Work shoes

[Lovethewinter]

Every year I struggle to get shoes for work for autumn/winter. I don't have a very strong sense of style and do struggle to put outfits together a bit. At work I often wear dresses or pencil skirts though I would love to find some nice trousers (that's a whole other headache).

Flat shoes like the ballet style ones go a weird shape on me I think because I have flat feet. Chunkier shoes can look a bit much because I'm a size 7. I just don't ever see anything I like and feel silly in whatever I end up with.

Just wondered if anyone has any recommendations? My budget would be high street prices.

@HundredMilesAnHour I've had a look online a bit and still not seen anything that I think would look right on me. I'm not sure I'm a loafer person :/ but maybe I need to go and try some on.
I'm wondering if I'd get away with some smarter black trainers - I'm a primary school teacher so not sure if that's too informal!

I had a look in Next yesterday (I know - probably need to go higher end than that) and didn't see anything really. Lots of pointy shoes which just aren't me!

As a bigger footed person, I think pointy shoes are the work of the devil. 😛They turn my feet into canoes! (And damn they’re also uncomfortable even if they look pretty on other people).

Maybe this a slightly off the wall suggestion but would you (even as an interim solution) consider some Vivaia Margot Mary Janes from Vinted? You can usually pick them up for around £30-35ish. They’re a US brand that are only sold online (I think) so lots of people order and then find the size they bought isn’t quite right and it’s easier/cheaper to sell them on Vinted rather than return them. So you can usually pick up a new pair (or a tried-on once pair) for £30ish rather than £120 (plus taxes and shipping) new. They’re super comfy, water-resistant and very practical as they’re actually machine washable. I like the square toes and the combination of that with the strap makes my size 41 feet look ‘normal’ size as the strap cutting across your foot is a good way of reducing how long your feet look. (Basically the opposite of the advice to women with shorter legs to avoid ankle straps on shoes as the straps cut their legs off and make them look shorter).

These are them (they come in MANY colours):
https://www.vivaia.com/item/square-toe-mary-jane-margot-mary-jane-p_10015113.html

I have some that I wore to work last week (see photo) and was surprised how many people admired them.

I am a loafer virgin but just ordered a nice pair from the Kurt Gieger sale to try, they were only £39 so it’s definitely worth looking at Clearance or Sale stock.

@HundredMilesAnHour vinted is a good shout - and I love your red shoes!

These have been my go to work shoes for the last two years.

They are very comfy and have another winter left in them. Admittedly I drive to work and am fairly desk bound but I have worn them all day on days I have been on feet all day and have done 10k steps.

www.marksandspencer.com/leather-patent-block-heel-court-shoes/p/clp22595371?color=BLACKPATENT&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_3pb_ch__-UK-_-_womenswear&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22697911888&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8KrFBhDUARIsAMvIApaJrBkOAm2mMyAAt0hg4gPQwOEF45w1rpZeCGHRoy4QY_h0qAI9YbwaAsypEALw_wcB

I’ve been seeing shoes from Be Bright Be Brave pop up on my Facebook feed for quite a few months and they look lovely but I was a bit unsure as they’re unknown to me and I’m always a bit dubious about FB. But supporting business in Ukraine really appeals and the shoes are leather and handmade and look like incredibly good value (and I’m a sucker for independent and well made in small quantities).

Anyway, they’re having a summer sale and I finally caved and ordered these in mint green

https://bebrightbebrave.co.uk/products/yana-apron

I will feed back once they arrive (they were sent yesterday within a few hours of me ordering).

Maybe this brand is a possible option for @Lovethewinter buying some quality leather shoes within her budget?

Have you looked at Hotter? Range of colours, comfy and some smart looking trainers.
Unless school has a dress code ( often safety based) then wear what you like.

https://www.hotter.com/shake-ii-shoes-red-2160

I hear ya @TheOtherBear, I'm the same (same size too!) I just can't get on with 'normal' shoes, and feel best in trainers, sandals or boots.

My problem is what to wear in early Spring (when it's too cold/wet for sandals) and early Autumn (too hot/early for boots). I have this dilemma now. Got a weekend away and it's going to rain the whole time, but still be a summery 20 degrees. I have some M&S leather trainers which are useful but barge-like. Too soon to bust out the ankle boots?

Well I went and had a try on at the outlet and I think I quite like chunky brogues. Found some in Clarks I quite like but they didn't have my size in. I tried some loafers and they didn't look right on me. Until I get my bum in gear and actually buy some it'll be my ankle boots!

I think that if you can nail some trousers that you like and feel good in, it will make things easier for you to find footwear to suit. I'm also an ankle boots/trainers/sandals person and don't really have any "grown up" shoes and don't wear smart skirts or dresses as a result.

I'm also an ankle boots/trainers/sandals person and don't really have any "grown up" shoes and don't wear smart skirts or dresses as a result.
Same here! My feet don't suit shoes, I look strange.

I'd go for patent loafers and then you don't have to worry on rainy commutes.