The DOLCE&GABBANA black Keira crystal embellished bow pumps are a classic designer shoe featuring a sparkling bow detail and a sleek metallic buckle. Set on a table in a dimly lit setting, they are surrounded by the subtle glow of blurred lights and elegant glassware.

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The Dress Edit

Forget The Trends – These Classic Designer Shoes Will Never Go Out Of Style

One of the best things you can do for your closet is to invest in classic designer shoes. Why? As the finishing touch to every outfit, they have the power to make or break your look. With that in mind, making intentional choices when it comes to both the style and quality of your footwear is so important. But don’t fret – I’ve done the hard part for you. I’ve scrolled through thousands of new season styles to bring you the most beautiful, anti-trend footwear out there. And, whether you’re searching for a new pair of timeless black heels to base countless after-dark outfits on, or you need new season flats for work to weekend plans, this edit has you covered. Fair warning – you’re going to want to own every single pair…

A person seated on a concrete bench is wearing CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tatooshka black spiked leather pumps—black pointed-toe high heels with crisscross straps and silver studs. They are dressed in a black skirt and holding a metallic silver handbag.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tatooshka 100 Spiked Leather Pumps

A person wearing a black dress with long sleeves sits on a wooden chair, adjusting a pair of MANOLO BLAHNIK Clotilde tan leather slingback sandals. The focus is on the legs and shoes, set against a light-colored wall and wooden floor in the background.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Clotilde 105 Leather Slingback Sandals

Classic Designer Shoes That Go With Every Dress You Own

One of the main things to consider when investing in classic designer shoes? Can you wear them with the majority of the pieces in your closet? If the answer is yes, you have a great investment on your hands. If not, consider a more subtle colorways or a style you’re more comfortable wearing on both work and weekend days. Personally, I always gravitate towards timeless black and brown hues since they work seamlessly with almost every dress style and color. Need some examples? The Tatooshka 100 spiked leather pumps by Christian Louboutin are some of the most beautiful and versatile pumps I’ve ever seen. Add them to a simple black dress like the Adoni strapless midi by Bardot. Then, compliment both your dress and shoes with the Nano Voyou bow bag by Givenchy.

Meanwhile, if it’s an open-toe style you need, look no further than the Clotide 105 leather slingback sandals by Manolo Blahnik. The ultimate day-to-night heels, they’ll see you stylishly through everything from brunch dates to low-key dinner plans. Finally, compliment these classic tan heels with the Lavender pointelle-knit mini dress by Loveshackfancy and the Vela small woven leather bag by Etro. Both of these will also stay in style for decades to come!

Shop more Classic Designer Shoes selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • CHLOÉ Marcie Snake-Embossed Mary Jane Ballerina Flats

    $790
  • GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Raquel Pointed Crystal Satin Pumps

    $1,250
  • CHLOÉ Polly Leopard Mary Jane Ballerina Flats

    $975
  • FERRAGAMO Lysandra Metallic Patent-Leather Pumps

    $1,190
  • DOLCE&GABBANA Crystal-Embellished Satin Pumps

    $1,495
  • AQUAZZURA Alex Riviere 85 Suede Mules

    $895
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tatooshka 100 Spiked Leather Pumps

    $1,195
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Posticha 80MM Metallic Leather Slingbacks

    $1,045
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Gable 70MM Suede Buckle Mules

    $845
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Rosalie 100 Leather Slingback Sandals

    $895
  • KATE SPADE NEW YORK Marseille Bow Satin Slingback Pumps

    $198
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Nicol is Back Sandal Heels

    $795
  • ALEXANDRE BIRMAN Zoe Slingback Pumps

    $695
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Mamastrapitina Ballerina Flats

    $1,195
  • AQUAZZURA So Nude Leather Sandals

    $795
  • GUCCI Signoria Slingback Pumps

    $1,150
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Just Nothing Patent Leather Mules

    $695
  • PRADA Printed Leather Slingback Pumps

    $1,450
  • AQUAZZURA Mayor 35 Mary Jane Pumps

    $1,250
  • SAINT LAURENT Barbara 90 Mules

    $975
  • SAINT LAURENT Norma 90 Pumps

    $945
  • CIRCUS NY BY SAM EDELMAN Lindley Ballet Flats

    $90
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Clotilde 105 Leather Slingback Sandals

    $845
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Sardina 105 Suede Slingback Sandals

    $925

Classic Designer Shoes You'll Want To Wear On Repeat

All the best classic designer shoes have two main qualities. Number one, a timeless design that means you can wear them with countless outfits. Number two, that extra special something that makes you want to reach for them again and again. For me, heels like the Posticha 80mm metallic leather slingbacks by Christian Louboutin combine these qualities seamlessly. The classic pointed-toe and slingback style has always been and will forever be in style. Meanwhile, the silver hue adds an element of glamour to every dress I pair them with. Speaking of which, I’ll be slipping into these heels with the short-sleeve ruffled tulle mini dress by Mac Duggal and the Monaco mini bag by Balenciaga on repeat this party season.

Finally, the Sardinia 105 suede slingback sandals by Manolo Blahnik are the only pair of designer black sandalss you’ll ever need. Therefore, simply grab an evening bag and a little black dress (preferably the Calypso mini leather wallet bag by Saint Laurent and the Mary Kate mini by Lovers and Friends). Then, prepare for a night of endless compliments.

Shop All Classic Designer Shoes

Seated on a chair, the individual showcases the CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Posticha silver metallic slingback pumps that exude the elegance of classic designer footwear. White stockings perfectly complement the ensemble, with legs gracefully crossed against a plain white floor backdrop.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Posticha 80MM Metallic Leather Slingbacks

A person is wearing the MANOLO BLAHNIK Sardina 105 Suede Slingback Sandals, a classic designer pair of black high-heeled strappy sandals, along with a cream-colored skirt. They carry a black bag adorned with white polka dots while standing against a plain white wall and polished concrete floor, exuding an effortlessly chic vibe.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Sardina 105 Suede Slingback Sandals

Bored Of Flats? Here's 30 Pairs Of Designer Heels You Can Wear All Day