Tan France Just Told Me the 3 Shoes Every Spring Wardrobe Needs

I’ve thought about footwear more in the past year than I ever have before, and it has a lot to do with the fact that it seems like a new style is trending weekly. At the same time that we re-embraced classically chic ballet flats, “ugly” shoes became a thing while sultry, office-inspired heels have been competing with low-key Sambas for the title of 2024’s ‘It’ shoe. It’s a lot to take in, let alone figure out what’s actually worth buying—I’ve been burned by micro-trends one too many times—which is why when InStyle got to ask Queer Eye’s Tan France about spring and summer fashion thanks to his partnership with Citi Shop, my mind immediately went to footwear. Fortunately, he had some answers.

Shop the three shoe styles France thinks every wardrobe needs, below. 

Sophisticated Sneakers

Oversized dad sneakers might be getting all the attention, but France shared that he’s into something a little bit more classic. “As opposed to going for the ugly sneaker trend, [try] something a little more sophisticated and…streamlined,” he said. Sleek, easy-to-dress-up sneakers are a wardrobe hero, afterall. 

To shop the trend for less, consider grabbing these all-white sneakers from Cole Haan while they’re on sale at Amazon, starting at just $54; they feature a low profile, simple silhouette, and buttery exterior. Nike’s Cortez sneakers happen to be my personal favorite because of the soft edges and vintage look, but you also can’t go wrong with celebrity-loved Vejas or these leather sneakers from Vince that Gisele Bündchen recently proved look incredibly chic with wardrobe basics.

Streamlined Loafers

France took that same stance when it came to loafers, telling me that while “really chunky” silhouettes might have been very in for the past few years, he’s leaning towards something “more subdued” and “streamlined” for spring and summer. It’s a look we’ve seen more stars—including Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, and Ariana Grande—turn to, and one I’ve personally added to my wardrobe because of its wearability, offering comfort and versatility that platform loafers just can’t.

My go-to pair is the classic Whitney loafer from G.H. Bass, which I’ve comfortably walked more than 10,000 steps in, but for something just as loved and a bit more affordable grab LifeStride’s $50 loafers. These have more than 1,300 fans at Amazon who call the style expensive looking and “comfortable right out of the box.” However, if you’re down to splurge, I can’t stop thinking about these backless Tory Burch loafers. The creamy white leather is perfect for summer while the chunky metal detail further elevates the already-chic style, with one person writing that they “are instant dress-up shoes.”