We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. Glitzy Steve Madden flat sandals for anyone who knows that every single outfit — even just a tee and shorts — is better when you slide on some sparkle.
Promising review: "Such a great option for dressy comfort! Took about 30 min to break in, and now they fit like a glove. So sparkly!" —Jend777
Get them from Steve Madden for $99.95 (available in sizes 5–12 and in three colors) or Nordstrom for $99.95 (available in sizes 5–8.5). You can also get a version with a slightly thicker sole from DSW.
2. Blue velvet oxfords that are almost too chic to be allowed. Truly — in the words of JVN, who gave you permission? Put these on with a striped tee and jeans, and I might faint from fabulousness.
These beauties are handmade in Greece!
Promising review: "These shoes are amazing! So cute and exactly like they’re pictured. I got the vegan leather, and it’s very soft and supple, very comfortable. They are a more slender fit which is great for me. Very pleased!!" —Courtney Johnson
Get them from Aeliasandals on Etsy for $111 (available in sizes 4–11 and with vegan or real leather lining and in red here).
3. Versace dupe platform heels designed specifically for strutting like you mean it. Free 👏 your 👏 mind 👏.
Promising review: "I’ve been wanting the Versace ones but obviously can’t afford them. I saw a TikToker share these, so I snatched them up immediately. I’m in love!!! I’m a 5.5 in heels, so I got the 5, and they fit perfectly. They are pretty comfy, too, which is nice. I’m thinking about getting them in different colors now." —Courtney Van Court
Get them from Amazon for $48.88+ (available in sizes 4–10.5 and 10 colors).
4. Or for a similar result but a bit more edge, Balenciaga dupe embellished stiletto boots so you can embrace your inner rockstar without a rockstar budget.
5. Stunning square-toe studded bow flats that are a *very* chic upgrade to the basic ballets you rocked in high school. Blair Waldorf would be DROOLING.
6. Platform Keds x Rifle Paper Co. sneakers to literally and figuratively elevate Every. Single. Outfit.
7. Platform oxfords that could pass for designer. You can pop 'em on any time you're tempted to just wear your go-to sneakers for a much more polished look.
Promising review: "I love these shoes!!! I don't typically write long reviews, but I really love that I bought these. I bought them a week before a trip to Iceland and France with no time to break them in. They were great! It was rainy in Iceland, and I wore these everywhere — they still look great, and the platform kept me elevated enough that I never worried about puddles or anything getting my feet wet. I wore those on all the little sightseeing stops waking through dirt and lava fields. Comfy like a sneaker, but better looking. They elevated casual outfits — like navy capris and a white tee — to be a little more sophisticated-looking, which came out great in photos. I can wear these with no-show socks and without socks. With no-show socks they are roomy enough that I had no rub. I also had a stranger or two compliment me on my cool shoes. Overall, super awesome and a great value." —Justina Pfister
Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes 5–10 and in11 colors).
8. Yeehaw-worthy western-inspired mules complete with glitzy stars that'll have your straight-leg jeans and midi skirts feeling all, well, starstruck.
9. Gorgeous and Gucci-esque mules here to give you serious bang for you buck(le) and make your plain flats weep with jealousy as they get shoved to the back of your closet.
Promising review: "Wow, what a steal. These look great. Good value and quality, true to size, and comfortable. Highly recommend a good slip-on shoe; perfect for summertime in the workplace or to tie your outfit together at brunch. I want them in black now, too." —LC
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and in 10 colors and prints).
10. Or a pointy-toe version in a texture you'll be so excited to ~croc~ several times a week.
11. Absolutely stunning MISMATCHED!!!! metallic sandals with trendy sculptural heels to turn your tootsies into walking art. And don't worry, they're also available in plenty of other single-color versions if you're not ready to take a walk on such a wild side.
Promising review: "A shoe collector's fantasy! These are show stoppers, and the material is comfortable with decent cushioning. They are mostly short distance shoes, and be mindful of the sharp edges on the heels when you cross your legs. Having said that, you're buying these for the statement, and they do fulfill the promise. The green is just fabulous." —Lanna
Get them from Amazon for $90 (available in sizes 5–11 and in six colors) or Zappos for $54.89 (originally $90; available in sizes 5–11 and six colors).
12. Woven slides I'm begging you to pair with an oversized button-down, high-waisted denim shorts, a very oversized hat, and a very oversized tote to match so you can live out our collective coastal grandmother fantasy.
Get them from Asos for $40 (available in sizes 4–11).
13. Stylish and slouchy faux-suede heeled boots boasting a soft lining and such hardcore Serena van der Woodsen energy, you wouldn't even mind Gossip Girl spotting you in 'em. These paired with a dress = transitional weather perfection.
Promising review: "Mind blown at the quality and comfort 👍🏼. I usually wear a 5.5 but sometimes order a 6 in boots to accommodate for my athletic calves. The 6 is a little too big; however, these are the absolute most comfortable boots I’ve ever ordered. I’ll use a sole insert to help with the fit. The quality of these boots is outstanding — close comparison to my $800 designer boots! I’m absolutely shocked and pleasantly surprised! There is also a super soft interior finish that makes these great for wearing barefoot. The blue in the photos is a bit brighter than what they look like in person. I will be ordering additional colors! Outstanding!" —Amanda S. Battistoni
Get them from Amazon for $64.88+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 14 colors).
14. Sleek, splurgeworthy, sustainable, and stretchy sneakers (try saying that three times fast) that'll replace your major brand name sneaks the second you first slip 'em on.
This Taiwanese American-owned small business specializes in sustainable footwear. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass loves hers! She writes: "These sneakers from Avre are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. I've had them for almost two years now, and I wear them all the time. Since they're made of knit fabric, they stretch right onto your foot and are super comfortable. Plus, the chunky heel adds a bit of extra style. I mostly wear them with leggings and joggers (because that’s what I live in), but I have worn them with jeans, too. They do run big, so I would size down a half size. I also love that they’re made from recycled water bottles, as I’ve been trying to be a little more conscious with my purchases."
Get them from Avre for $145 (available in sizes 5–10 and in five colors).
15. Elegant braided grosgrain mules by fan-fave brand Dolce Vita that would be perfect to wear to a wedding — your own, as a guest, or as a bridesmaid. And then you can wear them again and again, on every dinner date ever!
16. Effortlessly chic metallic leather slip-on sandals that are handmade in Greece from leather and recyclable rubber and sure to become your new warm weather go-to's once you finish ~Greek~ing out over the gorgeous craftsmanship.
Promising review: "These sandals are gorgeous, well-constructed, and comfortable from what I can tell so far! They don’t seem to need to be broken in but feel like they will become even better with some wear. I’m very happy with them!" —aeharleson
Get them from KionasSandals on Etsy for $66.01 (available in sizes 34–43 and in four colors).
17. Wonderfully '90s-tastic chunky Mary Janes complete with glitzy buckles and the vibes of the shoes you really wanted at the mall in sixth grade but your mom wouldn't let you get because they were "impractical."
18. Downright iconic sequined lace-up booties that are essentially badass energy in shoe form, and make it physically impossible to have a boring outfit.
Promising reviews: "Hey, all my size 10 divas! Listen, you want this bootie! The fit is super comfy, and it really is a size 10! You know the struggle, we purchase a 10 only to see that it fits like every bit of a 9! Lol! I originally purchased a size 11 because I thought it might run small, but I was pleasantly surprised that the fit is true to size! So I returned it for a 10. They are GORGEOUS! The heel is high, maybe about 4.5 to 5 inches, but with the platform, they are easy to walk in. Trust me, you'll love them! So like I said, no buts, just buy them and thank me later! Size 10 diva out! 😉" —Lady G
"Flyness. These boots gave me my whole life." —SanTigsha Pickett
Get them from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and in two styles).
19. Pretty bow-topped sandals featuring a more than manageable block heel you'll actually find to be — *gasp* — comfy for spending hours out on the town. Or heck, even with jeans for work or brunch.
20. Stiletto-heeled thigh-high boots, because you don't need to splurge on a Stuart Weitzman pair to get this fashion influencer-worthy look that instantly makes an old pair of skinny jeans or leggings ~fancy~.
4Twenty4 is a Black woman-owned boutique based in Seattle that stocks all kinds of chic-but-affordable fashion finds.
Get them from 4Twenty4 for $65 (available in sizes 6.5–9).
21. Full-on swoonworthy Betsey Johnson velvet combat boots complete with a shocking pink ribbon and brilliantly extra jeweled buckle so you can live out your material girl dreams.
And don't worry, they've got a side zip so you don't have to deal with lacing them up every time!
Get them from Betsey Johnson for $99 (available in sizes 6–10 and in two colors and prints).
22. Posh 'n' polished Franco Sarto low-heeled, faux-patent loafer pumps that can be a staple for work, but also dates, brunches, parties, or any occasion where you wanna give your 'fit a hit of classically chic vibes.
23. Smileworthy bedazzled sneakers with translucent soles you ~clearly~ need to complete your fabulous athleisure look (or even pair with a sundress).
Get them from Aldo for $98 (available in sizes 5–11 and in two colors).
24. Gorgeous colorful striped slingbacks sure to have your plain pumps banished to the back of your closet.
Promising review: "I was hopeful these cute, colorful shoes would fit my (slightly) wide, size 10 or 11 feet and THEY DO!!! They’re comfortable for an evening even, but wearing them all day was too much for me. They were well packaged and are more well-made than I expected. I'm very impressed and I’d totally recommend these heels!" —Margaret Green
Get them from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in sizes 4–13 and in 11 styles, including some with a chunky heel).
25. Embellished strap, pointy-toe Mary Janes you're sure to get your money's worth out of, because I'm struggling to think of something they wouldn't look cute with. Dresses? Check. Jeans? Indeed. Your go-to work slacks? You bet. Your birthday suit as you dance naked to old Miley Cyrus around your room? Sure, you do you.
Get them from Anthropologie for $140 (available in sizes 36–41 and in three colors).
26. Gorgeous emerald knotted mule heels that'll bring dresses, cropped trousers, and even slouchy boyfriend jeans to life — not to mention make your friends, followers, and all the other footwear in your closet ~green~ with envy.
They're from a Black woman–owned, Houston-based small business!
Promising review: "These shoes were comfortable to wear for the entire evening after the initial stretch to fit my foot. Love the color and they are super cute!" —Nadine S.
Get them from Lilly's Kloset for $48 (available in sizes 5.5–8 and in tan in sizes up to 11 here).
27. Strappy and sexy high-heeled sandals, aka the finishing touch all the cocktail dresses and jumpsuits in your wardrobe are crying out for. Can't you hear them?
Get them from Express for $46.80 (originally $78; available in sizes 5–10).
28. '70-esque and autumnal Sam Edelman corduroy Mary Jane slingback heels just begging to be paired with wide-leg jeans the second fall arrives.
Promising review: "Perfect jeans shoe. I have narrow feet, so the buckle was extremely beneficial. I wore these out with jeans and a sweater in NYC and found that these shoes helped with that extra spice of style without breaking the bank." —MrsJen
Get them from Anthropologie for $140 (available in sizes 5–11 and in two styles). You can also get the same shoe in several colors of patent on Amazon.
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