https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:47:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1792100 Tue, 28 Mar 2017 04:05:49 +0000 Anonymous 1792100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the Cole Haam and the Zara bluchers . I admit I don't "get" the red or the gold , but I do acknowledge I'm not in that camp of lovers and wearers of geek chic . That movie - Gwyneth and her fur coat and striped socks - agh , it's on the tip of my tongue . I am very unhip that way so take that with a grain of salt . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791965 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 21:08:32 +0000 Janet 1791965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are great, Vivian, and they cover a nice variety of styles while still looking very much like you! </p> <p>I'm really liking the oxfords I'm seeing lately but can't buy any more -- I already have a few old pairs that don't get a ton of wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791943 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 20:15:25 +0000 viva 1791943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I've made a few decisions.</p> <p><b>I'm going to hold onto the black pumps. </b>They SO classic that if I decide in the fall to consign them, all will be well. Back up they go.</p> <p><b>I am going to let go of those retro Naturalizer sandals. </b>I've had them since 2011, and I only wore them once or twice last season because they are so high. I think I can safely let them go.</p> <p><b>I've taken my silver loafers out of work rotation and put them for casual only.</b> I need to stay away from truly flat shoes like these and ballet styles. This is where my "being tough on footwear" really shows. I need a structured shoe if I am going to wear it often.</p> <p><b>So, moving forward!</b> &nbsp;.....</p> <p>I brought home a pair of <b>Cole Haan pale gray suede wingtip oxfords </b>that feel like sneakers -- SO comfortable, nicely structured, and a super menswear vibe. (They are pictured below in blue, which was not available in my size. Note that I purchased the OriginalGrand oxford, which is waterproof suede AND more substantial looking than the ZeroGrand, which is more sneaker-y.) If the Zara bluchers fit well, I may keep these Cole Haans to use as nice sneakers and consign the Stan Smiths, which I am not wearing. (If the Zaras don't work, I will use these as work shoes.)</p> <p>On order, soon to be tried on:</p> <p><b>Ann Taylor camel suede ankle strap heels</b><br /><b>Intentionally Blank red leather low-heel pumps</b><br /><b>Intentionally Blank gold leather heeled loafers</b><br /><b>Zara charcoal metallic flatform bluchers </b>(wingtip oxfords) (inspired by Trinny Woodall) (Janet, I do love those metallic blue, but I think this more subtle color might be a better choice for work)</p> <p>I'm going to look at sandals/open toe later (probably in May) because if I make a couple of "keep" decisions here, I will be done spending for a couple of months. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791929 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 19:05:18 +0000 Janet 1791929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blue metallic oxfords? Too much? I just saw these and drooled a little bit:</p> <p><a href="https://www.freepeople.com/shop/citadel-platform-loafer/?color=040" rel="nofollow">https://www.freepeople.com/sho.....?color=040</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791926 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 18:58:39 +0000 Anonymous 1791926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish there were some subdued colours in the intentionally blanks (for me). I really like the shape of them, and like the gold the best.<br />I'm also backing the silver oxfords idea.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791849 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:32 +0000 Anonymous 1791849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course I thought about this all night, and decided to return the suede loafers I bought. Why do I want black suede loafers for spring anyways? &nbsp;I look forward to reading more about your shoe quest - I'm obsessed now myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791841 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:54:30 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1791841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the gold loafers could be very versatile. And I believe Angie might have tried the red ones herself on her red shoe quest, and rejected them for not being orangey enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791827 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:51:48 +0000 Sara L. 1791827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with what Firecracker said about the black pumps. &nbsp;They're a beautiful shoe and I would keep if you need them for the occasional formal occasion. &nbsp;I have similar dressy shoes that don't get much wear, but are essential when I do need them. &nbsp;</p> <p>I was going to suggest many of the shoes that Angie did - she's amazing! &nbsp;Perforated booties, open-toed booties, etc.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791824 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:41:20 +0000 RobinF 1791824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love all these shoes! I agree with Firecracker about the black pumps, even if they are only worn once a year they could still be a necessity (formal party or wedding? funeral?). I love the oxfords and loafers here and wear a lot of that style for work because they are low and comfortable but still professional. I don't think the gold are too crazy although it is sometimes hard to tell from a photo, might be worth a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791807 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 10:58:39 +0000 kkards 1791807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG the gold are FAB....Liberace, maybe, but in a the 70s are having a fashion moment kind of way </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791805 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 10:54:30 +0000 Staysfit 1791805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to come back and admire all the lovely shoe suggestions! Wow Viva! Your post has become eye candy! I love both gold and the red shoes you picture. So stylish! My favorites are the reds, as possible replacements for your ballet flats. I love that they have a low-ish vamp and low heel but are square toed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791802 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 10:36:32 +0000 viva 1791802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b>, Thank you! I went to Intentionally Blank and Need Supply and came up with some more possibilities, including a pair of red shoes (I really want a replacement for the red ballet flats).&nbsp;</p> <p>I think backless flats/mules are cute but I cannot wear them. So I will enjoy them on you. And I think I am staying away from suede because of the wear-and-tear issue (I am expecting to return the Ann Taylors and wish I had not ordered them, frankly). The colors of your Finds are extraordinary, though. Here's what I really like, below (both from Intentionally Blank). But are the gold too Liberace?</p> <p><b>Sharan</b>, I'm so torn on those heels. Thinking of holding on to them for the very odd formal night out (or WH Correspondence Dinner).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791768 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 05:03:39 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1791768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've gotten so many great suggestions, and I really like the ones you have ordered. I differ with others on the black pumps though. They look like a classic that would be good to wear with a black dress, for instance. Like Sally, I think a pretty black pump is sexy, and even though I don't wear mine often, I like to keep them on hand. I have two pairs, and I don't think I wore either of them this fall/winter. But I still really like them and think they are beautiful. Re: yours, I would ask: are they not you at all, ever? Or just not you for work/day occasions? Can you envision wearing them for a dressy occasion or a funeral? If the answer is no, then let them go. If you can envision wanting to wear them on rare occasions, they may be worth keeping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791740 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 02:34:31 +0000 Jaime 1791740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am little too gaga from all these great shoes to offer any decent advice, but I have been eyeballing Intentionally Blank for a while and would definitely give them a shot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791710 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:40:14 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1791710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am liking loafers more than oxfords this season. Especially backless, though the professionality I think decreases with mules.</p> <p>I quite like the Aquatalia and Eileen Fisher shoes that Angie brought to your attention.</p> <p>I got a pair of Cole Haan sneakers for my recent trip to Spain. They are very similar to the oxfords. The sneakers are not for professional wear, but I can't say enough about how comfortable and lightweight they are (no sore anything on 16,000+ steps a day). I suspect their oxfords would be similar. &lt;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.colehaan.com/studiogrand-pack-and-go-sneaker-silver-pink-perforated-ocelot-print-nubuck/W06817.html?dwvar_W06817_color=Silver%20Pink%20Perforated%20Ocelot%20Print%20Nubuck&amp;dwvar_W06817_width=#cgid=womens_studiogrand&amp;start=7">https://www.colehaan.com/studi.....nt-nubuck/</a>&gt;</p> <p>Give some thought to Intentionally Blank shoes, as well. I remember you liked them once, and Need Supply typically has some cool choices. (Just for example in finds.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791701 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 23:31:41 +0000 viva 1791701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, you make me want to keep mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791699 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 23:14:30 +0000 Sal 1791699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the Cole Haan oxfords in all colours!! &nbsp;I am planning to get a pair similar to this for work (flat and covered toes are essential for me as I go into workshops), I want mine to skew funky rather than classic menswear. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Trinny is a hoot, and I love the way she dresses. &nbsp;</p> <p>For me, I have come to the conclusion that I don't need lots of different jeans or pants, and often my tastes run relatively modern classic. &nbsp;Footwear is a place to have a lot of fun, and to buy fewer but wear them out....</p> <p>I have a pair of black stiletto heels and I am not quite ready to get rid of mine, but I have to say the thought of wearing them for a standing up party now does make me nervous. &nbsp;But I love mine, to my mind they are the first pair of grown up shoes that I really ever bought - I was 30 - so they are now 16 years old, but they still are in great condition and I do think they are a great shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791697 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 22:59:36 +0000 viva 1791697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If/when we get invited to the WH Correspondence Dinner, Lisa, you and I will go shoe shopping together!!!</p> <p>My black pumps are sitting at the door, waiting to leave tomorrow. IT IS TIME.</p> <p>Thanks for the love for the oxfords. Heading to Cole Haan tomorrow, ladies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791696 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 22:43:00 +0000 Janet 1791696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto to everything Lisa said!</p> <p>I love the idea of those funky oxfords or loafers for you. </p> <p>I'm not wild about the dominance of suede for spring either. I'm too hard on my shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791694 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 22:36:06 +0000 Anonymous 1791694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While you all have been waxing wise on shoes, I was up in my bedroom cleaning out my closet. &nbsp;Ha! &nbsp;Shoes next - maybe next weekend . Such a chore, and confuses the heck out of me.</p> <p>So - here are my thoughts in no particular order:</p> <p>1. yes to funky oxfords. I think that look is great for you and suits what you do work-wise and your lifestyle in general. &nbsp;I have seen those Cole Haan suede ones and they are super cute - very lightweight. &nbsp;</p> <p>2. &nbsp; re how much wear can one put up with ? &nbsp;I am super -aware of the condition of my shoes, and just won't wear them once they look worn. The only exception are leather sneakers, which get better with age. &nbsp;I had the perfect pair of silver loafers that I wore constantly, until one day when I noticed (while out shopping) that the piping had peeled and the silver was scratched and worn in places. I was mortified and threw them out the minute I got home. &nbsp;Of course now I can't find a replacement I like. &nbsp;</p> <p>3. And yes - what is up with all of the suede for spring? &nbsp;It gets so dusty!! &nbsp;I was able to find a nice , comfortable, good-looking pair of block-heeled shoes with an ankle tie the other day - and had to resign myself to wearing black suede in spring , which I guess I can get comfortable with because they are quite an open shoe. &nbsp;I know you don't care for ankle ties, but they don't bother me at all. The lower heel mitigates any sexy-evening shoe vibe. &nbsp; I also picked up a pair of suede loafers - which I'm not committed to yet. Ideally, they'd have been leather, but these felt so comfortable ....something that is becoming more and more elusive. &nbsp;I have my eye on these slides too - in cognac . I have no business buying shoes and no budget, but I'm being overtaken by spring fever.</p> <p>4. high heel pumps - if you get rid of yours , I'll get rid of mine. I have several really nice pair , that are not worn at all, and I keep thinking I need them in case I get invited to a wedding or the White House Correspondents' Dinner. &nbsp;I suppose I need to come to grips with this too. Sigh.</p> <p>I hope those Ann Taylor &nbsp;shoes are better than the Maddens- I really like the shape. &nbsp;And - lastly, I don't think being hard on shoes is a problem, nor is having to replace them every other year or so. &nbsp;Or sooner. I'd rather wear something out than be constantly getting rid of perfectly good shoes. &nbsp;Which I still do. Thanks for the inspiration - this will be my next project . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791669 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:59:33 +0000 Anonymous 1791669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the silver Cole Haan you show. I like them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791667 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:55:40 +0000 viva 1791667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Sally</b>, thanks for reminding me of Trinny! I have bookmarked her instagram feed. I love that she is my age (alright, one year younger; but still!) -- and her style is AMAZING.</p> <p>Yesterday I ordered a pair of cropped narrow black pants from Everlane which I am planning to wear with loafers and oxfords for work, and I have been thinking about some funkier oxfords like hers. I have been thinking about checking out the Cole Haan outlet in my town because they have the great wingtip/sneaker hybrid that is super comfortable and that I think I can get away with for most of my work. They also have a very classic menswear wingtip that is also very cool. What do you think of these? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791659 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:23:34 +0000 viva 1791659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie / Suz /Staysfit</b>: The black pumps are GOING. It is time, you are both right!</p> <p><b>Janet</b>: Thanks for sharing your POV about wear-and-tear. Helpful.</p> <p><b>KKards</b>: Those oxfords are cool. I like the little cut-outs!</p> <p>And <b>Angie</b>, THANK YOU for these great suggestions! I think you are right, too, about needing more to choose from. Now that I am removing from the closet 3 pairs that ended up being too high/dressy for work, and even for dressy, I can feel the need quite acutely. At the very least, I'm going to try the Freebirds (which exactly hit a spot I have been aiming for), the Aquitalias (expensive, but if they are right, it will be worth it), the Eileen Fisher (for summer) and also possibly the Tkees silver loafers (if I decide I want silver again). These are terrific options. Many thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791656 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:19:01 +0000 Sal 1791656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For work shoes, I think there is a point where distressing starts to look unprofessional. &nbsp;I think this is the major downfall with metallic shoes, polishing/reheeling is not as easy. &nbsp;I have some boots and shoes that have lasted for 6-10 years but these are mostly black leather shoes that can be reheeled and polished.</p> <p>I can't remember if I mentioned this previously, but Trinny Woodall (ex What not to Wear, UK original version) wears a lot of cropped black/navy pants and wears a lot of oxfords and loafers that look very cool. &nbsp;You can check out her instagram feed or <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.trinnylondon.com">http://www.trinnylondon.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>There are lots of fun styles here this winter (that would probably work for your spring/fall and some of summer) that I am finding appealing.</p> <p>I could see you in the Calvin Klein Georgette - they would be fab with cropped pants and I think also dresses!! &nbsp;I have a very soft spot for Mary Jane shoes too for work and in fact have pulled my ones out today for their first wear this year. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791637 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:43:03 +0000 Angie 1791637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pass on the skinny heels, Viv. You have mentioned over and over again how they aren't your thing. No point is keeping them.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you wear out your shoes quickly because you don't have enough of them. As a working professional, you need to share the wear.&nbsp; </p> <p>And here are some suggestions.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791620 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 17:56:56 +0000 Janet 1791620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally see why you are reevaluating these! I am going through a similar thing with my footwear, and my Okalas and some other oldies are on the chopping block as well.</p> <p>I think your style has evolved from some of these, and you've clearly gotten your use out of others to the point where you're tired of them and ready to move on. Next!!</p> <p>I also am like you in not liking my shoes to look visibly worn unless they are really causal or meant to look distressed or actually age well with patina rather than just looking tired. For example, I'm getting my pointy-toe, low-heeled Fluevog booties repaired because they work well with the flared jeans I'm wearing more these days, even though they are looking "broken in." The look works for those boots. However, my Ugg Cortonas in their Chelsea boot state (without the removable spats) are looking a bit worse for the wear, and could use a good conditioning. But then I have dressier shoes or boots that get passed on once they start looking less than pristine. Just depends on whether those shoes are to be worn with a more polished look or a more casual one. So I can see how the silver loafers might be due for replacement. </p> <p>I am also guilty of hanging onto pumps that I never wear, so no advice for you there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791616 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 17:51:30 +0000 kkards 1791616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'll play....<br />ok, how pristine my work shoes need to be is directly related to how comfortable and/or how esstential they are. they more comfortable or esstential they are, the more lenient i am. i should also add that i can and do bring my favorites to the shoemaker to have him add new heels and/or soles &nbsp;and generally do what he can to bring them back to life. for me, if a shoe is looking mis shapen then its generally no longer comfortable but YMMV.<br />i'm going back and forth on the oxfords in the find (which are available in 7 colors), not very&nbsp;feminine, but i think they would look great with crops.&nbsp;i think both jcrew pair would work for your style, but are more feminine, (and are 30% today). and i'd try the mary janes, which are an angie top pick. and if you are looking for a metalic, the boden's may work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791615 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 17:41:06 +0000 Staysfit 1791615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would bin the black pumps if you never wear them. Shoe shopping can be frustrating but there's no point in keeping something that is just a placeholder. I think it's easier to make a change once all the old items have been removed. Somehow the free space opens my mind to new possibilities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791613 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 17:20:53 +0000 Suz 1791613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. This is tough. First, I approve of passing on any shoes that don't make you happy any more for whatever reason. In this case, though, I'd keep the silver until you find a replacement, since you are having trouble finding shoes that meet your needs. It's a shame about the Maddens. Sometimes this happens.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not shopping at all yet -- and haven't looked at shoes -- but did you check Angie's Finds yet? &nbsp;I do think with the block heel trend that there ought to be something out there that would work. But I agree about the little ties -- to sexy and too fussy for a work environment.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/post-bootie-season-work-shoe-review-help#post-1791591 Sun, 26 Mar 2017 15:35:00 +0000 viva 1791591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm reviewing and editing my shoe collection for the post-bootie season, and I am trying to focus on shoes that I can wear to work - but I am also looking at sandals and dressy shoes. Since I tend to put more money into booties this is a small collection, but it needs to be comfortable and right. For work in particular, <b>I am always on the lookout for closed-toe, 2.5 inch or less, comfortable but fashionable and interesting</b> shoes (which are becoming a HEWI).</p> <p>This spring, I am/have eliminated 4 pairs of shoes (see picture 1):<br />- wine Okalas: the skinny heel is not really me, plus I find it unstable and uncomfortable<br />- Any Liu spectators: too high<br />- silver Trinas (I got a couple of summers out of these but I am really bored by these now, wore them much less last year; plus I have always been annoyed by the weirdly shaped heel for some reason)<br />- JCrew red pointy ballet flats (not pictured) - the toes wore quickly and obviously; plus, no support</p> <p>I have four pairs of work-appropriate shoes right now, 2 of which I feel very good about.</p> <p>Pic 2: The <b>black Halogen loafers </b>are terrific, comfortable, and they look really good. The silver JCrew loafers and beginning to look beat-up and I am not sure if I will wear them to work or not. (Q: How picky are you about how pristine your shoes need to look? I am hard on shoes and feel like I hate when they look worn.)</p> <p>Pic 3: The <b>blue Cole Haan wedges</b> are really comfortable for high shoes (3 inches) and they have held up amazingly well to wear. The Naturalizer retro pumps are a favorite but they are a bit less comfortable for a long day because of the heel (but still mostly good) and seem to be somewhat less versatile.</p> <p>Pic 4: Why am I still holding on to these? Do I really need a sexy classic black pump if i NEVER wear them?</p> <p>I have done some searching/trying on, but it is hard this year to find what I need. I really want a block heel/ankle strap, but why are they all suede this year??? I am afraid of the wear and tear (although if I get comfortable ones cheap enough, I suppose I can live with a short lifespan if I must.) Also, why all the ankle ties? &nbsp;That feels way too sexy for work. &nbsp;I did try the Steve Madden Dainna pumps in olive (see Find below). Hard as a rock under my feet, and they arrived already looking beat up. Going back. I have ordered the Ann Taylor -- very similar, in camel suede (50% off through midnight tomorrow). According to the details, the heel height difference is only .25 inches, although it looks like more in the pictures. We shall see.</p> <p>Also, I do have booties I can wear into the warmer weather for work, in particular the light Seychelles pair (see below), which look great with dresses and pants. But again, suede. Only a year old and they are looking worn and misshapen (very soft suede). I am inclined to relegate them to casual only. (Same question about how picky you are about how pristine your shoes must look.)</p> <p>I'm thinking about black oxfords (to wear with narrow cropped black pants) but I'd really like some new more feminine shoes. And it's HARD.</p> <p>Am open to all suggestions, comments, and smacks on the wrist. THANK YOU!!!</p>