The 5 pairs below include platform loafers that add height without the wobble, heels in shapes you do not see on every block, suede high-tops that read more grown-up than canvas, red ankle boots that do the work of a statement necklace, and studded black suede ankle boots that split the difference between tough and polished, so the shoe that goes with anything in your closet depends on whether you need to balance volume, stop a narrow pant hem, or punctuate a neutral wardrobe.
Each one earned its place by solving a specific styling problem rather than by playing it safe.
1. Platform Loafers
Platform loafers take the reliability of a classic and give it enough height to read as intentional.
The gold chain detail on this pair keeps them from looking like borrowed menswear, which matters when your outfit is built from pieces you already own and you need the shoe to pull its weight.
I would wear these with the slouchy tee and palazzo pants the shape demands: the platform needs the volume to balance, and the pant hem should sit high enough to show the full shoe.
White socks against black leather is a choice that works here because the chain picks up the same tone; without that echo, the sock reads accidental.
2. Uncommon Heels
Ankle strap heels usually play it safe, but a block heel in olive green with a platform base is the kind of oddity that solves problems.
The color is muted enough for daily wear yet specific enough that no one else in the room will be wearing it.
These pair cleanly with skinny jeans because the ankle strap creates a hard stop that a narrow pant needs; the platform keeps the pitch walkable for someone who is not used to heels.
For a bolder move, a colorful skirt works because the shoe’s quirk matches rather than competes. I would keep the top simple in either case: the shoe is doing enough.
3. Suede High-Tops
Suede high-tops in a dark brown tone sit at the rare intersection where a sneaker reads as finished rather than casual.
The Velcro closure keeps the line cleaner than laces would, which matters when the shoe has to hold up against a long coat.
White jeans and a gray overcoat is the combination that lets the suede texture do its work; the light pant against dark shoe creates the kind of contrast that looks considered rather than accidental.
For someone building from neutrals already owned, this is the pair that bridges weekend and weekday without demanding its own wardrobe.
I would check the ankle height against your jean hem before buying: cropped is the only length that works here, and a full-length pant will hide the shoe that is meant to show.
4. Red Ankle Boots
Red ankle boots function as the outfit’s punctuation. The pointed toe keeps them sharp, and the suede catches light differently than leather would, which is worth noticing when you are planning around a color this saturated.
A camel cape and black dress is the autumn combination that lets the boot do its job without competition. Cropped jeans achieve the same effect: the ankle opening creates a frame.
These are not a background shoe; they are what you build toward. If your closet runs neutral, this is the pair that justifies the space.
5. Studded Black Suede Ankle Boots
Studded black suede ankle boots with a thick block heel and gold hardware along the toe platform take a familiar silhouette and add just enough aggression to read deliberate rather than safe.
The stud placement is specific: following the platform edge rather than scattered, which keeps the effect controlled.
The heel height is substantial, so check your pant hem before committing; a boot this heavy needs to be fully visible or fully hidden, and anything in between will break your line.
I would wear these with straight-leg denim or a midi skirt that hits at the stud line, letting the hardware do its work without shouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some shoes that can be styled with anything?
Platform loafers, suede high-tops, and studded black suede ankle boots each fill this role depending on what your wardrobe looks like.
A platform loafer with a gold chain detail pulls together slouchy tees and palazzo pants without looking like borrowed menswear.
Which type of shoes are best for everything?
There is no single shoe that handles every situation, but platform loafers come closest for daily wear. The height makes them intentional rather than apologetic, and the chain detail keeps them from reading as menswear.
They need volume to balance, so pair with palazzo pants or a wider leg, and let the pant hem sit high enough to show the full shoe.
