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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).

OP posts:
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1990thatsme · 21/10/2023 22:00

To me the heel looks really dated and old fashioned. How old are you?

mantlepiece · 21/10/2023 23:04

https://arnoutsshoes.co.uk/collections/new-site/products/gabor-36-605

I like Gabor shoes. Very comfortable and sturdy enough for winter weather.
I have the ankle boots above and they are great with dresses or trousers. I think it’s because they lace up so look more elegant. They do have a zip as well so you don’t need to lace up every time you wear them.
gabor do have ankle boots with a higher and more slender heel but these are lovely

Gabor Optimum women's soft leather lace up ankle boots 36.605

Gabor Optimum women's lace up ankle boots. These smart black boots are made from a soft leather in a slightly wider H width fitting. Zip and lace up fastening H width  50 mm block heel flexible, soft outsole lamb nappa leather

https://arnoutsshoes.co.uk/collections/new-site/products/gabor-36-605

IMarchToADifferentDrummer · 22/10/2023 05:21

Ladies brogues? I used to find them very comfortable but also smart!
I'm looking to buy some more nowadays.

What shoes with winter work dresses and trousers?
What shoes with winter work dresses and trousers?
curchy · 22/10/2023 07:49

I'm mid 50s. I know heels aren't fashionable, but I still prefer the style, in context. I'd very happily wear a short casual skirt with a jumper and flat chunky boots at the weekend, but I just find that look doesn't work with a smarter office style skirt. I know it's everywhere though.

OP posts:
VisaWoes · 22/10/2023 08:20

I don’t think it’s the lack of a heel which makes that outfit look awful. It’s the odd length of the boot which really does not go well with a skirt that length.

I can’t wear heels due to a medical condition. Possibly some low block heels for a night out with not much walking but I’m generally in flats. I wear Fly ankle boots a lot. Also have some Dr Marten flat patent shoes. Just ordered these as well. I am a bit of a fan of an ugly flat shoe! 😁

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-chunky-buckle-flatform-loafers/p/clp60610406#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r2c2

M&S

Leather Chunky Buckle Flatform Loafers

Complete outfits on a bold note with these chunky leather loafers. Mid-height flatform style with a decorative buckle detail. Insolia Flex® technology boosts comfort by ensuring your feet are positioned correctly. Antibacterial padding for a fresh feel...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-chunky-buckle-flatform-loafers/p/clp60610406#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r2c2

KirstenBlest · 22/10/2023 09:44

I don’t think it’s the lack of a heel which makes that outfit look awful. It’s the odd length of the boot which really does not go well with a skirt that length.
The legs are chopped into 3 distinct parts. The shoes look better because there's a clearer definition of feet from legs.

Twitch45 · 22/10/2023 09:46

shoethebear.co.uk/collections/saga

These are gorgeous and comfortable!

Whataretheodds · 22/10/2023 09:52

Pains me to say it but it sounds as though you want a low-heeled Mary Jane with 2 or 3 straps.

Thighdentitycrisis · 22/10/2023 09:54

@curchy
I’m not a heels person but I completely agree that they are essential with a pencil skirt.
I find pencil skirts really flattering but I am a very casual dresser.

I have the Gabor block heel lace ups and some Gabor round toe courts

SilverGlitterBaubles · 22/10/2023 12:29

@curchy I agree the heel just looks so much more elegant. My commute was involves a 20min walk which is fine in summer with flats but just not practical for winter. Right now I am mostly wearing trousers with loafers or courts which have a low wedge heel but I really want to wear skirts and dresses. I guess the alternative is to just wear my trusty Chelsea ankle boots for the commute and change them in the office 🤷‍♀️

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