look critically my shoe collection. I have too many shoes I can't use because of my (casual) lifestyle and too few to cover all your categories!

I've been going back and watching some of your older videos. Love this one! I would add a rain shoe or boot. xoxo

I just love the ides you express about being thoughtful w your wardrobe. Makes me take pause and fel re-focused!

Oh my goodness, this was a brilliant video! Favourite shoes? Your party shoes. Because I liked the design and it was versatile with party or casual wear. A pair of Manolo’s are on my “If money was no object” list. I too am a girl of foot comfort, because of an issue I have with the arteries in one of my feet.

I loved this video! ...my favorite?...your wedding/party shoe, and they’re beautiful and they look comfortable!

Hi. Really enjoyed this video despite having had problems with my feet for years and now have to wear a very chunky podiatry orthotic. This makes my choice of shoes quite limited which can get frustrating at times (I've been known to have the occasional blow-out where I feel sorry for myself and ask: why can't I just wear ONE pair of cute shoes?!) BUT I found your principles still good and useful (it also helps that my feet are improving slowly now), I just need to adapt it to work within my limitations

Love the black loafers

Absolutely loving your videos, Alyssa! They are so helpful. Would love to see an updated closet essentials for spring ;)

Great tips - I would add boots for the winter & ankle boots

Hi Alyssa! New subie here! I love every video I've seen of yours thus far. I am aiming to refine my wardrobe, work with fewer items, and really love each of them! You are helping me a great deal in this endeavor!!! My favorite shoes that you showed are your Manolo Blahniks, they are gorgeous and unique! I also love that they were your wedding shoes and that you are still wearing them! xox

I adore that sheer black skirt!

I know this is an older video, but may I ask how many shoes you own? I almost only buy second hand good quality leather shoes anymore. However, I'm a big time shoe addict, so there is definitely some guild every time I aquire a new 'treasure'. You have so many wonderful pairs! I guess I'm trying to gauche how guilty I should feel, haha! Absolutely love your creative videos, they have changed the way I combine my clothing and how I (don't) shop

I discovered you a few days ago. And I really love your channel. I love these videos where you give very good advices that are sensible and well explained but still practical and generic enough that everyone can apply them to their own taste and lifestyle. I would add a7th one: good footwear adapted to an activity that requires them, like a good running or hiking shoes if you practice these activities regularly. Also, YAY for promoting comfort above all else! :)

Black lofters my favourites ,I ‘m looking for this style of lofters in black colour 💃👍

Shoes are so important to an outfit. Great video ❤️thanks!!!

Loved your wedding shoes!

Video idea : what features to look for when buying shoes too last. I’m trying to buy good quality shoes but don’t know what to look for other than $$. Or a which designer brands you only pay for the brand vs the craftsmanship?

Love the sweatshirt under that fave jacket of mine! LOL!

Loved this format Alyssa!

Love your selection and love love good shoes. For me it equals comfort too. I love my Dr. Martens Whitton boots, they are the most comfy pair I have. I love loafers for my day job and Converse/NB for weekends with family. My Sexy/party shoes have been unemployed for the longest time though ))

i bought my first flats in 20 something years!!!! they are nude pointed patent pleather and i wore them everyday because they were comfy and went with workwear weekend wear, skirts, pants, dresses....who would have thought i would embrace this shoe?! being short i always go for height for authority and slimming effect.another 2018 edition was a pair of converse no lace sneakers my son gave me for mother's day! another trend i never thought i would embrace. so between these two pairs, i had a comfy stylish spring/summer. now it's fall, i am into my boots and booties and a new edition, patent black pleather loafers(first loafers in 20 years!!!) shoes are so much fun! please do more videos about shoes and how to pair with outfits!!!! sorry for the super loooong comment! Cheers!

Fantastic! This was so helpful and provided the perfect balance between supportive guidance and individual freedom. Thank you, Alyssa!

Could you possibly do a video on the typically clunky shoes that fit orthotics? I can't wear any other shoes... nothing looks "pretty", so maybe "funky"? How do i dress funky when i'm 56...? I'm relegated to wide large boots, shoes and runners which will fit my orthotics. :( Have tried many, many "comfort shoes" to no avail. Much thanks for your videos, love them.

You’re awesome- enjoying binge watching your channel Hearts from NYC

Informative & soo helpful! Loved watching :)

This is so wonderful because I could easily adjust it to My Style and also get new tips on When I would wear what , loved it ! By the way My list of these in the exakt order I would wear them is 1) a Chelsea or medium heel bootie , 2 ) Very, very dressy pointed black wowen sneakers b) brogues 3) doc Marten 4) if this was the sexy- Italian low cut low pump or Italian pointy toe with wrap around leather strings or Italian hm actually starting to see a pattern here ... wonderfull cowboyboots which makes My ankles look amazing or the thigh high boots in suede with studded heels ( German ) 5) the everyday easy slip ones - they just died , both of the pairs so ,so comfortable . And they seriously have left a gaping hole ! Party shoes hm at this point I’m looking for a pair of comfortable reds , but this is where I often actually use a beautiful burgundy colored pointy ballerina with a very big bow in black .

I just became super lucky and swapped some of my thrifted items for a glitter Jimmy choo Eros!!! I'm graduating (hopefully) from high school in 4 days so this is like a gift from God. :) Those will be my ultimate party shoes!!

liked it!!! it’s super true - esp the pretty and practical one. i love how you classified everything into just the right definition & category!! subbed

I’m watching your subscribers number. Over 800 new subscribers this week! I told you that I can pick winners! Congrats Alyssa!

shoes are my guilty pleasure for sure - thanks for your video!!

Love those MB’s at the end and what a beautiful bride you were......divine Alyssa.💛Deb

Been binge watching you for a few months...how did I miss this one? And I love shoes! ❤️❤️❤️ I love your content as well😍!

Lastly, I have fallen in love baroque’s- omg, so comfortable with an edge.

I admit to a shoe obsession that does get out of hand. When you went through your recommendations you seemed to blend the seasons-your wedding sandals in with your over the knee boots. I don't wear boots in summer (just too hot) or sandals in winter (it can hit -40 in Alberta!) so would you mind going through your recommendations again except broken apart into at least hot versus cold weather? Thank you so much.

Shoes! Yay! I'd love to hear more on ethical sustainable shoe brands. One brand I'm recently enamored with is Matt Bernson.

I love that jacket!

Yet again, so relevant. I have noticed that a shoe can take an outfit from frump to wow. They really do take up little space! Well done!

Is that an arch support cushion on the loafer? Eek! I'm shook!

Hi Alyssa, Great video! I was doing my check list as you was talking on the different styles and am missing a nice pair of ballerinas so that will be my mission, finding the right ones 😊! I love heels but I have lost the grace of walking in them🙄 or maybe like Cinderella I just need to find the perfect heel. Anyways, thank you again for the informative video!

Love your videos. Can you please do a chic weather (rain/snow) related footwear lookbook for special occasions like weddings?

You remind me of Janet from 'The Good Place'.

Happy Easter!!........I have been waiting for this one....love investing in the staples and classic styles...thanks for your insight...from one Canadian girl to another...the sun is shining more often in my neck of the woods..hope the same on your's...hugs

This was the perfect video for me. I've just been thinking today about clearing my shoes and getting a few new pairs that I really need, that will fit really well and that I'll be able to get a lot of wear out of. As always, great vid. xo, SS

Awesome shoe picks! I once picked up a pair of Bruno Magli diving mocs 2nd hand, a beautiful cream color, I still haven't worn them outside! LOL Thanks, as always, for such inspiring videos! ;b

Loved this video - I know everything you do is worth watching- thank you!

Alyssa, so surprised to see you on Ottawa TV. I live there too!

Thanks for sharing your recommendations! 👍

Love your views on comfortable shoes .....which can still be edgy and sexy!!

I love shoes in general!!!!

Also, winter is difficult where I live as more than half the tear it rains, snows and there is slush

Great guide!

So love those black loafers going to order myself a pair, thank you 👍😊

Excellent video!

Another great video thank you!

Thanks for this info. I bought a killer pair of Sam Edelman leopard print shoes Friday and the first thing I did was run my hand inside all the way to the toe, yep! leather all the way. Next, stitching all the way around the sole. Yep! Haha. So, my retail value $139.99 shoes that I found on Clearance $48.99 with an extra 40% off were a STEAL! 😃. I guess the horse hair texture they have isn’t conducive to Florida living for Spring/Summer. Who cares? I “ will “ be rockin’ em. lol

Great video again! Keep rocking girl, I really appreciate your work! A fan from Italy :-)

Regarding comfort - you rarely see men running around in an uncomfortable shoe - right?

Amazing ....love ur videos

How I didn’t know about you before!!!!!!!!

I'm IN LOVE with your channel. Just wanted you to know. :)

Once again I loved your video I learn so much.

Brilliant!!!

Do you wear navy blue? If so, what color shoes do you wear? I'm currently struggling with a couple of navy items (trousers, pencil skirt) because of footwear. Thanks!

Love your videos...keep them coming...

Fantastic video

What woman does not own a large selection of shoes? I don't know why but we sure do love them! By the way, gorgeous lavender and wedding dresses.

Obsesses with your channel! Almost happy I just found you so that I can binge on a lot of videos and not wait a week for something new ;) I do have a question for you. You mention often the real real as place to shop. Do you have/ know any similar site for Europe that you can recommend?

LOVE this!