A Saga: Finding Professional Winter Shoes

I have always disliked the patronizing focus on what women wear to work.  I think it’s weird.  The grand majority of us know how to (and do) wear appropriate clothing.  But there is still a weird standard set upon women, especially in the legal field, that is much higher and seems to question every little thing that we decide to wear.   Google “peep-toe shoes and work” and you’ll see debate after debate on their appropriateness.  Shoes.  As if there are not more substantial, important things that we should worry about, but this is a great reminder that there are rules of professional etiquette that we do have to learn and maneuver around in our conservative profession.

I have a lot of leeway where I work because we’re a legal nonprofit and unless I’m in court, I’m ok with wearing very casual business-casual outfits.  A blessing and a curse, because I want to buy practical pieces of clothing, but sometimes they don’t translate great in court.

Take, for example, my winter boots:

They have been an amazing pair of shoes that I’ve worn for the past three years.  They are sturdy and keep my feet warm and dry. They also have amazing traction and I have little fears of slipping on ice when I wear them.  And really that is my main concern–will this prevent slippage?  Because I fell on ice a few years ago, sprained an ankle, and am scarred for life about mixing heels and ice patches!  However, while these boots look great over jeans and leggings, they are bulky and a very light color, so in court they would look…odd.  The past three years, I’m constantly deciding–do I wear weather-appropriate shoes, and switch to other shoes when I get to court?  Or do I wear those other heeled shoes even though I’ll be cold and maybe slip on the ice?  Or do I wear the boots and risk being judged in court?  I’m like 99% sure men don’t have to worry about these shenanigans.

So now because the season is ending and sales are happening, I’m on the hunt for new boots for next winter.   I’m aiming for a pair that can hopefully also take to court, so I thought I’d share three possible options.  Ok, they are only options if  your dress code allows it, and assuming that you are ok with maybe bucking the trend (because while writing on this topic, I found an article that said only hookers and floozies wore knee-high boots…)

So let the floozy-ing begin!

1. This one is a little show-y, but if  worn to court with pants (obviously with the pant leg over the boot, which I think is possible with this pair), it would look like a well-structured wedge.  I think they would look great with knee-length skirt and opaque tights as well.

1.  A little less show-y, and more secure because of the low heel.  I prefer the leather to the suede, and I also think both these boots would look good with knee-length skirts.

1. Winter-y looking, but subtle.  If worn under slacks, they would look just like a basic, generic black shoes.  If worn with a skirt, the fur cuff may be a bit much, but I’m still in the school of thought that if it’s winter and it’s snowing and/or sub-degree weather my goal is warmth.

In conclusion, I really envy you warm-winter girls!  Cold-winter ladies, what do your winter shoes look like?  Would you wear boots to court/work?