Say goodbye to summer sandal galore, it has been fun. From chunky platforms to colorful and strappy low high-heels, the end of summer blues stuffing our toes into closed shoes after months of comfy sandals.
Dust off those autumn boots and treat yourself to a new work shoe. Across the U.S. the climates are slightly variant from mild winter in California, to thunder icy tundra in...most other places? Finding the right winter work shoe is important no matter what.
Aside from the weather, different work environments permit a different dress code. For business professionals, you might have to stick to a slick loafer or platform boot, whereas business casual folks can get away with a dressy platform sneaker.
Heels are a classic fashion essential, but they just aren't comfortable. Powerful women need to be able to walk around to do their jobs. For those who can do it in heels, all the power to you. Here are some comfy alternatives to the fall and winter work shoe.
8 Knee-High Boot
For the women who appreciate high fashion, the knee-high boot comes in a lot of varieties. Some classic options include leather or suede and choose between flat or platform. Style this look with tights and a sweater dress, or jeans and an oversized shirt.
7 Chelsea Boot
Chelsea boots are iconic, having a pair in black or brown will last you years because they never go out of style. The design originates back to the Victorian Era, and this season with the 70's trending, they bring a classic yet cool vibe to any outfit.
Whether you prefer a platform or flat Chelsea, the style is perfect for work and streetwear. Style it with literally any outfit, you can't go wrong which makes the Chelsea boot a personal favorite.
6 Loafers
Loafers are back and we love it. They are comfy, they are professional and versatile. This is another shoe that can be taken from the street to the office and has really different styling options.
Pair with a suit for those workplaces with a business professional dress code or to wear to a conference. For a more casual work look, pair with tights and a dress. Bonus take loafers to the street with jeans and a Saturday top.
5 Combat Boots
The combat boot gives a punk rock nod to those who like a classy look with some personal style. The classy rocker girl may not be a business professional exactly, but these shoes will make the outfit stand out in a business casual environment.
For a go-to Monday morning look, pair with dark jeans and a sweater. For a more special day, combine the boots with a floral dress to create a feminine but make-it-punk look. This look can go from day to night, from the office to a social event.
4 Oxfords
Shoes are for everyone, but especially oxfords. They give a schoolboy look to any fit, which is especially fun for fall.
To channel your inner schoolboy, pair oxfords with flared checker pants, an oversized white button-up and a sweater vest. For those business professional dress codes, oxfords are a very powerful statement piece for a pantsuit.
3 Platform Boots
When platforms came back in style, it was a lifesaver. Heels are beautiful, put platforms give you the height with less pain.
Do look out for the weight of the shoe. Some brands, like Dr. Martens, who make great shoes, make really heavy platforms that weigh down your foot. The whole point of platforms (other than being cute) is to be a more comfortable alternative to heels. When the shoes are too heavy, it takes away from the best part!
Platform boots get their own category because there are so many styles to choose from. There are flat platforms, where all parts of the base of the shoes are together, and a heeled platform. We said no heels, but platform heels are an exception because the distributed height and extra cushioning make a really walkable shoe.
While both shoes work for a business casual work environment (and for streetwear) the heeled platform is a bit more business professional. Similar to the Chelsea boot, you can't style these boots in the wrong way just have fun with them!
2 A Modern Ballet Flat
Depending on the weather, this may or may not be your favorite shoe choice. This season there are ballet flats that take this classic look to a more modern level. Look for one that has some shape and even a small one-inch-thick heel. Look for colorful and fun, the classic shape buys you some colorful points in the workplace dress code. The ballet flat's modesty allows you to be bolder with the colors and even patterns.
1 A Dressed Up Sneaker
Sorry business professionals, this one goes out to the business casual dress coders. This season offers a new sneaker: one that is dressed up to look fancier than its ancestors.
There is no shoe more comfortable than a sneaker, why not take advantage of this new trend and find a work adaptable design.
The dressed-up sneaker also works for almost any look in a business casual workplace. A personal favorite is to actually dress down a trendy pantsuit.
Find the go-to comfortable work shoe for fall, and have options to mix it up. Just because the weather is cold, doesn't mean your shoe game should be.
