When I was a little girl, I used to go to my mom's closet and stare at all her shoes, dreaming about the day where I had as many shoes as she did. While I've grown up and added more pairs of shoes to the collection, I've come to appreciate the essential shoes that every girl needs in her closet.

1. Ballet flats.

They're timelessly classy; you can wear them out on a date or to a job interview. You can even stash them in your purse when your heels are driving you crazy. Your feet will forever thank you for having flats.

2. Rain boots that you aren't mortified to be seen in.

I will admit, that up until college I wore leopard print rain boots. Actually, if I'm being honest, I wore them in college sometimes, too. I was so embarrassed to be seen in them, but I didn't have any other rain-repellant shoes. Whether it be Hunter or Bean Boots, make sure you get some that could actually match outfits. I wouldn't recommend leopard print.

3. Black wedges you can dance all night in.

Repeat after me, "Black is amazing. Black matches everything." You need black heels you can wear all night without being in so much pain you start to hate the heels. Wedges are a personal favorite because they are way more comfortable than stilettos, and I can actually walk in them feeling fine as hell.

4. Boots, whether it be riding boots or ankle boots.

Boots are such an easy way to spice up an outfit, especially during the fall and winter. Leggings, a sweater, boots -- you're set. My new favorite things are ankle boots; it's like wearing comfortable heels all the time.

5. Nude heels.

No matter how old you are, you will always need a pair of nude heels. They are perfect for any occasion where you need to dress up because they pretty much go with everything. You will always look simple and elegant wearing nude heels.

6. Flip-flops or sandals.

I always have a pair of crappy flip-flops I can ruin at the beach, and another pair of cuter sandals to wear during the summer when I'm going out. I've always loved wearing sandals and feeling like my feet can breathe.

7. Converse or Vans you can get dirty.

You just need a pair of comfortable shoes that you can get dirty at frat parties or wear with jeans on a lazy Sunday. Converse will never go out of style.

8. Slippers.

Saturday mornings spent making breakfast are never complete without comfortable slippers. They make your feet feel like they're floating on heaven. Trust me, you will appreciate this purchase. Just look how cute and fuzzy they are.

9. Good tennis shoes.

Fun fact, I always called them tennis shoes until I got to college and realized the rest of the world calls them sneakers. Anyways, you will always need comfortable and sturdy sneakers to run errands in, to go on a mom walk in and to workout in. I usually spend a little extra money on sneakers because I know they're going to last me for years.

10. Party shoes that give you an insane amount of confidence.

You know the type. The type of shoes that make you feel like you're the hottest girl at the party. The type of shoes where you hold your head high because you know you look good. They're a different pair for everyone, but it's important you have a pair of shoes that when you put on, you know it's going to be a good night.

Get shoe shopping!