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Spring has arrived in full bloom in North Carolina the last few weeks. Seth and I have taken so many mornings and evening walks, enjoying the calm and beautiful landscaping throughout our new neighborhood. The cherry blossoms are fragrant, and trees are once again cloaked in new leaves.

It truly is such a special time of year.

Perhaps it’s the weather, or maybe the space and time we’ve all been given, or even more likely the unpacking that has been happening; but I’ve found myself so happily going through my spring and summer wardrobe, and seeing what pieces are missing and what is getting a bit too worn. As we’ve moved every year or two, and our closets keep getting smaller and smaller as our homes get more and more charming (read: old), I’ve adopted a sort of style practical minimalism.

I’m sure I’m using the term a bit wrong, but my approach is to have a small wardrobe filled with pieces I adore. I don’t buy anything I don’t love. ‘Like’ should never cut it with the things we purchase. And I want to be mindful of the pieces I invest in. They need to be both beautiful and practical – especially when it comes to shoes!

Because I have such limited space, I’ve learned to be extra mindful when it comes to shoes for a specific season. And so, for today, I’ve collected the four styles of shoes I made certain are in my closet for the spring and summer. These are the styles that will go with everything, be perfect for any occasion, and are as classic and elegant as I could hope for.

1. Espadrilles

These are perhaps my very favorite of all my summer shoes. It’s a style that has been around for a few thousand years, so you never have to worry about them falling out of style by the time fall rolls around. A cream wedge espadrille that laces up around my ankles is my personal choice. It’s easily worn with a dress, vintage light washed jeans and a romantic blouse, or even a more structured short if you want your legs to look extra long. I also love a flat espadrille for traveling or the days where a wedge feels a bit too much.

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2. Tennis Shoes

A lighter pair of tennis shoes – white, cream, light grey, or even a soft blush, are one of my favorite year-round pair of shoes. I suggest investing a bit more into these because you will likely wear them many times every single month, and you’ll want something that lasts and won’t need to be replaced quickly. And while you can, of course, wear these with shorts or a lighter wash denim, they’re also darling paired with a summer dress for a more casual look. This also makes for a wonderful travel outfit as you’re wandering through a vineyard in Italy or along the Seine in Paris, or perhaps sipping sangria in Spain, and so on.

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3. Sandals

This is the most basic of spring and summer shoes, and one you’ll want to be sure is in wonderful condition. Mine are wearing a bit thin and I’m loving all the beautiful choices for this season to replace my older pair. When it comes to sandals, I prefer delicate straps that tie around my ankles. This lengthens your legs and I also find them to be a bit more comfortable. For a dressier option, choose a strappy sandal with a short heel. And, like all 4 of the styles you should have for the spring/summer season, these can easily be worn with anything in your closet. If you’re wanting to lengthen your legs, choose a sandal color close to or slightly lighter than your skin tone. This keeps your body from being visually ‘broken up’ when hem line is shorter than ankle length.  

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Neutral Flat

And finally, from the most obvious of Spring and Summer shoes to the most frequently overlooked – a neutral flat. These are simple, chic, and easy to throw on with dresses and shorts alike. I always keep these at the front of my closet for the days when I don’t feel like bothering with straps and ties, or when I want a more minimal look. To add a bit of visual interest and a nod to the season, I always prefer a woven pair of flats.

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May our closets this Spring and Summer be simple and beautiful, with pieces we love and shoes that are as functional as they are pretty!