Work Wednesday: Flats vs. Heels for the Office
Jun 24, 2015
When I moved out West, I bought a car. And with that car came the ability to wear high heels again. But just a few weeks into my new job, and my feet are killing me. Back to flats I go.
Whether you’re a flats girl or a lover of high heels, there are a few basic pieces that will help build a versatile, functional shoe wardrobe. Here are my picks, all under-$150.
Black. Michael Kors Pointed Toe Pump ($118) and Topshop Point Flat ($40)
Basic black is a necessity for most women. I like this open, d’Orsay style of these pumps, and the texture on the flats is nice too. I like pointed-toe shoes because they make the legs look longer. However, if you’re look for round-toe pumps, try these very comfortable Trotters pumps.
Red. Nine West Flax Pumps ($69) and Halston Point-Toe Flat ($129)
Red pumps are one of my favorite accents. I wear them with jeans, navy separates, and black. If you’re looking for a casual shoe, these Nine West wedges are perfect for summer.
Blush. Dune Blush Pumps ($87) and BCBGeneration Curly Flat ($89)
Looking for a color that doesn’t overpower you? Soft blush tones are hot right now. I love the mix of textures on these Selfridge’s pumps. The flats are also a feminine choice for wearing with dresses or white denim.
Navy. Ivanka Trump Boni Pump ($109) and Joe’s Jeans Kitty Flat ($89)
If you’re looking for the perfect flats to wear with denim, navy is the way to go. The color doesn’t get the attention it should, but there is no sleeker look than crisp, navy trousers with navy pumps. Need a round-toe? Try these Ralph Lauren pumps.
Grey. Michael Kors Closed Toe Pump ($120) and Joe’s Pixie Cut-Out Flat ($69)
I love the soft elegance of grey shoes. They go with almost everything, and they aren’t as harsh as black can sometimes be. The cut-outs on these flats from Joe’s have a great lightness to them. Try grey pumps with all your favorite summer colors.
Tan. Kors Varnished Pumps ($91) and BC Rebel Flat ($79)
Last week, we discussed nude-to-you pumps and how they can be worn with almost anything. For many of us, a tan flat will get the job done. For others, you might need a deeper taupe, a lighter blush, a cognac, or a chocolate hue. But when you don’t know what color to wear, a flesh-toned shoe is usually the answer.
Any “plus size” options for the flats? While halfway stylish clothes at plus sizes are getting easier and easier to find, cute flats in a size 12 or a wide width at any size are almost impossible.
Seconded. I’m an 11 wide, and it’s super hard to find anything (affordable or otherwise) that isn’t a grandma shoe.
11W is my actual size, but it’s such a unicorn that I usually end up going with 12s and add a heel insert. Though I’d happily pay $100+ for shoes, most of my work flats and pumps come from Nine West because they’re the only reasonably stylish brand that makes shoes in 11+.
have you guys checked at nordstrom rack? I always see tons of cute shoes there in size 11 and 12-sometimes even Tory Burch!
Despite the decline in clothing quality, JCrew shoes have held up pretty well for me, and I like that they carry sizes outside the 6-11 range. I don’t have this particular flat but I’ve seen it on other women, and it looks nice:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/flats/PRDOVR~B1791/B1791.jsp
On ASOS, the brand New Look is almost entirely for wide feet.
Also, some of the Banana Republic heels are very suitable for wide feet.
Great post!
I am wearing those navy Ivanka Trump pumps and I love them. They’re one of the only cheaper brands that doesn’t slip off my heels (in my correct size) or give me blisters, etc.
I love your focus on pointed-toe flats! My mom did a little bit of fashion illustration in college, and she always told me that pointed-toe shoes are the most flattering. The rise of ballet flats has made them harder to find, comparatively (and I’ll admit, I have a few rounded-toe pairs for casual outfits), but they really make a difference.
I disagree:
https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2015/09/your-votes-are-in-the-30-most-comfortable-shoes-for-teachers.html
Sincerely, Marlana