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Which shoes/boots do you wear with work trousers, in cold weather?

19 replies

1984isnow · 12/11/2019 13:39

Looking for some ideas on boots that look good and keeps my feet warm/dry too. I am 5ft, and find that ankle boots with work trousers look a bit odd on me. Can't quite put my finger on why though. I guess they always feel a bit clunky.

I'm not a big fan of brogues though, so my choice for winter wear is limited!

OP posts:
TiddleTaddleTat · 12/11/2019 13:50

This old chestnut !
It's a nightmare, I won't lie.
My solutions are...

  • wear brogues with knee high socks under trousers
  • wear dresses or skirts

Sorry that's about as far as I've got. I have experimented with rolled up trousers and heeled ankle boots that go up the leg a fair bit. Didn't work on my short legs.

I have, however, discovered that knee high boots under midi skirts is a decent look - and warm and waterproof.

1984isnow · 12/11/2019 14:07

Grin Didn't realise it was a chestnut!

I prefer trousers in general, but in the winter wear skirts mainly for this reason (never worn a skirt in summer, like most people do).

When I wear boots with jeans, I tend to roll them up and like the look. But with work trousers it looks odd, I think maybe too casual?

I've stayed away from midi skirts ever since trying one and looking dumpy-licious, but I might give them another go.

OP posts:
Lhastingsmua · 12/11/2019 14:35

What’s your work dress code? Do you drive or take public transport? I think these impact your options.

Worst case scenario, wear boots/trainers whilst outdoors/commuting then change into nicer shoes at work, which suit your attire a bit more. Whether that’s flat shoes (brogues, loafers etc) or heels.

My job’s dress code is very formal/corporate and I can never get (heeled) ankle boots to look right, regardless of wearing with trousers/skirts/dresses. Just one of those things, I mean they look nice with a trendy blazer and mini skirt suit set but that’s not appropriate for my job!

1984isnow · 12/11/2019 15:01

I've been thinking of wearing warm boots to get to work, and changing when I get there. I'm starting a new job soon, it's business dress but I don't know how warm the office will be, or how much time I'll spend going in and out (meeting suppliers etc).

I'll be driving, but a 10ish minute walk from the carpark.

My current office is freezing all day, but also casual so I get away with biker boots and black jeans..

Years ago, I had these suede ankle boots from Topshop that looked good with anything. They weren't clunky looking, sat just below the ankle, were very slightly pointy and they just looked smart. Like regular office shoes, but 'closed' enough to be boots. Ah the good old days

OP posts:
Lhastingsmua · 12/11/2019 15:28

Congrats on the job! Tbf, changing your shoes isn't a great option if you’ll pop in/out of the office frequently.

If you want boots, buy leather/faux leather or patent finish as these suit corporate attire. Also the toe is of high importance, pointed toe looks best or a tapered look instead of rounded. Hopefully these examples can help you narrow down a suitable pair!

Might be worth buying slightly longer length trousers just for boots. This will hide the bulk of the boot so the boots will just look like other office shoes on, so you can have the warmth of boots without the clunky aesthetic.

TiddleTaddleTat · 12/11/2019 18:35

Similar boots to those linked to above , ie sleek and tapered with a slight heel, pointed, could look good with slim fit cropped trousers.
I might try that.

1984isnow · 13/11/2019 09:37

Thanks Lhastingsmua Smile

I actually saw the linked boots in Topshop the other day, I might go back and give them a try. I normally avoid heels but the thick ones might not be too bad to walk in.

OP posts:
Lhastingsmua · 13/11/2019 12:21

Nice! I have the patent Hackney boots, they’re super comfortable and look so nice on. I have worn them essentially all day on weekends with no ill effect on my feet, I can still walk at a normal pace etc so no worries there!

katseyes7 · 13/11/2019 12:24

l've worn black suede Fitflop Mukluks with black trousers for years. They're beautifully snug and as comfortable as slippers. Currently wear Fitflop black leather Chelsea boots but the Mukluks will be coming out again soon now it's getting colder.

1984isnow · 13/11/2019 12:51

I've come across these on Amazon.

I remembered ages ago I was reading some fashion 'article' on buzzfeed, and it had an ad for similar ones that were described as 'cut out' boots or something so I searched for them.

I can only find these styles on amazon, but really not keen on ordering from thereSad would prefer to try on first and the reviews are a bit shit

Any idea how I could find similar ones in 'proper' shops'? I searched 'below ankle boots' but that's just bringing up regular ankle boots.

These could actually work

Which shoes/boots do you wear with work trousers, in cold weather?
OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 13/11/2019 13:12

I wear loafers, court shoes, brogues or heeled ankle boots (smart, slightly pointed toe). The latter two with socks, the others without (don't feel the cold or have a long outdoor commute). I tend to wear mostly cropped or ankle grazer length trousers.

If trousers are full length, I wear the same footwear but need to be mindful of heel height, as there's nothing worse than heels with slightly-too-short trousers flapping around your ankles. Or flat shoes with too-long trousers (hello soggy hems).

I have these ankle boots (to give you an idea of shape/style), plus a slightly more pointed black pair.

Polkadotpride · 13/11/2019 13:19

I wear smart shift dresses (cos I'm too lazy to match a two piece outfit in morn) with black ankle Dr Martens boots. I think I look smart and I'm definitely comfy with warm feet.

carlywurly · 13/11/2019 21:29

I regularly wear 7/8 trousers with loafers. Either from schuh or russell and Bromley.
I have those invisible tight fabric sock things which work a treat.

NightsOfCabiria · 13/11/2019 22:07

I tend to wear black, navy or dark grey pointed toe, stiletto heel ankle boots. A bit like a sock boot - very close fitting to the ankle. That way, legs stay warm and theres no gap (although i know that look is in.

I wear tapered, narrow trousers. For wider trousers you’d need sturdier boots. I also like show boots.

hairycabbage · 13/11/2019 22:16

I bought a pair very similar to those in your picture from Topshop- they don't have the cutout part but are a similar shape overall, patent leather and a zip on the side. I love them with any trousers (I have a pair of very slim/ almost skinny work trousers that go with boots or shoes/ would that work?) but also with skirts or dresses. I also have a pair of loafers from M and S, which come quite high up on the top and I wear sometimes (if it's not raining!) with longish trousers and black socks.

ToManderleyAgain · 14/11/2019 19:07

OP you could try searching for ‘shoe boots’ to find the cutout style you are after

ToManderleyAgain · 14/11/2019 19:09

Or ‘flat shoe boot’. M&S have some that come close-ish

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 14/11/2019 19:16

I wear DMs, I have a pair of DM loafers that are like slippers. I also have a pair of DS's old army boots that I wear to commute in during bad weather, and change into indoor shoes when I get there. It may not look fabulous but it's practical and comfortable

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