To think if I don't wear heels to an office job then what?!

[NewJobSoNewName]

Because flat "smart" shoes look so weird and crap on me.

But I can't wear heels as will have a lot of walking around campus.

It's been YEARS since I worked in a "smart" office.

What do you guys wear on your feet with skirts and dresses please?

Are sandals ok?

Private hospital office - a very posh one.

First day I'll do black trousers and black flat loafers. But the black loafers look so twattish with skirts and dresses.

I think you will find office dress codes have changed. They were changing pre lock down and lock down has only made it more casual. I've not seen a heel in a long time.

modesens.com/product/kg-kurt-geiger-lighter-pearl-embellished-vegan-leather-low-top-trainers-black-39025331/?country=gb&language=en&refinfo=gSH_ggfKurtGeigefs-ApAcSh39025331

I wear this sort of style trainers with ankle grazer trousers, as well as dresses. I've a few styles / colours. I feel they're "smart", being leather / leather-effect with trim / detail, so don't look like just trainers.
But agree with the general theme that there's a good chance that the definition of "smart" office will be less high-heeled court shoes that perhaps you expect.

Good luck with the new job.

My most uncomfortable boots (Clarks as well) are flats! Don't know why, they are lovely looking black suede thick soled boots but god, they rub even though they are the correct size.

I still wear a slight heel, like Chelsea/cowboy boots with jean flares. I also have some low heeled lace up boots from M & S last year which always get lots of compliments.

Don't over-think it, wear what you like.

These go with anything and look smart but comfy
www.dunelondon.com/grange-snaffle-trim-loafers-taupe-0076500620074493.html?utm_source=ByBuyBye&utm_medium=Affiliate&gclid=CjwKCAjwgaeYBhBAEiwAvMgp2jAOrf6jRtqVtUhi30dPr1oJYJsgSJ3H4NELfF-pa1E-1i2MSHD9dBoCFLIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm not in the UK, but have never worn heels in my life - and I've always worked in offices. I wear Chelsea boots/leather sneakers in winter, sandals/canvas sneakers in summer - mostly sandals as it gets hot here. Brogues and loafers look good with skirts/dresses too.

I agree with this.

Everyone was wearing trainers this summer - even quite formal meetings. I have some pointed loafers too.

I don't know about winter, but I never see heels anywhere anymore. I'll probably look for some black trainers. Then I have both ankle boots and knee boots. (and the pointed loafers).

Me too. I have never found a pair of ballet flats that feel truly comfortable. They either squish my toes and rub them, or slip off at the heel (particularly on my left foot which is a bit smaller). There is no proper support, just squished toes.

I have an additional issue in that I have varicose veins in my right leg. Doesn't look v nice in a short skirt around the office, so if I have a decent pair of v thin flesh coloured tights I'll sometimes wear those. But they look crap in sandles so...........

Smart trainers are the way to go I think, and get rid of the stupid pencil skirt smart look in more "practical offices" like schools and dentists etc.

When I was young I worked in 4" heels, no wonder now my feet are knackered. Wear whatever you are comfortable in, even newsreaders are wearing trainers with dresses.

Flat ballet style pumps?

I have a few different colours of brogues they look good with everything. I’m sad I can’t wear them now as new place is casual wear! In the summer it was ballet flats or leather Toms type shoes.

Meant to add you can get ballet flats with thick supportive soles.

I'd just wear clean versions of my trainers of choice, and if challenged, say I had bad knees (oestroarthritis)

They don't go with slim fit black trousers.

I wear these https://www.shoezone.com/Products/Lilley-Womens-Black-Patent-Tassel-Loafer-150004

And yes I do buy work shoes from shoe zone because I'm not spending more than £20 on them

I think flat shoes are fine and I think most office spaces are fine now with people wearing flats because not everyone can walk in heels or are comfortable in them

They don't go with slim fit black trousers

Flat black Chelsea boots look great with slim black trousers.

They don't for me - somehow the legs of the trousers always seem to come up above the top of the boot. It's very annoying!

I recommend going to a shop with lots of different types and perhaps trying styles you wouldn't have before - go with your typical outfit to get a feel for what might suit you.

I am a fan of brogues, mary janes and some ballet pump type style - but I want the support!

@Maireas they just look frumpy, they make me look old, doesn't help that I'm 5"1. I can get away with trainers/converse but our office is still smart dress.

I wear brogues quite a lot. I even have a gold pair. They go with everything in my book.

I can’t wear ballet flats as no support, and I have narrow feet.

I like the idea of some loafers now having seen the posts!

when I have to go to the office I wear orthotic Mary Janes. I don’t particularly care that they aren’t that fashionable. I have to do a lot of walking, they are comfortable, and they coordinate with my dresses.

Well, I'm 5' 1", always wear flat shoes because I'm on my feet all day. I'm happy with the look. I've no idea why all of them make you look frumpy, and am even more perplexed that shoes can make you look old! Just try out some of the great ideas on this thread.

International corporate environment

Haven't worn a skirt since 1999