People In New York Are Wearing These Pretty Shoes With Jeans and Skirts

Kit Keenan Tights blue scarf loafers and socks goyard bag

Photo:

@kitkeenan

Despite New York’s chilly temperatures, the city’s trendsetting women are running errands, heading to the office, and going on first dates dressed in the head-turning looks they’re known for. As a Brooklynite myself, perhaps the most important part of my outfit this time of year are the shoes I choose. When 90% of my ensemble is tucked away under a coat, whatever’s on my feet holds a unique power to set the tone of my look. Whether I’m in jeans or a skirt, I rely on these five pretty shoe styles to help establish the vibe when I want to feel a bit more dressed up. 

For dressy occasions, a pair of heels are the established choice—and women of New York continue to rely on them for times when they want to dress up. A pointed pump is the It silhouette I’ve spotted having dinner at Lilia or for evenings on the town. But, as a more comfortable alternative, I’ve also seen plenty of women opt for slightly-more-walkable wedges, which offer stability on potentially icy sidewalks. I’ve also found that flat shoes can still add a dressy touch, with balletcore-adjacent Mary Janes, loafers, and shiny sneakers taking top spot on the streets of the Lower East Side and Soho these days. Shop my favorite styles to embrace the trends below. 

 

Sharp Heel
a woman in a pair of pumps

Photo:

@fongminliao

A pair of killer pumps are a way to instantly dress up a skirt or a simple pair of jeans. While they're not exactly commuter friendly, for days when you're Ubering to the function, throw on a pair of pointy-toed pumps as the finishing piece of your house.    

A bow detail sets these sweet pumps apart.

Rivet details are a nod to the '00s style.

This sleek slingback works for the office or dressy occasions.

For days when you want to keep it simple.

Dainty Mary Janes
A woman wearing Mary Janes

Photo:

@champagnemani

A pair of Mary Jane flats manage to bridge the often gaping gap between shoes you can walk in and shoes that feel fancy. Invest in a pair of comfortable everyday flats that you can style with a light cotton dress during summer, or jeans and a puffer jacket when the weather is cooler.

Indulge in the texture of velvet.

For something with a bit of flair, try a subtle print.

You can slide your feet into these Mary Janes, no buckling necessary.

Luxe Loafers
A woman wearing leather loafers

Photo:

@kitkeenan

Think of a pair of loafers as outfit Switzerland, they serve as neutral territory. You can rely on them to balance out a more romantic look or add a preppy, tailored touch to relaxed jeans and a sporty jacket. You'll be equally likely to spot them in SOHO or the Upper West Side. 

Slide on these sleek penny loafers.

A horse-bit detail is a preppy touch.

Keep your feet dry (and make a statement) with a lug sole. 

You'll never have to worry about blisters with these elastic loafers.

Wedge
a woman in wedge heels

Photo:

@annalaplaca

Wedges offer a little bit of lift when you're not ready to teeter on heels. Whether you choose a boot with a wedge heel, or winterize a sandal with a bold pair of socks, you can't go wrong with these shoes.

Style these wedges with a bold red sock. 

Statement Sneakers

Photo:

@himichelleli

Skip the all-white sneakers for an unexpected alternative: silver. While it's definitely eye-catching, consider a silver shoe to be a neutral when you're getting dressed. It can go with whatever color you may want to wear, and it's shininess adds a dressy touch to what's usually a casual footwear option.

Style these with a white dress.

If all silver is too much, try subtle touches.

These lace-up sneakers have a timeless silhouette.