Rain and business clothes/commute to work

Katelyn

How does rain/other bad weather affect what you wear to work? Why? Do you bring a second pair of shoes? Where do your boots go once you get to the office? Any thoughts, questions, concerns would be helpful!

6 years ago

What I Wore

10 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I live in Seattle - it rains A LOT. I don't swap out my footwear because I choose it carefully, along with hems that don't get soggy.

6 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

I wear "commuting shoes"- black Dansko's in the winter, Keens in the summer, rain boots as needed- because I get to work by walk/train. The commuting shoes get tucked under a chair in my office, and I keep 3-4 pairs of shoes there, changing them with the seasons. If I have early morning meetings, or evening events, then I do plan carefully for which shoes I need, so that I don't end up at an evening work event in my (much-loved, and very practical, but not super stylish) Dansko's.

And for your first question, yes, my climate, and how that interplays with my commute, is one of my top considerations for what I wear to work. For example, summers are quite warm and humid in my area, so I specifically look for items that are washable, and will hold up to more frequent machine-washing.

6 years ago

Aurore

Veteran

I usually wear heels for work (8cm / 3,3in) and commute by car. I always have a pair of trainers in my car because I don't like to drive with heels, and I could also need those trainers in case of emergency. I also reach for them if I want to go in town or to the fitness studio during the lunch pause when the weather does not allow me to walk in heels.

In case of exceptionally bad weather conditions, I wear tall flat boots that I keep on during the whole day. It does affect my style, but my office is very casual.

My female colleagues who use public transports generally commute in sneakers whatever the weather, but few of them change for dressier shoes for the work day. The ones who do keep their shoes in their offices, in their cupboard or in a bag.

6 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

If the weather is bad first thing first I want to stay warm, so I dress warmly and take a second pair of shoes to work. My boots go into a closet near my desk. In this closet I also keep a permanent supply of extra clothes such as warm cardigans, socks, lightweight tees - the temperature in my office is very fluctuating!

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

When I took the Google Bus (ok not Google, but the same) (yes, still throw rocks now), I did packable flats for the walk to the bus stop. Changed shoes on the bus. I wouldn’t do that on a public bus tho. In inclement weather, I had some fancy rain boots that I didn’t change. But it was a large campus; soon enough you’d be back outside.

6 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Weather completely effects what I wear to work. It's part of the reason I have such a hard time planning my outfits the day ahead!

If it's going to rain HARD, I will throw fashion to the wind and wear rain boots, and carry my shoes in a bag. I'll even put my purses in a waterproof bag. Rain here can be vicious, and fall sideways.

I have a few pairs of fashionable boots that are weatherproof. If it's snowing, or messy, I wear high boots with skinnies tucked in. Wearing full length pants in the winter is a real hit or miss... this year it's been totally possible, but other years they don't see the light of day. People who purge bottoms because they don't get worn one year would be replacing annually!

I once had a new pair of lovely, not cheap shoes get ruined by an unexpected rain, and I'm not letting that happen again. Practicality will win out every time for me.

I used to wear more "wintery" boots to work, and change into shoes I kept at the office. But I find the variety of footwear I want to wear too big for this now. Plus I have better weatherproof fashion boots. And walk less far.

6 years ago

Katelyn

Active Member

Thanks for your insight everyone! What are some ways that could make the shoes and bad weather relationship better/more convenient for you?

6 years ago

Jane

Veteran

I have similar problems. I walk a lot on my commute. And work where conservative footwear is required.

I wear OTK boots in winter, which for me work well regardless of event. I have two pairs and I’m careful to protect with water repellent spray and keep with trees inside (the plastic things that make them keep their shape). Other times I wear brogues, mostly Paul Green, I have 4 pairs, beige patent, beige suede (for nude tights), black patent and navy suede. They are all smart brogues so will be good for different events but if it a drinks event I will carry heels and change into them.

But it’s taken me 2 years to work what works for me.

The thing that works for me is to have options on comfortable footwear, and regular maintenance with various products. ‘Cherry’ make the best I think.

I also keep spare hose in my desk draw for days when it rains, and I’m wearing light colour tights. I don’t like the splash marks on the backs of legs.

6 years ago

Jane

Veteran

PS when I get to work, I put my shoes in an archive box under my desk. I’m slightly uneasy about changing my shoes in the office, but my very lovely male colleague swapped desks so I have slight more privacy. He chuckled when I explained that this was part of the reason for wanting to swap desks.

6 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Nowadays, I live and work in the same building. But for many years, I travelled 30-60 minutes each way, by public transportation. And of course, I wore the needed outerwear and footwear. Most of the year, this would mean a coat / rain coat, and winter boots / rain boots. Often, I would also need a hat, a big scarf, gloves, an umbrella, or sunglasses.

Most days, I would bring a pair of shoes. When I arrived at the office, my boots would be placed beneath my coat whereever it was hanging, either in a hall or closet or in a corner of my office.

6 years ago

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