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What shoes with winter work dresses and trousers?

36 replies

curchy · 20/10/2023 23:22

I tend to dress relatively smart for work, but also walk around quite a lot so can't wear really uncomfortable shoes. The clothes that suit me best are relatively fitted dresses, usually around knee length or just above, perhaps in jersey or wool. I also wear a lot of wide or narrow trousers, and I've got a couple of pencil skirts that I like. In summer, I tend to wear either nice flats or wedges, but I struggle in winter. Sometimes I wear knee high boots with a dress, which are fine, but I struggle with shoes. Everyone seems to be wearing loafers, but I find that on me they just look frumpy with a dress. I like pointy flats with wide leg trousers, but with a pencil skirt or dress I need a bit of a heel. The traditional 'court shoe' makes me feel too matronly, but a really slim heel is just too impractical. Help! I want a low to mid heel that will go well with a fairly slimline dress or skirt, but isn't too totteryor too old fashioned. A kind of modern version of a mid heel court shoe. Does such a thing exist?! I guess I could try ankle boots, but I've never quite managed to pull that off (I find the ones that are elegant enough to wear with a dress have really spiky heels).

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Delphigirl · 21/10/2023 00:07

I can’t tell you how much I loathe - LOATHE Mary-janes. But if you do not feel the same way, there are a lot of black low block-heeled Mary janes around which might suit your brief.

MonikerBing · 21/10/2023 04:37

I think with a pencil skirt or dress that falls on or just above the knee or even just below the knee, you'd have to wear high heels or kitten heels to avoid looking frumpy (and yes I hate that word too, but flat shoes wouldn't look good with that length and shape skirt). The LK Bennett ones below are nice I think. I used to wear high block heels like these back in the day or just change into normal high heel courts when I got to work.

I personally think that look is dated and quite rare these days, even in the most formal of settings. What are your female colleagues wearing?

Isabel Court Shoe | Mink

Isabel Court Shoe | Mink

Our versatile Isabel Court Shoe receives a chic update in mink patent leather. A classic heel that can be worn with dresses, denim or sharp tailoring.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/collections/heels/products/isabel-court-shoe-mink

Crazycatladyy · 21/10/2023 04:58

I like shoe boots or low ankle boots for winter with a reasonable heel. They go with most outfits.

KirstenBlest · 21/10/2023 08:13

Women's Mid Heels | Mid Heeled Shoes for Women from Jones Bootmaker
Women’s Shoes | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

The shoes aren't exciting but I was aiming for something presentable and comfortable

curchy · 21/10/2023 15:18

Thanks for all the ideas! Some perfect pairs here. Shame they're mostly a bit pricey, but maybe I'll splash out (not 800 quid though!). Of the cheaper ones, the pointy Dune low heels might work...

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laclochette · 21/10/2023 16:13

Ankle boots are v in right now and I think look fab with dresses and trousers. The Outnet has these lovely ones which are slim and elegant but have a chunky heel and are comfy to walk in - I got a pair last month (heads up you need to convert from US sizes!)

A great brand and v high quality at a steal of a price.

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/1647597308751850

KirstenBlest · 21/10/2023 16:28

M&S usually are good with footwear. Despite being fussy with shoes and boots, I have had decent shoes from M&S, Tesco and George. They tend to be a bit 'safe' but they've been comfortable and lasted well, and reasonably priced.

Tocktocknearlybedtime · 21/10/2023 16:35

Probably not what you're looking for but my job requires me to walk a lot, both inside and outside so I got a pair of brogues as I also hate loafers and wear dresses/skorts. Not the most fashionable but comfortable and stops my feet from getting soaked.

KirstenBlest · 21/10/2023 16:38

I don't hate loafers or ballerinas but don't understand how they could be comfortable, and I'm not going to try. I'm not that keen on brogues but I like a gibson, oxford or derby shoe.

FaythML · 21/10/2023 17:14

I love a long boot too and feel these might be returning. Haven't worn mine for 3-4 years.

1990thatsme · 21/10/2023 18:18

I love these

SilverGlitterBaubles · 21/10/2023 18:35

I agree OP, I sadly revert to loafers, black tights and skirt but it really does not look as good as with heels. I think knee high boot just don't look right either so I am going to give the ankle ones a go.

KirstenBlest · 21/10/2023 18:39

@1990, they have that certain something don't they. They're definitely not 'me' but I'd admire them if I saw someone wearing them.

rollonretirementfgs · 21/10/2023 18:54

NatashaDancing · 20/10/2023 23:46

Skip the first few pointy ones. These might be what you're looking for?

Pretty Ballerina mid heels

Oh gawd, I'm getting queen elizabeth vibes from these Wink

KirstenBlest · 21/10/2023 19:03

@rollonretirementfgs , EIIR always wore a block heel.

Notellinganyone · 21/10/2023 20:02

I’ve given up on winter shoes. I have suede knee boots in black and brown and suede ankle boots ditto. These cover all eventualities.

Picoloangel · 21/10/2023 20:08

I wear brogues with my smart work clothes. There are some nice ones on Clark’s outlet at the moment so not too pricey.

curchy · 21/10/2023 21:41

@SilverGlitterBaubles I know, I wish I didn't like heels but I do! Even on models I just can't love the slim skirt with chunky shoe/boot style, unless the model's about 18 and really cool. Compare for example this https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-checked-midi-pencil-skirt/p/clp60605663?extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_bau&gclid=CjwKCAjw7c2pBhAZEiwA88pOFxs3dYkWtgUMIITg-OjUJlejc2zPJ_oUGo5xVKzjmtAC9ObEyfGy4RoCDmQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds with this https://www.hobbs.com/product/daniella-wool-skirt/0222-7250-104900-BLACK-WHITE-8.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=18056921002&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18056921002&gclid=CjwKCAjw7c2pBhAZEiwA88pOF8ObdnGAXhdiDLuDnzq55CLlDttt8O2D5MlYfwTboztLfafy69R_sBoCgm4QAvD_BwE. To me, the heel just looks so much better!

M&S

Jersey Checked Midi Pencil Skirt

A staple for smart dressing, this jersey skirt is adorned with stylish checks. The midi-length design is cut to a pencil silhouette, with flattering pleats. A vent in the back and an elasticated waist make movement easier. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-checked-midi-pencil-skirt/p/clp60605663?extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-_UK_-_-_bau&gclid=CjwKCAjw7c2pBhAZEiwA88pOFxs3dYkWtgUMIITg-OjUJlejc2zPJ_oUGo5xVKzjmtAC9ObEyfGy4RoCDmQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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