One Pair of Shoes: A Life in Black Patent Ballet Flats

By Hayley McDonnell.

The sub-text of it all is really about de-cluttering and finding space, literally and metaphorically.

The older I get, and I don't think I am old yet, the more I find I don't need things; I need more opportunities to rest and live my life. All of this comes first from de-cluttering and secondly from saying no thank you to opportunities and stuff that does not bring me the most joy.

It is hard, especially with the external pressure of retailers to sell (especially during the Christmas season but also during the rest of the year). However, I am getting good at resisting and, more importantly, seeing the benefits, which encourages me to keep going with this mindset. Less really is more. It can also be a mantra that can be adopted into other areas of life - if I only need one pair/style of shoes, what else is there an excess of in my life?

I first started wearing black patent ballet flats when working in an office on a construction site. The dust and general construction mess were a constant presence. I found it easy to wipe and clean my shoes at the end of the day, and so the love began. Suitable for interviews, a day at work, driving, a day in the classroom, train, bus, walk commute… I was (and am) in shoe heaven. Strangely, at the time, I had a particular obsession with all shoes: the weird and wonderful, the colourful adornments galore, the unusual fabrics, and some of quite some considerable height. I loved them all, but mainly looking at them and did wear them, but not really for any purpose or length of time. That was very much then; those shoes are well gone.

In a world obsessed with choice, fast fashion, and endless trends, owning just one pair of shoes is profoundly liberating. For me, it's my trusty black patent ballet flats. These simple, versatile shoes have walked with me through countless situations, from the polished halls of work (I work in a school) to low-key social gatherings and everything in between.

While many might baulk at the idea of paring down to a single pair or style of shoes, the experience has been so positive - both for my life and the environment. Here are the benefits (and a few drawbacks) of living the (mainly) one-shoe lifestyle and why it's worth considering.

Owning one pair of shoes streamlines your life.

Decision fatigue, that overwhelming feeling of too many choices, becomes a thing of the past. When you have one pair of shoes that suit almost every occasion, your mornings become quicker, your environment less cluttered, and your mind clearer as one less decision has to be made. My black patent ballet flats fit perfectly in professional settings, complement semi-casual outfits, and possibly provide just enough elegance for understated social events. I am not unusual in going to an event in a long dress with high shoes and taking said shoes off as soon as I am sat down and doing the sitting down bit quickly, and later joining the other flat shoe gang on the dance floor.

Fast fashion has a massive carbon footprint, and the footwear industry is no exception.

By choosing one durable, versatile pair, you're significantly reducing your consumption and waste. Fewer shoes mean fewer resources are used in production and fewer discarded pairs are clogged up landfills. Opting out of the endless cycle of "new season, new shoes" sends a powerful message against the environmental costs of overconsumption. I am so happy to support this mantra.

When you commit to owning just one pair of shoes, you naturally invest in quality over quantity.
Instead of spending money on multiple pairs, you choose a well-made, long-lasting option. My ballet flats were a conscious investment, but they've paid for themselves many times over. No more chasing fleeting trends or buying cheap replacements, just one dependable pair. I do look after them, and I do replace them when I need to with….. yep, another pair.

There is no denying that our culture often ties self-worth to possessions, and shoes are no exception. Paring down to one pair forces you to confront your priorities and step away from external validation. It's a humbling yet empowering experience to say, "This is enough." It shifts your focus from how you're perceived to what truly matters - comfort, function, and authenticity. I don't think I have ever been judged negatively on my shoes, but I don't know. If someone has felt this way about me (and my shoes), it may say something more about them than it does me.

When you stop worrying about coordinating footwear, you free up mental energy for more … life. Whether it's work, relationships, or hobbies, simplifying your wardrobe, starting with your shoes, leaves room to focus on other, more meaningful pursuits.

Of course, owning one pair of shoes isn't without challenges. For one, you need to take extra care of them. Regular cleaning, polishing, and occasional repairs become essential to prolong their life. I recall the sad day when I had left it too long and my favourite pair had been left too long to repair. There are also rare occasions when my flats aren't entirely appropriate, like formal black-tie events or outdoor adventures. However, these moments are few and far between.

My black patent ballet flats are more than just shoes—they're a statement. They've taught me to embrace simplicity, live with intention, and focus on what matters most. In a society driven by fast fashion and fleeting trends, choosing one pair of shoes is a small yet meaningful act of resistance.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your life or uneasy about the environmental cost of consumerism, consider the one-shoe lifestyle. Start with a versatile pair that brings you joy and confidence. As I have, you might find that less truly is more.

I will not say these are the only footwear I possess; I have one pair of wellies, one pair of trainers and one pair of summer sandals. However, with the Great British weather, my black patent shoes are worn more often than any other footwear. Have I worn them every day this week? Will I be wearing them today? The answer is yes. Slippers next, of course.

Hayley McDonnell is a passionate advocate of the just Hygge philosophy, living each day with intention and ease and flow at its core. A former teacher/middle manager of 24+ years, she has worked through several transitions and continues to do so. 

A mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter and so on; despite these guises, the one golden thread that runs throughout is the desire to be happy and live a life of truth. This is where the concept of Hygge takes prominence.

Hayley hopes her blogs provide a conduit for sharing the Hygee lifestyle and the benefits of 'Nothing Much Happens Here'. You can contact her here.