7 Pairs of Shoes That Instantly Make Every Outfit Look Expensive

Let’s face it: we’re all busy, and splurging on endless shoes isn’t exactly practical. Yet no one wants to step out looking like their sneakers wandered off from the gym. The secret? You don’t need a closet full of footwear—just a few smart, versatile pairs that effortlessly elevate any outfit you already own.

Over-the-knee boots

This season, thigh-high boots have taken center stage, officially replacing ankle boots as the go-to choice for a bold winter look. Their sleek, elongated style brings drama and sophistication, perfect for pairing with skirts, dresses, or over jeans.

Look for styles in suede, leather, or stretch fabrics for a flattering, close fit. This season’s trend leans toward block heels and neutral colors, keeping the look versatile yet striking.

Knee-high black boots

Knee-high black boots are pure power moves in shoe form. They work with basically everything: layered over skinny jeans, paired with a mini skirt, or even with a sweater dress when you want that effortless chic vibe. The beauty is in their versatility; flat versions keep it casual and comfy, while heeled ones crank up the drama.

Pro tip: keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the boots do the talking. They’re bold enough on their own; you don’t need to overdo it.

The temptation to buy ultra-trendy shoes or bold colors is strong, but it will only create more problems. Leopard print boots are a bold fall fashion trend, but pairing them with an all-black outfit leaves the look incomplete and tacky. With such shoes, you’ll need to style your entire outfit very carefully. Moreover, they can go out of fashion quickly.

White sneakers

White sneakers are the ultimate MVP of shoes. They go with literally everything: jeans, dresses, and suits if you’re feeling bold. They’re casual without being sloppy, clean without being boring. The catch? You actually have to keep them white, which is basically a part-time job.

But if you’re willing to give them a quick wipe-down now and then, they’ll pay you back by making every outfit look 10x fresher. Pro tip: low-top, minimal designs are the most versatile: you can rock them at brunch, at the office (if your boss isn’t a fashion dinosaur), or on a night out.

High heels

High heels? They’re magic. Throw them on, and suddenly you’ve got better posture, longer legs, and way more confidence than you had five minutes ago. They can turn “just jeans and a shirt” into “date night ready” without even trying.

The flip side? They hurt. Like, a lot. No matter how many “comfortable heel” ads you see, after a few hours, you’re basically bargaining with your own feet. They look amazing, but let’s be honest: you’ll probably have a backup pair of flats in your bag just in case.

Flats

Ballerina flats are basically the “cheat code” of everyday shoes. They’re comfy enough to wear all day, but still make you look like you actually tried. Throw them on with jeans and a tee? Instant casual chic. Pair them with a dress or skirt? Boom, effortless elegance.

The best part is they’re small and simple, so they don’t scream for attention, but they still pull your whole look together. If you grab a neutral pair (black, beige, or even a soft blush), they’ll go with 90% of your closet. Want to level it up? A pair with a tiny bow or bright colors is just the right amount of polish without feeling “too much.”

Loafers

Loafers are like that friend who can hang out anywhere—office, coffee run, or even a dinner out—and never feel out of place. They’ve got that polished, put-together vibe without being stiff like heels or too casual like sneakers. Think of them as the middle ground: smart enough to dress up your jeans, relaxed enough to tone down a suit.

Go for classic black or brown if you want maximum versatility, or grab a chunky sole version if you’re chasing that “effortlessly cool” look. Bonus: they slip on and off, so no laces, no fuss—just instant style.

Mary Jane—style ballerina flats

Mary Jane ballerina flats: they’re comfy, easy to slip on, and add a neat, vintage charm to almost anything. Pair them with cropped jeans or a flowy dress, and you instantly look more polished.

But yeah... they can feel a bit outdated, sometimes veering into school-uniform energy. They also don’t always hold up against baggy or edgy fits. Bottom line: keep a pair around for soft, casual days, but don’t rely on them as your only go-to.

Bonus

Lace-up stilettos are...a choice. On one hand, they’re sharp, structured, and definitely make a statement. But honestly? They veer into tasteless territory real quick.

The mix of businessy laces with sky-high pointed heels feels more costume-y than chic. They’re not exactly versatile either: too formal for casual fits, too try-hard for everyday wear. Basically, a pair that looks bold in theory but can be awkward in practice.

Here, you can check out versatile dress styles.