Hi Manidipa!

Before I take a look at them and advise what to keep or not, can you briefly describe your lifestyle and your personal style inclinations?

I think you've received enough advice to get you started, so I'm merely offering up a word or two of encouragement. Keep at this even if it gets a bit overwhelming...in the end you'll be so glad you did it! Hopefully, it will help you with future shopping so you can fill in the gaps as needed.

Good luck!

P.S.: My favorite pair is #27.

My favourites are no 5 and no 27 but if you cant afford new shoes keep what you will need until you can afford replacements. I agree with Angie when she says she has things she wants but waits until they're perfect before she buys them, even if it is several years.

I had a recent purge of my footwear and now we are going into spring/summer and ive got 1 pair of shoes and 1 pair sandals that is all! so dont go too mad.

Good luck x

Hi ManidipaM,
What a great step purging shoes! I really need to do this also! Sounds like you are getting plenty of advice. I really like the cons, the red flats, the leopard flats a lot!

MsKatieKat, thank you for your thoughtful question! Here goes: I'm a journalist, editor, travel and food writer who works mostly from home. I also travel several times a year (could be anywhere, really). I smarten up a bit for work trips (well, I try) and for restaurant reviews etc; but mostly I'm a very casual girl.

My wardrobe and homebase are currently split across two cities --- one is hot-humid tropical and the other has 2 extreme seasons of very hot and very cold. I don't drive. Our roads are what you would likely call dirt tracks --- uneven and very messy. You won't see me out in my mary janes here! (I'm on a budget and can't afford duplicates.) City 1 often waterlogs in the 5-month monsoon, requiring one to wade through dirty water that may be thigh-high or more on petite me --- not good days for my shoes and clothes. Indian cities often tend to be countryside combined with urban jungle in terms of the challenges to health and safety.

I haven't got enough of a handle on my personal style, but a few general preferences:
- I prefer my feet (especially toes) covered for protection but I need to let them breathe esp in summer. Most footwear is a compromise in that regard.
- fussy feet plus walk a LOT, so comfort is paramount. Shoes that can be easily slipped off (the norm in most Indian homes) are a bonus.
- I wear ethnic Indian garments as often as I wear 'Western' garments, which often dovetails nice with my boho or creative preferences; I like to feel I'm wearing my heritage on my sleeve a little
- I like colour; I get bored of only-neutrals easily. I lean towards ALGO!
- I like things handcrafted, because artisans here in India too often live in poverty or are rewarded by very modest means. I prefer to support them in what small way I can in my outfits
- I'm an apple-bellied rectangle who prefers NOT to have to tighten her belt, or indeed wear one; though I sometimes do when I have to 'dress up'.
- typical daily formula if staying in (2/3 of the year at least): thin cotton casual pants or loose Indian salwar topped by breezy blouse or T-shirt or tunic
- typical daily formula for going out: jeans or salwar or tight churidar-style leggings with a loose-fitted shirt or lightweight tunic
- typical formula when travelling for work (depending on local culture and weather): better quality jeans or flannel pants or pencil skirt or leggings, more fitted shirt or tunic, usually no toppers unless it's cold (have very few jackets or blazers)