When I don’t know what to wear in the morning, I start with the shoe. Always. Because there’s nothing more frustrating than curating a look, only to realize you don’t have the right pair to ground it. But beyond practicality, a great shoe, especially an unexpected one, can transform even the most basic outfit into something intentional and inspired.
I love the contrast of a heel with a track pant, or a buttery yellow sandal peeking out from under a lavender trouser. It’s in those offbeat combinations that style becomes interesting. Where things feel less “put together” and more personal.
The shoe, to me, is often the point of view. It tells the story. I could be wearing a plain tee and jeans, but if there’s a feathered mule, a faux animal fur heel, or an embellished pump at the bottom of it, the entire look shifts. Suddenly, it’s not just casual. It’s curated.
Designers like Ferragamo, Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, and Tory Burch are masters at this kind of footwear. Their shoes feel directional but wearable, special without being loud. They’re the kinds of pieces that make people stop and ask, “Where did you get those?” And, equally important, they’re comfortable enough to get through a full day in New York.
Of course, there are those pairs that aren’t exactly made for walking—Jaquemus comes to mind. Visually stunning, absolutely. Ideal for long commutes? Not so much. But even those have their place, maybe for a dinner or a shorter day. Because sometimes a shoe is worth the impracticality.
So when in doubt, start at the bottom. Let the shoe lead the way. You’d be surprised how often the rest of the outfit falls perfectly into place.




