London conference - which footwear?

[PeachMelba78]

I’m attending a 2 day event in December and I’m not sure about shoes! Normally I’d wear flat/near flat shoes like low boots, pointy flats or even plain trainers but I am planning to wear a velvet pleated skirt one of the days and I’m not sure what type of shoes would work. In the past I’ve worn heeled boots or shoes but it doesn’t feel as comfy. Would a pair of loafers work? The skirt is a midi length, aware that’s going out of style now but hoping the velvet will help.
Thoughts?

Londoner here and I own a couple of skirts exactly like that and wear them to work and out socially with either flat chelsea boots or smarter looking trainers. Especially recently as it's always raining... If you're thinking of the London aspect in particular then most people here wear something comfortable you can walk miles in and climb up escalators on the tube etc. I see a lot of trainers and flat/low heel boots on women, with all kinds of outfits from smart to sporty and casual and everything in between.

Thanks @fernz usually I come to London is summer time and I’m always a bit overdressed - I’ll wear trainers on the tube for definite. But I work in a traditional industry so I wouldn’t wear trainers to work. Sounds like flats are the way to go which is great as I hate wearing heels these days!

Do you have any flat/flatish knee high boots?

I'd likely wear boots in Dec.

@MarmiteCoriander I do but I’m short and that looks stumpy on me. I wear long boots with a shorter hem or over leggings (which I’m sure isn’t fashionable now), plus I would get too hot inside with my hot flushes 🥵

Where what you are comfortable in. Things are so different post pandemic. I work for one of the Big 4 and trainers are worn by nearly all women. Pre pandemic I never saw them in the office.

@Radiatorvalves where I work has definitely got more casual but trainers are still a no-no unless it’s Friday. But it’s not my industry conference so all advice is welcomed!

I bet converse would work.
Need to see the outfit to be sure.

It depends on your industry but events I go to people wear trainers or flat boots. Honestly just be comfortable it's always such a tiring day

No no no to converse in winter

Don't worry about looking fashionable in London because there's a vast array of looks around (though you know best about your industry crowd of course). Most of them are pretty scruffy right now tbh as well although that may change as people can reliably wear their nice winter coats and scarves 😁.
Definitely don't worry about heels either - even the hard core city heels crowd have up wearing them after Covid. Boots will be perfect, and the comfier the better.

Black plimsolls? You can get leather-look ones that might go with the skirt.

I would avoid canvas unless you are 100 percent inside! Looks a bit cheep too. I would do low heel ankle boot. Or higher if you can hack it all day. Or leather slipped type shoes. I think loafers are a bit clunky with velvet.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! @TizerorFizz my shoes are more on the slipper side of loafers, I have a leather pair and a fabric pair - the leather ones I think would be better.
@Mardyface its a real mix of industries which is partly why I’m flapping, plus I’m actually going to be on stage as a presenter one of the days - the other day I feel much more relaxed about.

I would go for either flat chelsea boots or else ankle boots with a slight block or wester heel. I wouldn't cope with cold feet.

Hobbs Imogen boots in suede would be perfect.