5 SHOE STYLES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN THIS SEASON

Some shoe styles are just fashionable no matter the season or era. Do you have these staples in your wardrobe?

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Before we break down our five picks, keep in mind two things:

Always spend a little extra money on shoes than you would on clothes and, where possible, buy genuine leather. You're a lot harder on your shoes than you think and most people notice your shoes first.

Just like bras, the same shoes shouldn't be worn every day. Rotate your shoe collection so your shoes last a lot longer than if you wore the same pair regularly.

Five shoes that will never go out of style

The white sneaker
When in doubt, throw on a pair of white sneakers. These classic shoes instantly add a contemporary edge and can make dowdy or dated looks appear more polished. If you're not sure of the style of sneaker to go for, aim for a low-cut, minimalist silhouette, like that of Reebok's Club C 85s. If you prefer a chunkier look, the streetwear favourite Nike Air Force 1s might be more up your alley. If you're worried about white sneakers getting dirty, avoid canvas shoes as they wear-and-tear more easily.

How to style it: For a smart-casual look, pair white sneakers with a turtleneck, blazer and slim-leg chinos. For a chic, off-duty look, pair with a plain white T-shirt and blue denim straight-leg jeans for maximum style points. Brunch with the girls? Throw on a graphic tee and a midi skirt.

The block heel
It looks like the block heel is here to stay and women across the globe are rejoicing. The perfect combination of form and function, block heels can take you from the office to after-work drinks with ease. There are many styles, from chunky to structured, so it's all about what you feel most comfortable in.

How to style it: Block heels work best with cropped pants and midi skirts and dresses. If you have a colourful pair, make them pop by keeping the rest of your outfit neutral.

The classic loafer
When you're not in the mood to wear a heeled shoe but the occasion calls for something smarter than sandals or sneakers, loafers are ideal. Think of them as an upgrade to ballet-style pumps, which have lost their appeal in recent years.

How to style it: To achieve a classy French-girl look, pair your loafers with a monochromatic striped top, jeans and a trench coat. For more drama, go for all-black sophistication by wearing your loafers with straight-leg leather pants.

The black ankle boot
There's a reason black ankle boots make a yearly appearance the moment the seasons change. Many women favour a practical, versatile boot with a low heel that is smart and trendy enough to go from office to after-work drinks. Plus, they're comfortable! There are many ankle-boot styles available but if you're unsure where to start, aim for a sleek leather pair without too many embellishments.

How to style it: For a casual look, pair your ankle boots with skinny jeans and a chunky knit. They'll work just as well with a dress or skirt, but the trick is to make sure the hem doesn't fall below the top of the boot.

The over-the-knee boot
Over-the-knee boots are not only super stylish, but their longer length provides much-needed warmth and coverage on super-cold days. If you're not sold on the black leather look, you can still give a nod to the trend with a more-pared back style, such as a suede pair in a toasty brown colour.

How to style it: When it comes to wearing them with a dress or skirt, make sure the hem doesn't fall below the top of the boots as it can make your proportions appear bulky. Over-the-knee boots also work well over jeans – opt for skinnies to avoid the denim bunching up at the top of the boots.