https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:12:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes/page/2#post-1958821 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 11:08:38 +0000 Anonymous 1958821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, please come back to the forum or at least PM! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes/page/2#post-1958800 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 08:56:22 +0000 Jenni NZ 1958800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very sad that someone has hurt your feelings and that seems most unpleasant of the person concerned. I enjoy interacting with you and am so impressed at the huge move you have made across the world. If you take a break, please come back to let us know about what job you end up with or if not please PM me! All the best x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes/page/2#post-1958789 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 06:51:13 +0000 anne 1958789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern, I'm truly sorry that you've been given a hard time by someone! How awful. I can see why that would make you take a break but wanted to reassure you that there ARE plenty of people here who will be glad to see you and help you, and will welcome you back when you are ready</p> <p>All the best with the job search.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hesitate to say this too, but I've been wondering the same thing as Joy - i.e., the temporary hair colour. But I'm not sure if that is helpful for Germany or not - I think it would be where I'm coming from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes/page/2#post-1958777 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 04:55:17 +0000 Anonymous 1958777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashiontern, I am an old lady and would hesitate to wear any of these shoes. You may want to try a temporary hair color too ( I never thought I'd say that!) but older women competing with younger women do need every advantage. At least you probably will not get pregnant, a plus for your employer, and you do not have small children that may need you at home when they get sick. A bunch of older friends who spent a few days in Las Vegas said they were told that they would be hired immediately if they wanted a job because employers know that older people have the best work ethic and show up for the job. So you are a treasure and have lots to offer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958769 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 03:08:15 +0000 binkle 1958769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think these are good choices for interviews. Not old lady or frumpy, especially if the outfit is well-fitted and smart. You can always get more "fashion" shoes once you get the job and know the work environment. As I've mentioned on your interview threads, I'm old school/finance background. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958643 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:53:21 +0000 L'Abeille 1958643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Jenni NZ, I am an older professional in a different continent, so what I say may have little relevance.</p> <p>But if I wore those ladylike low heeled pumps with a skirt suit or dress and jacket, I would feel frumpy. What works for me is to mix in a trace of androgyny. With the skirt suit could you wear something like a heeled oxford or a refined bootie? And save the pumps for pantsuits? (Unless your field is law or banking, those are conservative everywhere I think.)</p> <p>Definitely time to hang out near the Bundesrat and do some research! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958624 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:39:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear anon, tracking me down on another forum and “correcting” my musings on which shoes I might want with your interpretation of this discussion is breath-takingly rude. I can’t even reply there, because of how long it takes to get through the spam filter from Germany. So I’ll congratulate you here on getting me to bow out of the forum for a while again. I don’t mean to flounce, just want to explain my departure to anyone who wonders. Ciao, baby </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958552 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:22:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni NZ</b>, thanks for your comments. They are helpful! Although Astrid and Joha have generally said to stay conservative, they have not weighed in on the shoes specifically. Kathie's question about if "conservative" here = "frump" is a good one that I don't know the answer to. </p> <p>Good night! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958550 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 10:54:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 1958550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought the Pikolinos could have been interview shoes. I would love to see someone wearing something like that in an interview rather than the first 3 you posted which somehow look like they should be on the feet of someone 20-30 years older than you. By saying that I in no way mean to insult our wonderful forum ladies who are older. Somehow they don't dress old! I see women out and about who do dress old to my eye and many wear shoes not dissimilar to those.<br /> However. Astrid and Joha live in Germany. I do not. Therefore, I am concerned I may be steering you wrong and that my personal taste is taking over, even though I have company in this thread. It's bedtime here in NZ and I honourably bow out of offering more opinions on your interview shoes! Best of luck with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958545 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 10:08:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, for links to pictures, see the 5th comment down <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-close">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/so-close</a> </p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>navy lace-up 3" booties</div><div>high vamp black shoes*</div><div>black Mary Janes</div><div>short black boots*</div><div>black/grey pumps ~2" heels<br /></div><div>purple velvet mocs*</div><div>white slides with 2" heels</div><div>tall brown boots with 3" heel</div><div>Redwing flat mid-calf black boots</div><div>2" tan sandals*</div><div>tan Born Oxfords<br /></div><div>Metallic Seychelles boots (in finds)</div><div><br /></div><div>Current shoes are in finds<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>That's all shoes--some are not for work</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>*Clarks<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958542 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:59:45 +0000 Anonymous 1958542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, since youre putting together a work shoe capsule, not just an interview capsule, heres my (year round) formula:</p> <p>For each season i have work shoes in my 2 main neutrals (with texture, other interest), black and cognac/dark tan, then at least 1 fun (print, color) pair per season. For my climate that includes sandals (worn 6 mo), transitional shoes (worn 2 mo), boots/booties (worn 4 mo).<br /> Your climate needs and color scheme will be different though.</p> <p>Maybe post the lot of what you currently have, then figure out what the shoe capsule should look like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958526 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 07:18:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathie and lady painter, oh, I get it. You’re saying that these shoes have exactly what I said I was afraid of. Ugh. Thank you both! And thanks for your other ideas about interview prep. Maybe I should go hang out near the Bundesrat at lunch time. </p> <p>Krishnadoux, oh, she is so good with clever little tricks! Thanks for passing that one on to me. </p> <p>Thanks epigal! You went through this yourself recently, didn’t you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958471 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 02:18:04 +0000 krishnidoux 1958471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#5 is my favourite, and also looks very fresh.&nbsp; </p> <p>You can stretch the leather a little bit by wetting your foot and wearing them around the house (trick from Angie actually). It works!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958464 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 02:03:49 +0000 ladypainter 1958464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashintern,<br /> I agree with JenniNZ, all three pair are “old ladyisch”. The first 3 Hispanitas you linked above are all excellent “edgy conservative” choices, I think.<br /> Paul Green is a German brand that is conservative with an edge; maybe it’s more affordable there than here? Ecco is another Euro “conservative chic” option.<br /> Having interviewed for jobs where I was 15-20 years older than the expected candidate, I’d say It depends on who is interviewing you. Are you going to talk to one of the partners/directors, an HR manager or a junior level HR staffer?<br /> Conveying energy in the interview is more important, I think. If you have any hobbies that sound high-energy (read youthful, lol), that would make an impression. Triathlons, Habitat for Humanity projects, trekking, cabaret pianist—silly-sounding yes, but It does make a good impression. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958454 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 01:15:17 +0000 elpgal 1958454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the pink shoes you plan to get! For interviewing, I'd say stick with the most comfy option. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958446 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:17:29 +0000 Kathie 1958446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More thoughts- Jenni hit exactly what I meant- the shoes in the first post seem frumpy to me. Now, if in Germany, conservative = frumpy and old-fashioned, then you should definitely stick with one of the first three. How important is it to you to look modern/current/not “granny” as opposed to being absolutely certain that your shoes would read “conservative” in all contexts? Also, how important are shoes, relative to hair and make-up? Both for you personally, and in the context of an interview? (For example, for me personally, in important situations I get my hair blown out professionally, but I don’t worry about shoes as much.)</p> <p>And finally. have you had a chance to see what women in your field are wearing currently in Germany? (Perhaps you mentioned this in a different thread, but what field or type of position are you looking for?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958406 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:36:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Liz</b>, I love your attitude, and hope my attitude is exactly what shines through in interviews. </p> <p><div><b>Cardiff, </b>Here's hoping the interviewers know that!<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><b>Bijou</b>, I ordered the wrong blazer! It will be a few days before I can try on the whole outfit.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><b>Elle </b>and <b>Bijou</b>, yes, comfort is crucial!<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><b>La Ped </b>and<b> Suntiger</b>, you both asked an excellent question about the life of these shoes beyond interviews. Here's what I see so far as the pros and cons of each.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I'd really like to develop an alt life for these pumps, in which they take on a punk edge (why, Rachy, why didn't you find a campsite with wifi?) I haven't figured out yet what that would look<br /> like. If I'm going to do that, then the plainer ones probably edge out the Hispanitas (&amp; I save my money for some of their booties towards the end of the year). They feel sort of normcore to me, or whatever you call the plaid shirts of Nirvana and the 90s Grunge scene.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>But back to their main function: work. I've put together a collection of work clothes; the description includes a list of pieces I don't have individual photos of. Many of those are in last fall's 30x30 Florida fall challenge and the winter challenge I started. I don't know if I'll be able to wear the paisley corduroy skirt, but low-heeled, conservative interview shoes with dark hose/tights might be its best hope. I don't really have any shoes in mind yet for the blue dresses, am wondering how they'd do with any of these.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I'm also trying to figure out what wears the Hispanitas would get that plainer, lower-heeled pumps (pewter or blue) wouldn't get. That's a tough question!<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>What do you all think of that?</div><div><br /> </div><div><div><b>Jenni NZ</b>, I still plan to get the Pikolinos, if I can find my size, or, if not, then I'll get the third pair of Hispanitas I posted above. Those are daily wear shoes, what I think of as my "school shoes". This post (even though I got sidetracked by those and the ones after them) is supposed to be about interview shoes. Everything I've heard from <b>Astrid</b> and<b> Joha</b> has warned me to stay on the conservative side. After an interview and first couple days, I may be able to loosen up, but I don't want to jeopardize things over shoes. (And since you're a shoe fan,<br /> here's my list of shoes I plan to buy: <i>interview shoes, "school shoes", sneakers</i> that work for low-impact working out and fashion (so probably<br /> cute cross trainers) all fairly soon (and I've posted about all of them); <i>red or blush pink booties</i> (similar to the cheap ones I loved wearing last winter in Florida) by the end of the year, if everything has worked out; Melvin and Hamilton or Angela Scott or Think! shoes eventually, maybe as soon as the winter booties or as <i>summer work shoes</i>)</div></div> Oh, and I’m officially irked that my combat and cowboy boots are in a storage locker this winter. But I don’t plan to buy replacements—if the trends last more than a year, I’ll wear them later. If they run their course in a few months, they’re no big deal anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958405 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:03:45 +0000 LaPed 1958405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From the stock photos, I like the low-heeled one (#3) the best, but on your feet I think the grey patent (#4) looks the best. I agree with others that they are all very conservative. Is that essential for your interview shoe? Will you ever wear them again? The Hispanitas pumps look more contemporary, with the pointed toe and the block heel. I bet you'd get more wears out of those in the long run, and that may make the extra 25€ worth it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958403 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:29:54 +0000 Jenni NZ 1958403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But FashIntern, what about the amazing Pikolinos in the navy with the interesting pattern? I feel like you have far more personality than these 3 here? If you feel conservatism means it must be one of these, then I like the same as Angie, 1/4.<br /> But, I'm really sorry, all these feel a bit what I call "old-ladyish". Not "granny", but a similar feel I guess. Just no interest to them?<br /> Of course conservative interview clothes for Germany are not in my field of knowledge at all... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958343 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:34:18 +0000 Elle 1958343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that all of the original three plus the first Hispanitas would be fine for an interview.&nbsp; In fact, they all look like shoes that my friend, a vice-president, wears to work. I'd go with the most comfortable since interviews are uncomfortable enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958319 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:30:44 +0000 Angie 1958319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the patent pair best. #4.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958309 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:20:54 +0000 Liz 1958309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm with Bijou in saying to go for the most comfortable pair, and the pair you see yourself wanting to wear the most. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think, for fighting the bias against old ladies, your personal energy counts for a lot, as well as anything near your face. In fact, your hair,&nbsp; makeup, and glasses (if you wear them) will be more important than your shoes in signalling "modern and current," because people will for sure be seeing them, while they may or may or may not notice your shoes.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958296 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:10:51 +0000 Bijou 1958296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These shoes all look good on your feet. Are you able to post the entire outfit? It would really make it easier to see what the overall effect is. Because you have the blue tweed blazer, I would have thought any of these shoes will look professional for interviews. I would go with the most comfortable pair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958292 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:02:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ll have to think about it, and about what clothes I have, including those that still aren’t here yet. The conservative ones are so unusual for me that they’d almost be a wild card, but of course no one wants to get stuck with the joker in their hand at the end of the game. Also worth thinking about is the price tag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958288 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:41:55 +0000 Anonymous 1958288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes all those are more special looking! Theres no sense getting uber conservative shoes if they would not be worn other than interviews. Texture seems to help a lot to add interest to simple shape, imo.<br /> I like hispanitas motto-joy is a choice (meta message, buy joyful shoes!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958278 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:28:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, that’s a great offer, thanks! Let’s see how the first round goes. </p> <p>Complicating the shoe choice, there are indeed some Hispanitas I like.<br /> These 2” heels, but they are 25€ more than the most expensive pair here <a href="https://www.hispanitas.com/en/shoes/ladies/heel/hi87856-28622" rel="nofollow">https://www.hispanitas.com/en/.....7856-28622</a><br /> And these “ballerinas” with a 3 cm heel, which I’d wear only if I could get the bows off without leaving a mark. Another strike against them is that they’d duplicate the shoes in that older post. <a href="https://www.hispanitas.com/en/outlet/ladies/ballerina/hi75785-27864" rel="nofollow">https://www.hispanitas.com/en/.....5785-27864</a></p> <p>In other matters, I also found these, which I will get as everyday shoes if the Pikolinos don’t work out <a href="https://www.hispanitas.com/en/outlet/ladies/bootie/hi75644-27415" rel="nofollow">https://www.hispanitas.com/en/.....5644-27415</a><br /> And these might be the pink low cut boots I’ve been thinking of getting myself towards the end of the year (assuming everything has worked out by then) <a href="https://www.hispanitas.com/en/outlet/ladies/ankle-boot/hi76007-27427" rel="nofollow">https://www.hispanitas.com/en/.....6007-27427</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958277 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:26:44 +0000 Cardiff girl 1958277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#2 is my preference but they are all interview appropriate.l suppose it depends what looks best with rest of your outfit and don’t succumb to any of this age bias nonsense.As we all know without us midlifers the world would stop working! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958269 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:20:58 +0000 cindysmith 1958269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Kathie. 3/6 is best, by far. 1/4 looks dated to me, too. I didn't like 2, but it's better on your feet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958254 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:01:50 +0000 Anonymous 1958254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep! I also look at the site on my phone, so everything is tiny...i like the higher ones the most, because the toe looks sleeker, but you said they were less comfortable. Pewter would be the most versatile probably.<br /> I used to do employment services, so let me know if you want interview practice:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/grown-up-work-shoes#post-1958253 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:01:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1958253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kathie, I know nothing about this kind of shoes, will take a look at Hispanitas. I need to stay pretty conservative for interviews, but a little something special could be good. Thanks!<br /> I had thought the pewter color would be a little bit quirky, but it really isn’t. #3 is a nice, slightly unusual shade of blue—the company’s photo shows it a lot better than mine—but you are quite correct that these are more yawn-inducing than I usually wear. </p>