Business casual when you can't wear pumps - YouLookFab Forum

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Business casual when you can't wear pumps

Anonymous

I'm trying to work around the business casual dress code at work. I can't wear the pumps and dressy shoes that are always pictured in articles that describe what's appropriate to wear. I have purchased some ankle boots in hopes that they'll be fine. They also suit my natural personality a lot better - not to mention I work in an ag office. I hope I'm on the right track. I'm also only 4 years away from retirement and don't want to buy stuff that won't also be comfortable and stylish outside the office.

Pictures are the boots I have or have just ordered. The Dansko pair is
Is brown; the other 2 pairs are black. The Dansko pair doesn't have the almond-shaped toe that would make it more businesslike, but I have foot problems and may need them once in a while.

Thoughts?

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28 replies

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Tanya

Veteran

I think that the types of booties will depend on whether you plan to wear them with skirts, or pants,and which types of pants- cropped and slim or floor grazing bootcuts/flares. To me each of those three groups require different type of footwear, although some pairs may be versatile enough to span across more than one category.
I don't know how dressy your office is, but in general pairs #2 and #3 look OK to me for office wear.

Anonymous

Thanks, Tanya. I am thinking that the Dansko pair will be reserved for days when my feet are giving me fits. I don't wear skirts or dresses to work. I have wide-legged and baby bootcut dress pants. My khakis are straight legged, and I have some skinny pants that I wear tucked into tall boots. In addition, I have some ankle pants that I wear in the summer with sandals, and I'm not sure what to do about that. My sandals are all Danskos that don't show much of my feet; I bought them for arch support and to disguise my bunions.

I'm thinking about these boots, in dark brown (see pic).

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Anonymous

Booties should work fine for you. I agree with Tanya, numbers 2 and 3 look the best for my idea of business wear, but all offices are different. I take my cues from my office supervisors. If I recall correctly, you do not have that option. If that is the case, then I would start defining my own personal business wear. I would make booties part of that personal signature. Best wishes.

Anonymous

One last thing. I do work in an office, but I made the decision in 2015 that I was done with heels of any type. No one in our office batted an eye. I wear flats (oxfords and ballet) with slacks and skirts. It works for me.

Anonymous

Thanks, Sterling. I'm sooooo done with killer footwear! No one in my office dresses all that nicely unless there's an important meeting. Also, the new dress code is only for office managers like me; not for the higher ups. Unfair, in my opinion, but it is what it is. I'm not trying to move up the ladder or seek a promotion, so I wish to have my own signature style within the boundaries of what the Powers That Be deem appropriate.

JAileen

Veteran

I was a CPA. I was very competent and dressed professionally, but stopped wearing heels 28 years ago. I was pregnant that year and stopped wearing heels during my pregnancy. I never went back. I wore dressy flats for the next 15 or so years. I figured if men didn't have to wear uncomfortable shoes, I didn't have to either. It was never an issue in any of my jobs. I never wore boots. I wish I had; I would have been a lot warmer!

Anonymous

Thanks. Above all, I need to be good to my feet. If anyone says anything about it, I can cite a medical reason. I doubt it will come to that, though. I'm just looking for boots with a sleeker style but that are still comfortable and provide the proper arch support. The office is cold all the time, even in the summer, so I think boots are the way to go.

darla

I can't do heels either and wear flat ballet style shoes to the office as well as various boots--some tall and some like you are asking about. All my shoes have very very low or flat heels. I agree sometimes it's tough to feel dressed up without heels, but it has to do! No choice anymore.

It's fun when I have to get real dressed up as for a wedding, but I don't wear dresses so I find flashy flats to wear with dressy slacks. Luckily I can find glittery flats for fancy dress up times.

Anonymous

My foot problem is such that I can't wear pumps or ballet flats. I need a D width to accommodate my bunions, but my heels are a regular B width. My feet walk right out of the shoes. I also have a high instep, so it's not easy to wear most closed-in shoes. Boots seem to work for some reason, and I have come to really like them.

Anonymous

Booties, it is then. Make them your signature style. Yay for you.

unfrumped

Veteran

Actually I don't think of pumps and dressy shoes for business casual (meaning, not required) whereas some corporate business dress codes are very ticky about demanding pumps with heels.

I think there are feet-specific issues at play so the styles depend on that of course. For example, if a lower heel is all one needs, then upscale loafers, slipper flats, oxfords, and ballet flats are quite the business casual wear.
If a bit of heel is needed, for some people this actually adds foot comfort (not me) ,then a heeled loafer (meaning, up to 2" blocky heel) works for a lot of people who can wear the stable chunky heel but not a narrow stiletto heel. I can't even walk in a kitten heel, for example!
I have VC slipper "flat" that is not flat, but has ? something like a 1" heel that is a wardrobe workhorse and will leave me flat (!) whenever it wears out.
Boots have a big advantage as you point out for "foot stabilization" and for evening out problems between forefoot bunion width and heel width that can't be fitted in a slip-on shoe. The other advantage I get with them is that they are very good for full-length pants, which slide over the smooth vamp and also there is a nice uniform, polished appearance to footwear peaking out

Anonymous

Thanks. It's good to know that wearing boots is okay. I personally don't think they always register as boots when worn with long pants. If they're sleek enough, they look almost like pumps in my opinion. The trick is to find the right style.

kkards

Veteran

Bettycrocker, I'll be honest, almost none Of the women I work with wear pumps, so I think you'll be fine. As others have said, it's all about how you put your outfits together. My own personnel business casual rule is that if I'm going to wear something that on the cusp of too casual, I balance it with something that's really business, (for example I have a pair of red skinnies that can read almost like jeans, I always pair them with a blazer)

Anonymous

Good idea! I only have a couple of Blazers, but I should be able to do that. I went ahead and ordered the David Tate London boots in brown so that I'll have a black pair (Sofft Vesna) and a dark brown pair of Chelsea boots. I always find those two colors to be necessary essentials. As you can see from the photos, they are very similar. I don't particularly mind as long as my feet are happy. Now the search will be for interesting tops and Blazers. I don't want to look boring.

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Anonymous

I work for a large bank in the head office, in a big city. I am not the fashion queen of the floor but I am neat, tidy and comfy. It is a long commute, train, car, walking etc. I seldom wear skirts or dresses so that helps but I gave up heels the last year or so as well. I don't see my lack of heels as a reflection of my work but I know some other offices have a different culture, when client facing. I have replaced most of my shoes the last couple years to be wedges. I can hike for miles to and from the train ( and our non existent winter) and the height makes me feel professional. I also don't have to wear one shoe and pack another, a pet peeve with my lunch, laptop, etc

One advantage of the wedge is that they can be worn with skirts if I wear one

Anonymous

I remember the days when I had a half-mile walk from my car to my office, after which I'd change from my comfy suede earth shoes to pointy-toed heeled pumps. Thankfully I no longer have to do that, I do like low wedge heels. These days I don't go above 2 inches, and most of time it's not over 1.5 inches, especially if it's to work or do a lot of walking.

Anonymous

I'm with you on wedges, A. That's my go-to style for when I want a bit of height without the pain of a regular heel. And wedges come in so many styles, it's usually pretty easy to find just the right pair. Bettycrocker, have you seen a doctor about those foot problems?

Anonymous

Betty you got it on with that recipe. LOL

Anonymous

I especially like 2 and 3 in your post, but foot comfort is foremost. I can't see why anyone would complain about any of these booties, especially worn with nice trousers and a blazer.

Anonymous

Xtabay, I've been to a podiatrist for my bunions and to my family doctor and rheumatologist about the arthritis.

I'm in Cozumel with my DH this week, and my ankle pain has been flaring up, even though I'm not wearing heels.

Anonymous

I was thinking of returning the Dansko boots, but my ankle pain on my left foot and numb toes on my right foot has reminded me why I sometimes need shoes like Dansko and Alegria.

Anonymous

Comfort all the way. I pay a premium price to be able to walk comfortably all day long. This is nonnegotiable. IF you find shoes/booties that work for you, buy them. You will never regret it.

In fact, I might reach out to you some time in January for recommendations. I would like a pair of booties for a wide foot. I like the second picture you show in your original post. Could you share the manufacturer?

Anonymous

From first post:
Photo 1 = Dansko Ona
Photo 2 = Sofft Vesna
Photo 3 = Earth Odyssey

In later post - 2 pairs of Chelsea boots:
Sofft Vesna again + David Tate London

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Betty...love the photos...I especially think the second set would look great with skirts and tights.

Around here, boots and booties are much more commonly worn with skirts when the weather gets colder.

Anonymous

Good to know, Dakotacheryl. Thanks!

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I have the same issues with bunions and narrow heels (but a low instep) and know how challenging it can be to find something that fits. Waldlaufer black patent oxfords and Frye Anna oxfords might work for you.

Greenjeans

Veteran

Hi, Bettycrocker. I'm with Sterling! Pick whatever boots/booties work for you comfort-wise and build your style around them. FWIW, I healed a developing bunion (big nubbin popping out on right foot) last year with yoga. Not sure if it was this Toes Pose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pQM8mKCMCI or these Yoga Toe Gems http://www.amazon.com/YogaToes.....B004HE94SE , or doing both that did the trick but after 7 months or so regular practice bunion & foot pain disappeared.

Anonymous

I really appreciate the votes of confidence for the boots. In addition to bunions, I have to deal with intermittent ankle pain and toe numbness. I practice yoga and have tried some poses that involve balancing on my toes, with very limited success. I do like the foot exercises my yoga teacher uses; am not sure if they have anything to do with yoga, but they feel good. I will look at the poses and yoga toes when I get z chance. Thanks!