White heels are one of those things I return to every spring and summer, but I have learnt that choosing the right pair is not quite as simple as it sounds. The difference between bright white and off-white may only be a shade or two, yet it can completely change how naturally a pair fits into your wardrobe.

If you own lots of crisp white shirts, dresses and tailoring, then a clean, optic-white pair will probably be the easiest to style. If your wardrobe leans more towards cream, ivory, ecru, beige and softer neutral tones, off-white heels will often feel much more harmonious. They do almost the same job, but one shade will usually make far more sense with the clothes you already own.

Personally, I wear both. Bright white feels fresh and sharp, especially with denim or colour, while off-white looks softer with linen, silk and neutral summer tailoring. The most important thing is not choosing the shade that looks best on its own, but the one that works hardest with your wardrobe.

These are the white and off-white heels I would choose for every summer occasion.

Kitten heel flip-flops have probably become my most-worn summer shoes. They have the ease of a flat sandal, but that small heel makes an outfit feel immediately more polished without sacrificing comfort.

I wear them with linen trousers, relaxed tailoring, denim shorts, long skirts and almost every summer dress I own. They are the pair I reach for whenever I want an outfit to feel effortless but still put together. For this style, I usually prefer a softer white or cream shade. It works beautifully with beige, brown, black and natural linen, and somehow feels less severe for everyday dressing.

White heels are one of the easiest shoes to dress up for life’s special occasions. Whether it’s a summer celebration, birthday dinner, engagement party or even a wedding, where they complement your outfit appropriately, they always feel elegant without overpowering the look.

I tend to look for timeless designs rather than anything too trend-driven. Slim straps, a sculptural heel or a beautifully shaped sandal will never go out of style and can easily be worn season after season. I also love investing in occasion heels that I know I’ll wear again. A beautiful pair should work just as well with tailored trousers, denim or a simple slip dress long after the event is over.

Mules are probably the pair I reach for whenever I want an outfit to feel polished with very little effort. They’re easy to slip on, incredibly versatile and work just as well with tailoring as they do with dresses or denim.

My favourites are, without question, the Victoria Beckham mules. I recently added them in a soft off-white shade because I knew I’d wear them constantly throughout the summer. I also love Saint Laurent’s mules, which always feel timeless and effortlessly elegant. A clean silhouette, beautiful leather and a comfortable heel are usually all I’m looking for.

A white or off-white heel is one of the easiest shoes to pack because it works with almost every holiday outfit, from printed dresses to linen sets and swimwear styled with a skirt or cover-up.

For holidays, I prefer something that feels a little more playful than my everyday heels. A curved heel, woven detail or unusual strap works beautifully with resort dressing while still remaining easy to style.

These are the shoes I would wear for dinners by the sea, beach clubs, long lunches or drinks after sunset. Off-white is often my favourite choice because it looks especially beautiful with sun-kissed skin and natural fabrics.

A classic white pump is probably the most polished option in this edit. It works beautifully with tailoring, structured dresses and more formal looks, particularly during spring and summer when black shoes can sometimes feel too heavy.

I love a pointed-toe pump with wide-leg trousers or a sharp suit because it creates such a clean silhouette. Bright white feels modern with black or navy tailoring, while cream and ivory pair beautifully with warmer neutral tones.

This is also the category where quality matters most. A beautifully made pump will stay in your wardrobe for years and never feel out of place.

White heels are one of the hardest-working shoes in my summer wardrobe, whether they are crisp white or soft ivory. They make denim look more polished, lighten tailoring and work with almost every dress I pack for a holiday.

If I were choosing just one pair, I would always start with the shade that matches the majority of my wardrobe. When a pair feels effortless to style, you know it is one you’ll keep reaching for year after year.

READ MORE:

Why Pucci Always Feels Right For Summer

My Wedding Makeup: Every Product Used For My Bridal Look

My Favourite Brands For Summer Dressing