Does the minimalist capsule wardrobe mindset apply to footwear? It does, and perhaps it should. The concept of a capsule wardrobe merely means that one’s collection is being edited rather than mindlessly expanded. In that way, capsule wardrobes are trans-categorical. The overstuffed shoe closet – once a marker of abundance – now reads as inefficiency. The current times encourage pondering, mindfulness and afterthought on all topics – high and low. This also translates to a conscious, continuous refinement of our taste, down to the smallest detail. Some would argue that shoes are what make an outfit, though, calling it anything but a detail.
Consider this a stylistic guide to the silhouettes that will carry you through the coming months, figuratively and literally, with cues on the styles and silhouettes to consider. From Derby flats to ballet shoes, but not as we know them, this curated lineup works across the office, evening and everything in between.
The Derby, now in a slim, supple take, is firmly back. An encore of the “modern preppy”, and an antidote to the performative social media trends that can at times feel overpowering, the bright white lace-up Derby from Celine’s Michael Rider is seen everywhere. Cutesy and feminine, it wins us over with its practicality and sartorial panache. For a more heritage-leaning take, consider Repetto’s ballerina-inspired derbies, long favoured by French icons like Jane Birkin.
Pumps score lower on the practicality scale, but the new, softer, rounder silhouette might just warrant the discomfort of a daytime heel. Sleek, sculptural and designed to hug the foot, the Chanel pump dominating our social media feeds scores high on the wishlist, pairing beautifully with, well, everything. Pointed heels are less visible, and we are embracing curvature instead – as seen at Khaite, Toteme and Phoebe Philo, all offering art-piece-like silhouettes that the high street was quick to follow. Unless we are speaking of Saint Laurent, where the pointiness is maxed out – but who doesn’t love a disruptor.
The ballerina flat has taken a slight back seat, but if that is your spring/summer shoe of choice, do not fret. It is considered a fashion evergreen, i.e. something that never really goes out of style. If you were to put a 2026 spin on its silhouette, add a kitten heel. The Australian brand St. Agni Studio, as well as Berlin-based Aeyde, have built a loyal customer base in the GCC, offering styles that complement both travel and office-core wardrobes.
And then, the unexpected: the leather sock boot. Perhaps not the most obvious warm weather choice, but entirely viable in the right context – late evenings, heavily air-conditioned interiors, or as a deliberate fashion statement, tossing practicality to the wind, in contrast to lighter fabrics. Here, material matters, and supple leather, satin and mesh are non-negotiable. The Row has the Stella boot, and Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios and Dear Frances offer equally enticing variations, all leaning into that second-skin quality. The industry has deemed them a warm-weather choice and an all-year-round commercial offering. Juxtaposed by stylists with raw materials like linen and premium cotton, we see the vision.
To clarify, a minimal shoe wardrobe does not imply a strictly monochromatic or unadorned approach. It simply means that, with a bit of my-wardrobe-versus-market-trends soul searching, it becomes easier to recalibrate our needs and regain trust in our own taste when curating a well-rounded wardrobe. It is not about minimalist aesthetics as such, but rather an observant mindset. With that in mind, there is plenty of room for full-throttle maximalism in your SS26 shoe closet. No shoe column worthy of its name is complete without an ongoing homage to Jonathan Anderson’s take on archival Dior, and the Aurore heeled sandal is bordering on collector ’s-item status.
