7 Shoes in My Closet That Go With Everything

There’s a graveyard section in my closet. Shoes I loved in theory—shoes that looked great in the store, maybe even made it into an outfit or two—but somehow, never seemed to match anything when it came time to get dressed. They’re not offensive enough to donate, but they don’t exactly earn their keep either. And every spring, when the weather turns and closets get their seasonal shuffle, I’m reminded how much easier life is when you’ve got those few go-to pairs—the shoes that go with everything and leave no room for regret.

They’re the ones I pack without thinking twice, the pairs that rotate between office days, dinners out, weekend errands, and summer events without missing a beat. Some are so worn in they’ve outlived trends entirely. Others are more recent additions, but they earned their place because they work with almost everything I already own. That’s what I look for in shoes that go with everything: not flash, but longevity.

Start Spring and Summer with a Neutral Foundation

When I say neutral, I don’t just mean beige or tan. I mean any pair that blends seamlessly into your wardrobe, whatever your color palette might be. For me, this includes classic black sandals, white leather sneakers, and the occasional metallic flat—simple shades, nothing screaming for attention, but always polished enough to finish an outfit properly.

It’s tempting every year to add something new and bold, but I’ve learned that building a strong base of shoes that go with everything actually frees me up to experiment elsewhere—whether it’s trying out a printed maxi dress or pulling an old pair of wide-leg pants out of retirement. The shoes don’t need to be the focal point; they need to hold everything together.

Leather Sandal

There’s a reason leather sandals stay in rotation, no matter what’s trending. They’re sturdy enough to get you through long, sweaty days without looking too casual, and they can transition from beach trips to city streets without missing a step. For spring and summer, I always have one pair of strappy leather sandals, usually in a tan or soft brown shade that works with denim, linen, or anything in between.

What makes these shoes that go with everything is how clean and minimal the design is. No unnecessary hardware, no exaggerated shapes. I prefer flat soles or maybe a subtle platform—not so high they become impractical, but enough to lift the outfit slightly. And unlike synthetic options, leather ages well. Scuffs and creases don’t ruin them; they give them character.

Leather Sneakers

There’s a specific kind of white sneaker that checks all the boxes. Smooth leather, a streamlined silhouette, and no thick soles or oversized logos. It’s the type of sneaker that can be worn with trousers and a blazer without looking like you’re headed to the gym, but still pairs as easily with cutoff shorts or a sundress.

I’ve cycled through several brands, but the formula is always the same. A low profile keeps them versatile. Crisp leather makes them easy to wipe clean (essential if they’re going to double as your walking shoes and your dress-up shoes). And the shape needs to stay sleek—no chunky soles that might tip too far into trend territory.

These sneakers are the definition of shoes that go with everything because they handle all the heavy lifting. I’ve worn them with jeans and a white tee, then thrown them on later that night with a slip skirt and structured jacket. There’s never a second thought involved.

Nude Flats

It took me years to realize that a good nude flat isn’t about finding the exact Pantone shade of your skin tone—it’s about finding a shape and finish that disappears into the background, letting everything else you’re wearing shine. I like a classic almond-toe flat in soft leather or suede, nothing glossy or overly embellished. The color should lean neutral but still have depth—not so pale it reads stark, not so dark it competes with the rest of the outfit.

What makes nude flats one of the most reliable shoes that go with everything is how quietly they work. They bridge the gap between dressy and casual without ever feeling out of place. If I’m wearing cropped jeans, a silk midi skirt, or even tailored shorts, they hold their own. And they’ve saved me from many mornings where nothing else in my closet felt right.

A Basic Pair of Slides

Slides fall in and out of fashion regularly, but a pared-back leather pair stays immune to that cycle. I usually keep one pair in black or brown leather with a wide strap and minimal detailing—basically something you could wear to brunch or to the beach and not feel out of place in either scenario.

What makes them a contender for shoes that go with everything is how effortless they feel. I’ve worn mine with lightweight trousers, denim cutoffs, flowy maxi dresses, and every possible variation in between. If you live somewhere warm, they quickly become an everyday default, especially when you don’t feel like wrestling with ankle straps or buckles.

Espadrilles

Some shoes hover on the edge of seasonal clichés, but espadrilles have earned their keep because they actually do serve a purpose. The woven sole and canvas upper give them breathability that’s perfect for summer, while the neutral tones make them easy to pair with just about anything. I prefer a classic wedge or flat with thin ankle ties—nothing too thick or platformed.

They fill the gap when you want something sturdier than a sandal but less structured than a sneaker. And because they’re inherently a little casual, they lend themselves well to relaxed outfits—linen dresses, breezy skirts, cotton shorts. That’s why I consider them part of the shoes that go with everything arsenal: they’re unpretentious, functional, and always in the right place.

Metallic Flats

A silver or gold flat might not scream neutral at first glance, but after wearing them for years, I’d argue they function exactly like one. They’re the pair you pull when you don’t feel like defaulting to black but still want something understated. Unlike bold colors or prints, metallic tones catch light without clashing.

I prefer metallic flats with a subtle finish—more matte than mirror-shine—and a classic cut, like a pointed-toe mule or a ballet-inspired silhouette. The reason I keep them in the shoes that go with everything category is simple: they’re one of the few non-basic options that still manage to match almost everything I own. They’re the finishing touch when the rest of your outfit is solid basics and you want one element to feel intentional.

Minimal Block Heel

If there’s one thing that consistently earns space in my closet, it’s a block-heeled sandal. Nothing towering, nothing overdesigned—just a simple ankle strap, a low to mid-height heel, and a neutral tone. I lean toward black or beige, but the shape is more important than the color. It’s clean, unassuming, and works with everything from dresses to cropped trousers.

What puts these firmly in the shoes that go with everything category is their ability to pull double duty. They dress up enough for weddings or dinners, but they’re stable enough for walking several city blocks without regretting your choices. I’ve worn mine to rooftop parties, grocery runs, and meetings, all in the same week.

The older I get, the less tolerance I have for shoes that require mental gymnastics to style. If I need to build an entire outfit around one pair, they’re not worth the real estate. Every spring and summer, I revisit the same criteria: comfort, simplicity, and versatility. The shoes that go with everything aren’t necessarily the flashiest, but they’re the ones I instinctively reach for because I know they’ll work.