These boots were made for walkin...at work?

October 11, 2010 4:59 PM

Need recommendations for work-friendly outfits that go with a new pair of boots. Relevant links & pics within.

So I got this pair of boots to go with a chiffon tunic very similar to this one, (except in black, tan, cream, and gray). With black leggings, everything looked great together. I am planning to wear them with jeans and leggings/miniskirts when not at work, but would like to work them into work ensembles also. Can it happen, folks?

Additional info: mid-20's, petite, work at a school, with kids age 4-8, sometimes have to run or sit on the floor. I generally wear outfits more like this or this; the first outfit I described is on the casual side of work-appropriate but very similar to ones worn by multiple well-dressed colleagues. Looking for, I guess, tunic/dress/skirt? recommendations that are budget- and cold-friendly (I'm in the northeastern US) - also appreciate any site/forum suggestions that could be of more help.

posted by shortskirtlongjacket to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (5 answers total)

I work in a more conservative industry, but I would wear them with pants long enough to just let the shoe part of the boots show so that you can't tell they are boots. Any neutral color pant should work with the metallic.
posted by cestmoi15 at 5:12 PM on October 11, 2010

Full skirts and prairie styles look great with that kind of boot, and you're coming into perfect flannel/tweed weather too. I think the key is that with a boot that looks pretty casual at first glance, you'll need to make it look professional by tying it in with more skirts and feminine shapes.

Some outfit examples:
This Lands' End Dress + knitted vest or cardigan + belt from your second outfit link. Add knit tights when cold!

This Lands' End full skirt + sweater/cardigan.

This whole darn outfit from Eddie Bauer, you can switch up the denim shirt for a cream-colored sweater or button-down.

This skirt from L.L.Bean would go well with a belted cardigan or a tucked-in button down and vest.

This other skirt from L.L.Bean in purple would really pop with black tights and a charcoal blouse or sweater.

If you don't mind a little layering, this dress from Target is the perfect length for your boots. Add a cardigan like the one you just bought.
posted by juniperesque at 5:36 PM on October 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Academichic gets recommended a lot in AskMe (for good reason!). Sounds like their outfit suggestions could work for your situation.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:29 PM on October 11, 2010

Best answer: I'd wear those boots to work with black or gray pants. Also, maybe with a knee-length black skirt and something like purple tights. Maybe.

You might like this blog: Already Pretty.
posted by bluedaisy at 9:22 PM on October 11, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! Looks like I have some blog archives to check out!
posted by shortskirtlongjacket at 3:51 PM on October 13, 2010