If you’re getting your fall wardrobe ready, don’t go buy a bunch of new shoes just yet.

Instead, let’s talk about the six pairs of shoes I think will get you through basically anything and everything you might have on your fall calendar.

I’ve always been a big believer in having a closet full of pieces that you actually wear, and shoes are no exception. You don’t need 15 pairs of fall shoes sitting in your closet. You need a handful of versatile styles that work with the clothes you already own and can take you from everyday outfits to dressier occasions.

These are the six I would make sure you have.

1. An Elevated Boot

If you’re shopping, try THESE Steve Madden ones!

First up, an elevated boot.

This is my go-to style, and I have several different versions in my closet, including brown suede and black leather.

Look for a boot with an elongated toe. It instantly makes the shoe feel a little more classy and elevated, and it works really well with everything from jeans to trousers to dresses.

But here’s the important part: keep the heel short and walkable.

I love a good heel, but if I’m buying an everyday fall boot, I want to actually be able to walk around in it. A short heel gives you that polished look without sacrificing comfort.

Wear these with:

• Straight-leg or wide-leg jeans
• Trousers
• Midi skirts
• Fall dresses
• Leggings and a longer coat

This is probably the most versatile boot in your fall wardrobe.

2. A Great Loafer

If you’re shopping, THESE Quince ones are my choice!

QUINCE SWEATER | QUINCE JEANS | QUINCE LOAFER

Next, you need a good loafer.

I love a neutral color with an interesting detail because it makes them feel a little more special than a basic black loafer, but they’re still incredibly easy to wear.

A good loafer can make almost any outfit feel more elevated without actually making you feel overdressed.

And that’s exactly why I love them.

Throw them on with jeans and a sweater, wear them with trousers for the office, or pair them with a skirt or dress when you want something a little less expected than a boot.

If you’re not sure what kind of fall shoe to buy next, a loafer is a really good place to start.

3. A Versatile Sneaker

If you’re shopping, choose THESE super affordable Walmart ones!

I am very much a sneakers girl, but even if you’re not, I think everyone needs one good pair of sneakers in their closet.

They’re just incredibly versatile for casual outfits.

I love the color combinations, the contrasting soles, and the matching laces. And one of these pairs has arch support, which makes it especially great when you’re going to be on your feet all day.

The key here is finding a sneaker that feels intentional enough to wear with your everyday clothes, rather than something you only reach for when you’re working out.

Wear them with:

• Jeans and a sweater
• Wide-leg pants
• Casual dresses
• Leggings
• Joggers
• Your everyday mom uniform

Basically, if you want a shoe you can throw on and go, this is it.

4. A Chelsea Boot

My go-to favorite are THESE Nordstrom Rack ones!

A Chelsea boot is more of a cool-weather staple for me, but as we head into fall, it’s absolutely worth having one in your closet.

And if you’re somewhere that gets snow and ice, this is where I’d look for a lug sole.

The lug sole gives you more traction and makes the boot much more practical when the weather gets messy.

But you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. A Chelsea boot still looks great with jeans, trousers, leggings, and casual dresses.

Think of this as your I need to walk through actual weather today shoe.

5. Ballet Flats

If you’re looking for a good pair, try THESE Dolce Vita chocolate brown flats with a gold detail!

WALMART JACKET | ABERCROMBIE TANK | QUINCE JEANS | DOLCE VITA FLATS

When you want something a little more elevated but don’t want to wear a heel, you need a pair of ballet flats.

I love having these as an alternative to sneakers or loafers when I want an outfit to feel a little more feminine or polished.

They’re especially good with cropped or ankle-length pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses.

And because they’re flat, they’re an easy option for days when you want your outfit to look dressier but you know you’re going to be on your feet.

A good ballet flat can also be a really nice way to break up all the boots and sneakers you’ll inevitably be wearing all fall.

6. One Pair of Heels

If you’re looking for a pair, these Sam Edelman ones are SO good!

WALMART JACKET | TANK DRESS | SAM EDELMAN MULES

Finally, you need one pair of heels.

You don’t need five different styles. You don’t need a closet full of shoes that only come out twice a year.

Just have one really great pair of heels that you love and can reach for when you need to dress up.

This burgundy croc mule is the pair I’ve been reaching for the most lately. The burgundy is such a beautiful fall color, and the croc texture makes them feel extra special.

The mule silhouette is also very on trend right now, but if that’s not your thing, I’d stick with a classic pump or another timeless heel that you know you’ll wear.

Think weddings, date nights, dinners, parties, or any time you just want to feel a little more dressed up.

So, What Shoes Do You Actually Need for Fall?

If you want to keep your fall shoe collection simple, I’d start with these six:

1. Elevated boot
For everyday outfits when you want to look polished.

2. Loafer
For an easy, elevated alternative to sneakers.

3. Versatile sneaker
For casual everyday outfits and lots of walking.

4. Chelsea boot
For cooler weather, snow, ice, and generally terrible weather.

5. Ballet flat
For when you want something feminine and polished without a heel.

6. One pair of heels
For dinners, events, weddings, and dressier occasions.

You really can build a pretty complete fall shoe wardrobe from these six categories.

And the best part? You will actually wear them.

Rather than buying a new pair every time you have somewhere to go, build a collection of versatile shoes that work with the clothes already hanging in your closet. You’ll have something to wear for basically every occasion, without having to store 37 pairs of shoes you never reach for.

I hope this helps you figure out what you actually need for fall! I’ve linked my favorites below, plus some great alternatives in each category.