I’ve got to be honest. When putting together an outfit in the morning, my favorite part is picking out a pair of shoes that will compliment the ensemble. This single choice can take an outfit from day to night, from flirty to casual, and from professional to “where’s the popcorn?” Sometimes knowing what the best choice is for an occasion can be a little difficult, but with this list, the struggle of picking the perfect footwear will cease to exist.
Dates: ANKLE BOOTIES
As these can go horribly wrong or wonderfully right, the perfect shoe is one that can get you in and out at a quick speed, therefore ankle booties are the best option. They can be dressed up or down, so they’ll work for any venue, and if you have a pair with flat bottoms rather than a heel, impromptu exits become a breeze.
The Knight’s Pub/Knight Library: CONVERSE (The in-expensive kind)
Going out with friends is always fun, but what’s not fun is having your favorite pair of shoes ruined by spilt drinks and sticky floors. In this situation the best shoe is a cheap, ratty pair of sneakers that you’re willing to get messy. This way your toes are more protected than they’d be in sandals and you can also have fun with no worries.
The Gym: ATHLETIC SNEAKERS
The best shoe in this situation is practically obvious, but sometimes people can be oblivious to the obvious. A good quality pair of athletic sneakers is always your best bet when going to the gym. As much as you might hate purchasing them for this alone, your ankles will surely thank you for the support
Grocery Shopping Trip: BALLERINA FLATS
It’s not easy to survive on just instant microwave lunches and popcorn, so visits to the grocery store become absolutely necessary after a while. The perfect shoe for these mandatory outings are ballerina flats as they are not only adorable, but also simple and practical for weekend “adulting” in the produce aisle.
Shopping Trip: GLADIATOR SANDALS
Shopping, real and window alike, is a process and shoes that make that process easier to handle are completely necessary. When trying on new outfits you need a shoes that won’t clash with everything you pick out and skew you’re vision in the mirror. Gladiator sandals are just neutral enough to look good with a mini dress and high waisted denim shorts, making them an obvious choice.
Classes: MOCCASINS
Anyone who’s attended even one college class knows that there is no time to be worried about footwear when you have an exam to study for and project due by 11:59pm. And the size of UCF’s campus calls for comfort be default. As a result, a simple yet still attractive shoe is the best option and moccasins fall neatly into this category.
Rainy Days: WELLINGTON BOOTS
As much fun as it is to walk around campus barefoot when it starts pouring rain, it’s not exactly good for your health nor your feet. Investing in a great pair of wellington boots, aka wellies, aka rain boots is never a bad idea and your feet will thank you. Not to mention the fact that wearing rain boots means you can jump in puddles with reckless abandon! It’s not just for kids!
Disney/Universal Trips: BOAT SHOES
Living in Orlando means visits to the two most well-known amusement parks in the country are bound to occur at some point or another. Just like UCF campus, Disney and Universal are massive and all of the walking can result in sore feet that will ruin the fun with one swift: ouch! This is why boat shoes were the first to come to my mind as the perfect shoe for these visits, not only are they comfy but there is also no need for you to worry when it rains! Bonus!
Tailgating and Sporting Events: SLIP–ON SNEAKERS (Non-athletic Kind)
Unlike going to the gym, tailgating and sporting events don’t actually include physical activity on your part. So instead of an athletic sneaker, try a cute sneaker of the non-athletic variety. That way you fit the occasion, but will still be ready when your BFF takes an impromptu picture of you chatting up that cute Frat brother.
Professional Meetings or Presentations: KITTEN HEELS
There is no harm looking your best when trying to impress someone. Whether it’s your professor during a presentation, or during a meeting with a perspective boss during an interview, being well put together can make all the difference. Thanks to a little thing called gravity not every girl can rock a stiletto or a pump, but every girl can get by with a neat little kitten heel. It’s the perfect mix between a flat and a heel, how can you go wrong?
Concerts: HIGH TOP SNEAKERS (Hidden Heel Optional)
Listening to music is awesome. Listening to live music is even better. But listening to live music while standing the entire time can get tiring fast and it especially doesn’t help if you’re short. Hence a pair of cute high top sneakers with an optional heel on the inside is the perfect choice. Not only do they go with everything, they can also give you an extra boost without you being the girl who chose to wear heels to the concert.
Late Night Snack Runs: FUZZY BOOTS
Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m craving a donut, a pizza, or a smoothie nothing can stop me from leaving my dorm and snatching one up. Since these are usually spontaneous outings, comfy shoes that are easily put on are a must which makes fuzzy boots ala UGG Boots or something of the like the perfect choice.