By embracing a silhouette that is instantly recognizable as a classic pump, but eschewing basic black leather, these shoes have all the versatility of your workday favorites plus a little something extra. Every one of these investment-worthy pumps can go to work, when paired with an appropriate ensemble. But, you won’t feel the least bit bored thanks to a little twist that’s unique to that particular shoe.
First up, the fashionista favorite Saint Laurent Elaphe Pump. The twist? A funky zebra-print snakeskin. Zebras and snakes look great together… who knew?
→ Buy the Saint Laurent Zebra Print Elaphe Pump, $795.00, at net-a-porter.com.
These leather pumps recreate Vince’s best-selling d’Orsay flats, but with a heel. The high vamp is unusual for a pump these days, with “toe cleavage” being the more popular approach. The juxtaposition of the unexpectedly modest cut of the vamp with the d’Orsay cutouts is striking.
→ Buy the Vince Claire Choked Up d’Orsay Pump, $375.00, at saks.com.
A neon-bright isn’t all that hard to come by in a throwaway party pump, but in a designer shoe it’s a little more difficult to find. The combination of a rich shade of sunshine yellow and luxe lizard-embossed leather makes these Manolo Blahnik pumps completely work worthy.
→ Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Lizard-Embossed Leather Pumps, $655.00, at saks.com.
I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anything quite like these new Rachel Zoe pumps. The subtly textured black leather upper has a chunky chain pattern embossed around the heel and vamp. It’s ridiculously fun.
→ Buy the Rachel Zoe Kenley Pump, $295.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
Fabric pumps aren’t anything new, but when that fabric is a metallic gold basket weave it definitely brings another level of fashionista head-turning to the party.
→ Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump, $655.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
