What shoes with midi dresses that are sort-of smart?

[Farkinhell]

I've recently bought some midi dresses (patterned - so shoes need to be plain?) and would like to wear them to work... but what to wear on my feet?

I can get away with smart trainers on office days but sometimes I have face to face meetings and facilitate workshops so although don't need to go fully suited and booted I'd like to look a bit more professional.

I'm 5'2, size ten but a bit rounder in the middle and early 40s. I don't think my flat ankle/pixie style boots cut it anymore. I feel like big clodhopper style boots as have been in fashion the past couple of years don't suit me but I may be wrong - and I don't think they work with bare legs in the warmer months?

Bonus points of whatever is 'in' would also work with wide legged trousers as that's my other staple.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance

I quite like the Mary Jane style pumps that have a small block heel - they're closed toe so office appropriate, small thick heel so easy to walk in and come in all budgets. Chunky bottomed mules would look good too, with a small wedge? Not sure how good you are in heels!

I bought some Stella McCartney platform lace ups from Vinted that look awesome with midi, maxi and wideleg jeans. Also ballet pumps and Mary Janes look good. I have winter white chunky loafers too that might look nice.

If you can catch some glossy knee high boots in the sales I’d choose those until Spring really heats up.

But as others suggest - Mary Jane shoes or loafers (either minimalist or chunky) will suit contemporary dresses best for work. You can find them everywhere, at every price point.

Like these:

Grenson

Massimo Dutti

Me and Em

Cos

Hereu

I love a Mary Jane and still mourn the wearing out of my DM Mary Janes. So comfy and I thought they looked good with dresses and trousers.

Flat laced ankle boots, flat or heeled knee boots, flat Chelsea boots, flat Mary Janes, flat , flat or low heeled ballet pumps, heels if you like them, loafers if you like them (I don't). Trainers are the only footwear I wouldn't wear.

Love the Cos Mary Janes, the Hereu Mary Jane loafer is a bit of a Frankenstein's monster !

What's the budget?

If you want a shoe shoe, I like a pointed block heel slingback or pointed flattish slingback, both with a frock and wide trousers. Often in an ‘unexpected red’ or other bright/clashy colour.

I am Nnot very good with heels generally, heeled boots are okay as they have ankle support. I like (some!) of the Mary Jane style @TheGlamour shared so will see what I can find. I did also just order some silvery lace up brogues from Vinted that caught my eye so feeling hopeful they will go with a few dresses too!

Thanks all!

There may be something you like from Vivaia - lots of low heels and flats for work and casual with round, square eornpointed toes and loads of colours that would go in summer with bare legs. They are also IME fairly comfy from the start.

https://www.vivaia.com/category/heels-c_432.html