Why you should always have a pair of black shoes in your closet

Everyone has heard of the "little black dress (LBD)"—the one item that, in a situation where nothing else seems to work, always seems to work. It's time to make room for the black shoe, an equally versatile but sadly much more underappreciated unsung hero of your wardrobe.

 

Shoes used to only shield our feet; today, they also serve as a reflection of our individual style. The timeless allure of the black shoe is evident, despite the fashion trends of red pumps and nude clunks having their moment.

In contrast to other trends, the black shoe is incredibly versatile and goes well with almost any ensemble. Its neutral tone also goes well with almost any color scheme. Black shoes, as opposed to the more colorful options, serve as grounding elements, allowing the other colors in the outfit to take center stage. By adding noir to your collection, you can virtually always find a ready option, which reduces the need for new purchases.

Black shoes transcend seasons, working equally well with summer, fall, and winter trends. Be it a peep-toe in sunny weather, pumps or loafers in the autumn or boots in the colder months, sable toned shoes are timelessly elegant options that both men and women can reach for, without hesitation or much deliberation.

The loyal black shoe takes on a different sheen on formal outfits and office wear. Coming in a variety of styles such as loafers, oxfords, to heels and boots, black is an inclusive colour that caters to a large number of tastes, conservative or flamboyant. Educator Amna Aslam says, "Black shoes are a statement piece in any person's wardrobe, regardless of their gender. In today's day and age, every person should own a comfortable pair of black shoes that can carry them through the day in a stylish way."

Not only is the black shoe an indispensable part of the everyday life of a regular office-goer or university student, it is also the go-to option for stage performers. Think of the famous black loafers Michael Jackson moonwalked in. Or Elvis Presley's iconic black boots. Or even rock 'n roll queen Tina Turner's daring, black peep-toe heels. The examples are endless.

The main vocalist of the up-and-coming Bangladeshi band, Tulkalam, Danny says, "Being a performer, a storyteller, and someone who must exude passion with every move, I have to step out of my comfort zone so many times on stage. The black shoe feels like home. It's low maintenance, and the aesthetics are great, every time."

This article is by no means the first one to talk about the importance of timeless, classic fashion, and neither will it be the last. However understated the accessory may be, it is time to acknowledge the contributions of sable-toned footwear in the world of fashion. As any fashion expert or enthusiast will tell you, it's time for the LBD to move over, and make space for the penultimate underrated knight of fashion — the black shoe.