FASHION
Top 10 back to work shoes anchoring your wardrobe | Mens & womens
For both men and women, loafers have become a key style for smart and casual occasions. Through the winter months, a practical pair of boots is always a must, keeping you warm and comfortable without compromising your style. Not to mention the mules and ballet pumps that have also become a sought-after workwear staple, adding a contemporary flair to your often quite paired back wardrobes.
Covering both men and women, here are the new styles we would invest in as you head back to work...
1. Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather 3-Eye Shoes
A classic for both men's and women's wardrobes, Dr Marten 1461 leather shoes are a smart casual classic. What's great about them is they provide you will a really smart footwear alternative but without compromising your personal style or bordering on the frumpy, dad shoe vibe. The Dr Martens 1461 also looks cool styled with a chunky sock, especially if you opt for a contemporary colour that pops near your ankle.
2. G.H.BASS Men's Weejun Ii Larson Moc Leather Penny Loafers
3. Dune Women's Picture Leather Chelsea Boots
Brown is the new black this season, so if you're looking for your next pair of chunky boots to complete your winter wardrobe then why not invest in a brown pair? With neutral tones and earthy colours key trends this winter, they will naturally feed into your already existing wardrobe but will give it that much-needed refresh.
4. Clarks Originals Men's Desert Trek Hi Suede Boots
Smart but casual, laid back and very effortless, the Clarks Originals Desert boots offer a mans wardrobe a cosy and easy-to-style boot. A style that needs little to no styling, you can't go wrong with Clarks Originals and the suede neutral colour that will work with so many staples in your wardrobe.
5. Vagabond Ansie Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
A firm favourite for this season is the Mary Jane shoes from Vagabond. Instantly adding a feminine and effortlessly chic touch to any outfit they are the perfect shoe to add versatility to your wardrobe, perfect with a skirt, dress or trousers. The chunky square heel is also the perfect height as a comfortable heel option.
6. Veja Men's Campo Chrome Free Leather Trainers - Extra White/Black
Many of our offices are more casual since lockdown and you might have a hybrid working situation, but a smart pair of trainers is still necessary. You still need to be smart and presentable so invest in a part of classic trainers that you will be able to wear with every thing in your wardrobe. Veja are a well-known sustainable brand, that would be perfect for office days and meetings in the city.
7. Coach Prestyn Leather Heeled Boots
Western styles you will notice are very popular this autumn/winter so why not invest in a smart subtle pair from Coach? The Prestyn boots are an elevated style that looks like a quality pair of leather boots, perfect for tailored dressing and smart casual occasions. With a manageable heal and pointed toe they are easy to wear yet ultra-stylish boots for back to work.
8. Dune London Women's Hartlyn Leather Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have come back around into fashion and they offer an easy slip-on style for a woman's wardrobe. Styled with baggy jeans or denim midi skirts they have taken on a more effortlessly cool personera. With some classic styles from Dune, we love the Hartlyn ballet flats for the black and beige two-tone, making it the perfect shoe for your transeaonsal wardrobe.
9. Birkenstock Nagoya Nubuck Leather Mules
Mules have definitely become the perfect tricky mid-season shoe as we transition into the colder months. Birkenstocks' new Nagoya Nubuck mules look great with jeans and chinos for a casual look at work. These are the type of shoes you will never regret purchasing because you will wear them for every and any occasion, in and out of your home.
10. TOMS Men's TRVL Lite Leather Moc Chukka Boots
Lastly, a style that is effortlessly cool and will work with any of your workwear looks is the Leather Moc Chukka boots from Tom's. The black suede with white sole gives you the mix between a smart shoe and a casual yet well-styled look. Super comfortable and versatile, these are great more low-key boots to carry you from now into next season.
Holly Thompson Writer and expert