work shoe help

[BigGlasses]

I've decided that I really need to be smarter at work. I work in science research in a university. I've progressed up the career ladder, but my wardrobe is still student . It's not been a problem so much so far, but this coming term I'm doing more student contact (lectures etc) and need to more professional.

I've been buying more work clothes, but the problem is shoes. I can wear a low- medium heel, in fact I prefer it, but I need to have a enclosed/covered foot. Lab safety rules require it. I normally wear heeled black boots or trainers, but this doesn't go so much with smarter clothes, particularly in summer. Does anyone have any suggestions? New wardrobe is predominantly trousers and dresses. See links below
dress
trouser
trouser

I spotted these - but can't decide if they are nice or actually really ugly
loafer

Thumbs down from me, I wore chunky shoes at school and they are a killer. But I wear dresses with leggings and trainers so who am I to give advice

The dress you have on the link is the type I wear 👗👍😁

I like the navy trousers. Navy is my base colour for work stuff so thanks! I need new trousers

I don't like the print ones though, I think they are too casual for work. There's something quite mumsy about printed trousers I'm afraid.

What about brogue style shoes? Or Chelsea boots. Lots of them about now. The shoes you've posted are very reminiscent of what I used to wear at school 20 years ago. I think they're a bit too 'fashion' for work if I'm honest. I tend to go for classic stuff as fashionable clothes will stop looking trendy before you've had enough wear out of them.

Google trouser boots. Can certainly look smart.

Brogues or loafers from Clarks, Cos or Arket perhaps?
www.clarksoutlet.co.uk/p/49792010

The dress and trousers are light, summery and flowy, whereas those chunky shoes are awful, heavy and remind me of the 90's- sorry. They don't match the outfits at all, and don't look professional IMO!

I'd go for a low court heel or T-bar style if you want something strapped on.

I bought these a few months ago. They're as comfy as trainers
www.clarks.co.uk/c/Trace-Walk/p/26150222

They're horrid. Sorry.

They're horrid. Sorry.

The shoes are really ugly, i tried similar in 2017 from new look. They look like mini mouse shoes.

The shoes are something my 20yr old daughter would wear so they're a no.

The navy wide legs are my kind of trousers and I wear them with a flat, either trainers or a brogue style but nit heels.

The dresses cute I suppose and I might wear it but with a flat ankle boot or a mire stylish heeled boot.

I like the shoes but I guess it's just us 2 OP 😂

The dress is too low cut and flirty.

I kinda like the shoes linked I generally wear heeled brogues.

I like these OP

www.clarksoutlet.co.uk/p/261293834

They look like they'll be comfy and I love a brightly coloured shoe. I have a great pair of silver buckled boots from Clarks outlet, they look fab.

I like shoes like that, very 90s.

I love the shoes you posted, OP.

Depends how much you want to spend. I live in Rothy's now. (Flats, the pointy ones are elegant and look professional.) They just feel like wearing socks.

Depends how much you want to spend. I live in Rothy's now. (Flats, the pointy ones are elegant and look professional.) They just feel like wearing socks.

Although I am office based I am on my feet a lot at work and sometimes have to go to site visits so I have to have practical footwear. I have 5 pairs of brogues, mostly Clarks Hamble Oak in two variations of navy, white, nude and black. I wear floaty dresses and light coloured brogues in summer and dresses with a blazer, thick tights and dark brogues in winter. I also like 7/8 length trousers with brogues and a floaty top in summer.

I like wide legged trousers but I find them hard to wear with anything other than sandals or possibly ankle boots depending on the style.

I am not keen on those shoes but I have big feet so would steer away from anything chunky!

Brogues and Chelsea boots are ideal IMO. Those shoes are a crime, sorry! They look cheap and unprofessional to me (but then that’s probably because I wore almost identical ones to school in the mid-90s!)

Came to reccomend Clark's hamble oaks

They look smart and professional and your feet will thank you for them

Flat loafers? I love mine. I suspect I will probably end up with them in every colour they come in. Currently got black/ patent black and dark red.

What about leather trainers? I often wear my silver Veja trainers to work (I’m a doctor).

Thanks for all the comments. You’re probably right about the ones I posted. My sister had several similar pairs at high school in the 90s 😂. They probably are fashionable again now but I suspect I’m no way cool enough to carry it off.

I’m not a fan of brogues unfortunately which is sad as they would be the answer to my problems.

I do like the silver boots though 😍 @teaandhobnob that might be the answer. Boots, but lighter colour in the summer!