Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Boot trends are all over the map right now, so we went on a hunt for a sleek but walkable boot that has a classic style — something that will hopefully last you for more than a year or two!

Readers, which are your favorite styles of boots to wear right now? If you’ve recently bought any sleek but walkable boots, do tell… In general, what are your favorite commuting shoes for work?

{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}

Our Latest Favorite Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work

Our favorite sleek but walkable boots for 2024 include the following… also check out comfort brands like Naot, Paul Green, and Dansko.

What Type of Boots Should You Wear to the Office in 2024?

Are Lug-Sole Boots Appropriate for the Office?

This is an open question, as trends are changing so quickly. Lug boots are very popular right now, but not necessarily appropriate for all offices because they tend to have a chunky, casual style.

(I would put other lug-soled shoes, such as loafers, in a different category because they have a more academic look, whereas lug-soled boots can sometimes look a bit moto/combat-boot inspired.)

If you ARE on the hunt for lug-sole boots for the office, we’re fans of these ones from Blondo, Sam Edelman, Marc Fisher LTD, and Vionic; on the pricier side we’d go for the Prada ones Gwyneth Paltrow wore to her trial. Know your office, though!

Are Knee-High Boots Trendy For Office Looks?

I think knee-high boots are coming back in style because there are a ton out there right now — you often see them styled with midi skirts (and not with skinny pants). The most current styles have a slightly Western heel and a wider, looser shaft, but the classic styles (tighter shaft, stacked or skinny heel) are all still around as well.

If your budget is tight, note that you can definitely wear knee-high boots underneath dress pants — with all the wide-leg pants to wear to work that are out there right now it shouldn’t be a problem to get them to fit. It’s just a question of whether it’s as comfortable as a boot with a shorter shaft.

(Psst: We just shared our thoughts on what shoes to wear with wide-leg pants.)

As of 2024, knee-high boots with a heel may be making a comeback — some of the best-looking options include these from J.Crew, Everlane, Veronica Beard and Stuart Weitzman. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to try the style, check out these boots at Loft, or these boots at Amazon, both under $100.

(If you want knee-high boots for your commute, some of our old favorites from Sam Edelman, La Canadienne, and Sofft are still around.)

Are Chelsea Boots Trendy for Work Outfits?

While I was hunting, I mostly wanted boots with a higher shaft, instead of a Chelsea boot, because I feel like they look a little dated — particularly the ones with a V cutout on the sides of the boot. Still, if you love this boot style, it is definitely still out there! Some longstanding favorites out there if you prefer a shorter boot. For example, these Marc Fisher LTD boots have been reader favorites for years, and these Tory Burch Chelsea boots look great. If you’d prefer a weatherproof shoe for work, these Chelsea boots from Blondo look nice, and Naturalizer has a lot of nice options.

Are Kitten-Heeled Boots A Trend Right Now?

Kitten-heeled boots can can look really nice with flared, straight, and wide-leg pant styles. They’re not yet at the mass market trend stage, but you can find a lot of expensive shoe brands and trendy shoe brands with kitten-heeled options.

Our latest favorite affordable kitten-heeled boots in 2024 include those from Madewell, J.Crew, and Dolce Vita; for more expensive brands check The Row and Totême. (These AGL ones are a bit high, but might also fit if you’re on the hunt.)

Are Sock Boots Still Trendy for Work Outfits?

There are still a TON of sock boots out there right now — but due to the lack of support, in my experience they’re often not the best for lots of walking.

Still, if you really want a sock boot, check out Everlane’s Glove boot – Nordstrom also has a bunch, including these highly rated Eileen Fisher sock booties.

Sleek But Walkable Boots for Work in 2024: Our Picks

With all that said, I think these mid-shaft booties are a good mix between classic and trendy. There are lots of higher-heeled styles out there, but if you’re hunting for low, walkable boots that are a bit sleek, we’ve got you!

Our favorites of 2024 include the following…

Madewell

Madewell’s Darcy Boots are among the most affordable in today’s roundup. They’re $198 full price, but there’s a sale on top of a sale today. I like the almond toe and the stacked heel (2.25″ high), along with the MWL Cloudlift Lite padding. Nice! (You can get them at Nordstrom, as well as Madewell.com.)

Another affordable option (although I’m not in love with the stitching) are these boots from Nordstrom’s house brand, marked to $79.

Ecco

If you’re hunting for a boot from a “comfort shoe brand,” these ones from Ecco look nice and boast “cushy, anatomical construction.” They’re $199 full price (but some colors are marked down), and you can find them at Nordstrom or Amazon.

Want more sleek but walkable boots from comfort brands? Check out Naot, Paul Green, and Dansko.

Sam Edelman

Can one DO a roundup of shoes for work and not mention Sam Edelman? The brand is affordable, has serious cushioning, and some of their shoes (such as this classic pump or this loafer) have been reader favorites for years.

These Bronson boots look great, and they’re selling fast — some colors are down to lucky sizes. You can find them at Nordstrom and Zappos.

J.Crew

I really like J.Crew’s kitten-heeled boots, but these Western-inspired Piper Boots look a bit better for walking around. They’re available in suede as well as leather, and are a pull-on style. They’re $278 full price, but with select colors on sale.

Everlane

These City Boots are bestsellers at Everlane, and I like the “architectural style, featuring a modern square toe” — I like their minimal vibe. They’re $275 in sizes 5-11.

Aquatalia

Aquatalia always makes great waterproof boots — if you want the classic boot that’s a good investment, these pictured boots look great. I like the squared toe and block frame, as well as the full-length side zip. The boot is available in black and navy, as well as taupe for sizes 5-11.

Another nice option from Aquatalia: their bestselling boot, the Ulyssa.

Other Great Boots For Your Commute

Weatherproof Boots

Hunting for weatherproof shoes for work? As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also check out waterproof sneakers like Allbirds.

Knee-High Leather Weatherproof Boots

As of 2024, these are some of our latest favorite weatherproof knee-high boots for work…

Other Great Commuting Shoes for Work: Work Sneakers

2024 Update: Some of our latest favorite sneakers for work outfits include the following — see the full post for all the details!

The Overall Best Work Sneakers

Cole Haan Grand Pro Topspin

$140-$160 at Nordstrom

The Best Fancy Work Sneakers (Mid-Range)

Tory Burch Ladybug

$288 at Zappos

$288 at Tory Burch

The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office

Vionic Zinah

$118 at Amazon

$118 at Zappos (select colors only)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

Stock photo via Pexels/MART PRODUCTION.

The post The Hunt: Sleek but Walkable Boots for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

What do you wear to keep your feet dry during summer showers? Do summer rainboots exist? Reader P wonders.

A shoe question for you — what are the best shoes to wear when commuting in hot summer rain? I usually wear my tall Hunter rainboots fall through spring, but they’re way too hot for muggy +80 degree summers. Are plastic flip flops okay? They seem most functional, but I feel so weird wearing them with a suit or work dress. Is there something in between?

I’m curious to hear what the readers say here. As I think I’ve mentioned before, I hate having wet feet — here in New York you can easily and unexpectedly wade into a puddle (including in a covered place, like the subway) that’s half a foot deep, if not more. (And often gross!)

{related: 5 tips to stay cool on your commute on really hot days}

I’m a huge fan of my Hunter rainboots for cooler months (pictured), and honestly I still pull out my rainboots if the weather is at all cool (up to 75 degrees or so, probably), but with kneesocks instead of tights.

{related: what to wear to work in summer}

Summer Rainy Day Outfit

Summer rain showers are different, though — no one wants to wear a pair of knee-high plastic boots when it’s 95 degrees. My usual commuting shoe, the flip flop (I hate to admit that!) is also unsuitable for wet weather, in my experience — the footbed of the shoe always seems to get too slippery for me in the rain, and the last thing I want when it’s pouring is to go slowly and carefully.

So my usual go-to outfit when I need to look stylish and polished even on my commute is:

• A skirt or dress (so I don’t have to worry about wet pantlegs)
• A pair of actual shoes (preferably Mary Jane or ankle strap wedges) that will stay on my feet if I’m hurrying/running, and either be an acceptable fashion choice for the rest of the day or at least fit the “I won’t be embarrassed to run into a coworker in the elevator” requirement.
• A small (but strong) umbrella to try to keep my shoes as dry as possible.

{related: the best work dresses}

Strappy Heels for a Rainy Commute in Summer

Some of our latest favorite strappy shoes for work:

As of 2024, these are our latest favorite strappy heels for work (below) — also check the brands J.Crew, Valentino, Tamara Mellon, and Jennifer Chamandi for strappy pumps. If you’re looking for strappy commuting shoes with heels to maintain a hem length, we recommend Dansko or Fly London.

Strappy Flats for A Rainy Day Commute

Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!

The last time we discussed this, readers had a few different great ideas for rubber shoes for commuting in the rain, i.e., summer rainboots!

{related: lightweight pants for work}

The Best Options If You Don’t Want to Wear Summer Rainboots

Wondering what to wear on your commute if it’s raining but summertime? These are our favorite options as of 2024…

Waterproof Shoes for Commuting in Summer Rain

One Trendy Option: Waterproof Sneakers

Sneakers are a great way to stay stylish in the rain, and there are a ton of waterproof sneakers that are perfect for this. (Depending on the level of rain and puddles you expect to encounter, you could also possibly get away with just a waterproofing spray on your regular shoes.)

Readers swear by the comfort of these, and they’re great for traction and rain — the company notes that they combine “cozy ZQ Merino wool and a bio-based water repellent shield,” so their “rain-ready sneaker keeps your feet predictably dry in unpredictable weather.”

The pictured sneakers are around $125; you can find them at Allbirds.com; they’re also sometimes at Nordstrom.

A lot of other brands have waterproof sneakers, though, as you can see from the broad selection at Nordstrom and Zappos. Three brands that specialize in waterproof sneakers include Vessi, On Sneakers, and Sorel.

{related: summer work clothes: how to look professional when it’s hot out}

Another Waterproof Option for Summer Rain: Active Sandals

A number of readers noted that they liked to go for an “active sandal” for summer, such as Teva sandals. As the Zappos description notes, they have a “secure fit, supportive comfort, and reliably grippy outsole” to provide traction. Plus, the vegan-friendly sandals have quick-drying straps.

Teva sandals are $54.95 at Zappos and Amazon. Other reader-favorites for active sandals: Chaco.

Rubber Shoes for Commuting in the Rain

One Option: Crocs Sandals or Jelly Sandals

Jelly sandals come and go in fashion, but Crocs almost always has a sandal with a heel on it (so it won’t fly off your feet like flip flops will).

I’ve had these flip Crocs in the past (mostly to play with my son at the local water park). As rubber shoes go, they’d be fine for commuting shoes, but I still wouldn’t want to step into a city puddle in them. (I also wouldn’t want to wear them on gravel or anywhere that small stones might get stuck in your shoe.)

Similar options: Oka B. sandals, this closed-toe T-strap jelly sandal, or the Nautica jelly sandals pictured at top.

{related: stylish white blazers for work}

Rubber Ballet Flats!?

If a strap isn’t important to you, then there are, of course, a growing number of companies that make rubber ballet flats, including Crocs and Oka B.; the Zappos page devoted to jelly shoes for women shows you can get even Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman shoes in a rain-friendly jelly.

Readers, what do you wear to keep your feet dry when it’s raining in the summer? Do you just wear knee socks with your regular rainboots and chalk it up to bad weather, or do you have a separate shoe or system for hot weather? 

If you like these rain boots for summer, you might also want our favorite boots attire content below — 

• Commuting Hall of Fame: Shaye Rain Boot
• Coffee Break: Puddle Boots
• Best Black Knee-High Boots
• Coffee Break: Revel Chelsea V-Gore Boot

Updated stock images via Stencil.

The post Summer Rainboots for Commuting in the Rain appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Readers, are you on the hunt for a great work backpack? Work backpacks can be great for your commute whether you’re walking or biking to work. They can also be perfect for work travel because so many of them have trolley sleeves now — that tiny slot at the back of the bag that lets you attach it to a rolling suitcase. So we thought we’d round up the best work backpacks for you!

If you’re in the market for a backpack for work, how important is style versus function for you? Will you only accept a stylish backpack for work, or do you need a rugged, waterproof bag to schlep your extra large laptop on your bike commute? Are you forever on the hunt for a great convertible backpack that can be worn as an ergonomic, hands-free friendly backpack when you’re on the go but looks like a purse, tote, or briefcase when you’re walking into your meeting?

Let’s discuss…

{related: tote or backpack for work? readers debate…}

• Hall of Famers: Tumi, Lo & Sons, Herschel
• Laptop Backpacks: Tumi, Samsonite, Lo & Sons, Dagne Dover
• Convertible Backpacks: Lo & Sons, Samsonite, TravelPro
• Discreet Diaper Backpacks: Dagne Dover, SkipHop, Petunia Pickle Bottom
• Waterproof Backpacks: Hedgren, RAINS, Dagne Dover
• Travel backpacks: Lo & Sons, Tumi, Samsonite, Away, Amazon Basics, eBags Mother Lode
• Under $50 options (caveat emptor): Light Flight, KROSER, LOVEVOOK, Monsdle

The Best Backpacks for Work in 2023

The Best Backpack for Work, Overall

Tumi Celina

$475 at Nordstrom

$475 at Tumi

Tumi bags are always amazing for work and beyond — and many readers consider them investment bags.

(Although we rounded up the best luxury work bags recently, it should be noted that a lot of our readers with the biggest jobs note that they love their Tumi and Lo & Sons the most.)

Tumi has a zillion options these days, all generally $395-$495; many of them have travel sleeves as well as laptop sleeves.

Readers have adored the Voyageur line, and it tends to be on the more affordable end of things ($375+ or so). The pictured backpack (the Celina) is one of their current bestsellers — it features multiple exterior zip pockets, a water-resistant water-bottle pocket, smart phone pockets, a detachable key ring, and a laptop compartment (good for most 15″ laptops).

The Best Convertible Laptop: Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons’ Rowledge

$485 at Lo & Sons (on sale today for $325+)

A good convertible backpack can be hard to find, but Lo & Sons’ Rowledge has been a reader favorite for years because it’s a sleek, well-thought out convertible bag. Not only do the backpack straps tuck away, but the bag has a travel sleeve! (Cue the heart emojis and gifs!)

I could see it being great for business travel, but also if you’re hoping to bike to work. The bag is normally $465, but today it’s down to $279.

The brand also has a newer, more minimal nylon backpack, The Beacon, for $298 (currently down to $208).

The Best Affordable Backpack for Work

Samsonite’s Mobile Solutions

$79 at Amazon

$64 at Samsonite (on sale)

I just discovered Samsonite’s affordable line of “mobile solutions,” available at tons of places and generally highly rated.

This pictured backpack has a laptop sleeve and a trolley sleeve, and is $79. They have larger options for $200+.

(The pictured one reminds me of this old reader favorite from KNOMO!)

Other great affordable options for a work backpack: Everlane’s ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) and a classic, minimal Herschel ($60+).

The Best Work Backpack for Your Commute

Hedgren

$120 at Nordstrom

$120 at Amazon

If you’re biking to work or otherwise hunting for a water-repellent bag, it can be really tricky to find one for work because they all look a bit rugged.

That said, I think Hedgren has a ton of really minimal-looking bags that are also billed as being water-repellent. I love that diagonal zipper, but they have others that look even more classic.

This backpack (also available in a pretty green) has a water-repellent exterior, “plenty of pockets,” and a laptop compartment. For $120, I think it looks like a great bet.

Another great option for water-repellant bags: the RAINS brand, which sometimes has work-appropriate backpacks.

The Best All-Leather Backpack for Work

Cole Haan’s Grand Ambition Backpack

$328 at Nordstrom

$328 at Cole Haan

Most backpacks for work have some element of neoprene, nylon, or canvas, both to make the bag lighter and more affordable. If you’re on the hunt for an all-leather version, though, you should check out Cole Haan’s Grand Ambition backpacks.

They come in a variety of sizes, and some have textured leather or quilting details, but they’re mostly all leather. They’re also convertible, which is nice if you’d like a backpack for your commute but a regular tote once you get inside.

The pictured backpack is $328 at Nordstrom and Cole Haan.

Another minimal, all-leather option: Cuyana’s backpack, for $475+.

The Best Luxury Backpack for Work

Montblanc Sartorial Leather Backpack

$1625 at Nordstrom

If you DO want to splurge on a backpack for work, one of my favorites right now is this gorgeous backpack from Montblanc. I love how the zippers give it dimension and texture while keeping it so minimal.

The largest size is pictured; it’s available for $1625 at Nordstrom.

Other great options for luxury splurges: Senreve and MCM — and don’t forget to check out lines designed for men such as Valextra.

Readers, which do you think are the best work backpacks for women in 2023?

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: The Best Work Backpacks appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Here’s a timely question, readers: Which are the best sneakers for work outfits? When are “sneakers for work” appropriate in your offices? Do you think there’s a generational divide here?

Here at Corporette, we’ve always taken the position that sneakers are fine — for your commute. I certainly wore my Chucks with suits on a lot of commutes, and kind of thought it was a cute look… again, for my commute. But retailers have been showing sneakers with outfits for years (some of the product photos we’ve featured are pictured below), so I thought it was prime time for a discussion.

Readers even recently had a threadjack pondering this issue (with several saying sneakers were never appropriate for work outfits). I’ve included some of the choices from Team Sneakers for Work below.

{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}

Table of Contents:

• The Best Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits in 2024
• The Best Overall Sneakers for Work Outfits: Cole Haan (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Affordable Sneakers for Work: Cariuma (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Classic Sneakers for Work: Superga (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Athletic Sneakers for Work: J.Crew (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office: Vionic (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Sneakers for Lousy Weather On Your Commute: AllBirds (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Pricey Sneaker for Work ($$$): Tory Burch (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Fancy Sneaker for Work ($$$$): Loewe (read our thoughts / buy)
• What to Look For in Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits
• How to Keep Your Sneakers Looking Clean
• Sneakers For Your Commute
• Weekend Sneakers

The Best Sneakers to Wear to Work in 2024

Without further ado, here are our favorite sneakers to wear to work in 2024!

Best Overall Sneakers for Work Outfits

Cole Haan Grand Pro Topspin

I think this sneaker meets all of the qualifications we’re looking for in an office-appropriate sneaker — in particular, the contrasting details such as the beige leather strip around the sole and the lighter beige details on the tongue and back of the shoe are great standouts.

The other HUGE pro here is that Cole Haan is an established, safe brand that is known for making office-appropriate shoes for both men and women — which means that your non-fashion-y boss will almost certainly have seen the shoes if they’ve been in a store recently.

Another great option here: Cole Haan’s oxford sneakers, available in a wide range of colors for both women and men, are $170 at spots like Zappos.

Best Affordable Sneakers for Work

Cariuma OC Low

$79 at Cariuma

Cariumas are consciously made in ethical factories, using natural premium materials, with carbon neutral shipping — and more. The look to old-school sneakers isn’t by accident — they’ve branded themselves as “old-school looks; new school ethics.” Accordingly, the rubber used is collected through an ethical tapping, the vegan insole is made from cork, and the cotton is all organic.

The shoes are $79, available in sizes 5-13 in canvas, suede, leather, and a TON of colors.

Looking for something even MORE affordable? Check out the old-school classics such as Converse, Superga, Keds, or more.

The Best Classic Sneakers for Work

Superga Cotu

$69 at Zappos

$69 at Nordstrom

Like a lot of the “classic” sneakers, the Superga has been around for a loooong time. According to the Nordstrom product page:

“founder Walter Martiny designed the first Superga sneaker in Torino, Italy, in 1911. But it wasn’t until 1925 that he expanded his collection to include vulcanized-rubber soles, and in doing so created the now-iconic 2750 tennis shoe. The brand’s classic minimalist styles and new hits—beloved by Italians for weekends and getaways — now count fans all around the world.”

For some reason, I always associate Superga with Extremely Fashionable People (perhaps because I’ve always been a Converse girl myself). Any of the classics can work, though, especially if they’re part of your personality and you’re comfortable with them.

The Best Athletic Sneakers for Work

J.Crew Colorblock Trainers

$89-$118 at J.Crew

Know your office very well before you try to wear an athletic-looking sneaker to work as part of your outfit. A lot of older people in the workforce will strongly associate this with movies like Working Girl, where the heroine commuted from Staten Island into the city wearing white sneakers with black hose.

THAT SAID, I’m seeing J.Crew colorblock trainers everywhere (particularly this beige-on-beige one pictured), so they deserve a mention.

There are a TON of different options in terms of colorways — for the office I’d keep it relatively neutral. (These particular shoes are 50% off full price at the moment, so if you’re interested, now is the time!)

The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office

Vionic Zinah

$119 at Amazon

There are, of course, a ton of options for the most comfortable sneaker. VIONIC has built-in arch support, as well as a podiatrist-designed footbed.

Here’s how the company describes their comfort system:

“The innovative biomechanics of THREE-ZONE COMFORT deliver enhanced stability with a deep heel cup, superior forefoot cushioning, and ultimate arch support midsole. These essential contact points hug your foot’s natural curves in all of our casual, dress, active, and slipper styles.”

If you have foot issues, this is definitely one of the top brands to check out. They’re available in whole sizes 5-11 for $120.

Other great comfort options: Vionic makes insoles, so you can add those to any shoe of your choosing. AllBirds (below) also get rave reviews for comfort, and readers have also sung the praises of Kizik shoes.

The Best Sneakers for Lousy Weather On Your Commute

AllBirds Mizzle Shoes

$125-$165 at AllBirds

Readers have noted that they really love their Allbirds to wear with work outfits, singing the praises of the extreme comfort of the brand. Their water-repellent shoes are renowned for being great in bad weather, so they’re getting our pick for the best sneakers for lousy weather on your commute.

As the company notes, they’ve combined “cozy ZQ Merino wool and a bio-based water repellent shield [so that] our rain-ready sneaker keeps your feet predictably dry in unpredictable weather.” Nice.

They’re available in whole sizes 5-11, in both classic and limited edition colors, for $125-$165 (depending on the style of shoe).

Rothy’s has similar styles that are washable.

The Best Pricey Sneaker for Work ($$$)

Tory Burch Ladybug

$288 at Zappos

$288 at Tory Burch

There are a lot of pricey middle options! Tory Burch has some of my favorites, though — not only are they at the more affordable end of this range (roughly $250-$500), but they’re simple yet elevated.

The Ladybug sneaker comes in a bunch of different colorways, but they’re all predominantly white sneakers.

Reviewers call the sneakers “quite comfortable” and note that they “look super cute with dresses!”

They’re available in half-sizes 5-11 for $288.

Another nice option from Tory Burch: the slightly more athletic-looking Hank sneakers. Other option in this middle price range from other brands include P448, Common Project, Rag & Bone, and Acne Studios.

The Best Fancy Sneaker for Work ($$$$)

Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers

$790 at Bergdorf Goodman

$690-$790 at Saks

There are a lot of options for Very Fancy sneakers if you’re looking to spend a lot of money — Golden Goose, Gucci, Chloé, Maison Margiela, and more. For my $.02, my vote goes to the Loewe Flow sneakers.

Yes, they’re much more athletic-looking than a lot of the other sneakers we’ve featured… but the distinctive cursive L, the multicolored sole, the colorblocking, the leather and rubber details — all of this adds up to a *chef’s kiss* beautiful sneaker.

What to Look For in Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits

Here are the things I think you should look for in work sneakers:

• They don’t look like they were run over in the street.
• They’re not super chunky/athletic.
• Look for a design that is just a BIT more than your basic white sneaker — interesting stitching, a contrasting detail

If you need outfit inspiration advice, we highly recommend watching the movie I Care A Lot (currently streaming on Netflix) — lots of colorful suits worn with sneakers.

As always, the most important part of knowing which sneaker to wear to work is knowing your office. Our advice here is the same as it always is: Look to the mid-levels above you for fashion inspiration, not the CEO, partners, or other C-suite people — they’ve earned the right to wear whatever they want.

For example, in a March 2023 conversation, some readers noted that Golden Gooses were great for their office, but others noted that a “distressed” shoe, no matter how expensive, just wasn’t appropriate for their offices.

Another important thing to note: When you wear sneakers to work may be highly dependent on what kind of day you’re having, who you’re meeting with, and more. You may want to keep a pair of neutral flats or heels in your office just in case — here are some of our latest roundups of comfortable work heels, as well as the most comfortable flats for work.

(Another note: If your bosses are “non-fashion people” and tend to be a bit curmudgeonly, tread really carefully before wearing sneakers to work.)

How to Keep Your Sneakers Looking Clean

Whatever sneakers you’re wearing, we love this reader trick: Magic Erasers work great on cleaning dingier white soles and sometimes white leather also.

A lot of brands are also making washable sneakers (notably, Rothy’s and Allbirds) — and you can get a specialized bag for your washing machine so they don’t knock around.

{related: check out our roundups of foldable flats and washable flats!}

Sneakers For Your Commute

For my $.02, a lot of the newer (expensive!) sneakers look like the kind of thing I kept in my gym locker in middle school — they were so fugly they could stay at school because I’d never want to wear them elsewhere. But obviously, tastes and styles change, and after a bit of adjustment (and seeing it enough places), those of us on the older side adapt. This is partly why I’ve always suggested being really wary of a new trend or aesthetic that wasn’t popular five years ago — but at the rate that fashion moves these days, that may be difficult (and, I suppose, another vote for classic style for work outfits because you’re more likely to get more wear out of them).

Commuting Shoes: Sneaker Flats That Will Blend in With Trousers

The main claim to fame for these kinds of sneaker flats is that if you’re working in a really conservative office and want to wear comfortable shoes for your commute, but not have a coworker look too closely and think, “Hey, there she is in her sneakers again,” these will blend in. (We’ve even had conversations in the past about whether commuting shoes should be swapped in the lobby or even outside your office building!)

I will freely admit that these are not chosen because they’re “cute” — many are pretty hideous, in my opinion. But they blend with work clothes and are comfortable, and lightweight enough to carry in your bag if you want to.

Reader favorites that have been called out over the years:

Note that if your trousers are hemmed to wear with heels, these shoes might not be the best because your hems might drag on the ground — you could either look for platform sneakers, or go for commuting shoes like comfort brands with chunky heels such as FLY London, Dansko, Eileen Fisher, and Børn.

Sneaker Sneakers for Weekends: The Classics

We’ve actually had a conversation about what your weekend sneakers say about you — some of the “classic” sneakers we discussed are below…

Pictured below (by color), Row 1: black / gray / gray / white; Row 2: white / white / green / black

What do you think, readers: Are you on Team Sneakers for Work, or on Team Please Wear Shoes? Where would you draw the line for which sneakers are acceptable for work and which aren’t? (For example, certain colors like white or black, only “well taken care of sneakers,” sneakers with a specific sole color (e.g., the way that historically, heels with a cork sole aren’t appropriate for work?)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

Stock photos via Pexels / Godisable Jacob.

The post Which Are the Best Sneakers for Work Outfits? appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

If you live in an area where it’s snowy or slushy and you’re going into the office (or prefer a classic style), what weatherproof boots are your favorites right now? Do you like a tall boot (more coverage)? A lug sole? A low bootie or calf-height bootie? Do tell…

I thought I’d do a little roundup of some of the best weatherproof boots I’m seeing from brands we’ve loved in the past…

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

{related: how to do business casual in cold weather}

Longtime Favorites for Weatherproof Knee-High Boots for Work

If you’re still comfortable with tall boots with skirts, dresses, and even jeans (which makes sense to me on one level, because they protect your leg by covering more), some of our long-standing favorites for weatherproof knee-high boots for work are still going strong in stores…

Pictured above: one / two / three / four / five

{related: what to wear to work when it’s cold outside}

Great Weatherproof Booties for Work in 2022

I’m quite certain we featured this Jeffrey Campbell faux leather boot when it first came out (perhaps in a purple glitter?), and it’s nice to see that in the intervening years, it’s racked up a ton of great reviews. This shoe is $65, has almost 200 great reviews, and comes in matte black and shiny brown in sizes 5–11 (whole sizes only). I like — it’s a bit more chic than the usual rainboot, but it’s super affordable.

Oooh: Sperry has been mentioned by readers in the past, and they’ve got a ton of cute styles right now for under $100. Their Saltwater boot is the classic, but I’m liking this short bootie (do I want black? black with lavender? navy and orange? argh!). This almost combat boot also looks great.

{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}

This waterproof ankle bootie from Blondo has been a bestseller for years — it has over 1,000 good ratings at Amazon. It’s increasingly harder to find, though, so if this was your Holy Grail, then stock up. Amazon has it in 14 colors, regular and wide sizes, but it’s mostly lucky sizes all around. Nordstrom has a ton of waterproof Blondo shoes with lug soles, if you’re on the hunt.

These Sorels are so popular they’re on their third iteration: presenting the Joan of Arctic Wedge III. This is the kind of shoe that I would break my ankle in, but they’re incredibly popular, so darn my weak ankles. These $199 shoes come in 7+ colors, sizes 5–12, in regular and wide sizes. (Also popular from Sorel: these low Chelsea booties with cutouts.)

{related: how to dress professionally on the coldest days}

La Canadienne is ALWAYS #goals for waterproof boots. (I’d also put Aquatalia in this bucket!) The only problem is that they’re often $500ish, which can be an investment, especially for a practical, non-fun, not particularly “status” purchase. So I’m delighted to tell you that Nordstrom Rack has a TON of La Canadienne (and Aquatalia!), many under $150 (!!!). These pictured ones look absolutely great to me — I love the partial lug sole, the teensy heel, the generally basic styling. I feel like these would be great commuting shoes for a ton of different work outfits. They’re available in leather and suede for $217–$248, sizes 6–11.

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: Weatherproof Booties for Work Outfits appeared first on Corporette.com.

What’s you choice for work, readers — a great work tote or a backpack?

For my $.02, I’ve always preferred a tote — I just think they look sleeker and more polished in general than most backpacks. But there are some great work backpacks out there now (including the Tumi one, pictured) so let’s debate.

Great Totes for Work: The Pros

In my mind, there are a lot of pros to totes for work — they expand and collapse as needed, accommodating to fit extra shoes, water bottles, folders, work papers, and more — yet always kind of read like “big purse.” I think for years they’ve been the classic choice if you’re a woman lawyer or other professional, much more so than a proper briefcase or another choice.

The cons: They are not ergonomically great! If you’re regularly schlepping a lot of stuff to and from work, you can definitely feel a little lopsided. (Every massage therapist I’ve ever had has been able to tell which shoulder I carry my bag on. Tiny violins, I know.)

{related: how many bags should you bring to work?}

More cons: Depending on the tote, they may or may not hold their structure well — although you can always try organizing inserts like Omystyle (12,000+ good reviews at Amazon) or Olunsu (5,600+ good reviews at Amazon).

We’ve pictured the Seville laptop tote from Lo & Sons in the blue graphic at the top of the post — I’ve always loved the structure and organization of the tote.

Our Latest Favorite Totes for Work

Some of the best work bags for women as of 2024 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch (lightweight, a laptop tote), Lo & Sons, and Madewell (north/south). Also try this highly-rated organizing insert or these clever pouches with some of the less structured bags! If you’re looking for a budget tote (or one in a specific color) check this Amazon seller (22K+ good reviews) or this Amazon seller (60K+ good reviews).

(Looking for a luxury work bag? Here’s our latest roundup…)

Backpacks for Work: Pros and Cons

On the flip side of things, you’ve got the stylish backpack for work, which has really gained a lot of traction in recent years.

The pro here is that a backpack is ergonomically correct, and if you get a sleek one it can blend with most work outfits.

The con here is that (to my mind, at least) you may face some underlying assumptions about using a backpack for work, even if they aren’t necessarily negative. Oh, she must bike to work, I might think — or huh, maybe she’s got back problems. I tend to also associate work backpacks (at least, work backpacks worn to networking events) with either very young women (especially those who went straight through from college to law school or grad school), women who have a long commute, or women who, in general, don’t care about style very much. But again, these assumptions aren’t necessarily negative, and maybe they’re particular to me.

We’ve pictured the Carson bag from Tumi in our graphic at top.

Our Latest Favorite Work Backpacks for Women

Update: Hunting for the best work backpacks? Some of our favorites in 2024 are below — see the full post for all the details!

The Overall Best Work Backpack

Tumi Celina Backpack

$475 at Nordstrom

The Best Convertible Laptop Backpack

Lo & Sons Rowledge

$485 at Lo & Sons

The Best Affordable Backpack for Work

Samsonite Mobile Solutions Classic Backpack

$79 at Amazon

The Best of Both Worlds? Convertible Backpacks for Work

Something I’m seeing more and more of these days is convertible work bags, most often ones that turn from a backpack into a north/south tote or another handheld bag. The idea here is that you get the ergonomic benefit from the backpack during your commute, and then as you’re walking into the building or meeting you can transfer the bag to your hand and look sleek and polished.

The downside is that you’re often losing one of the things you really want — if it’s a proper backpack with ergonomic straps it may look a bit funny as a tote, for example. This is one of the reasons I’ve always recommended the Lo & Sons Rowledge backpack — there are actually zippered little pockets to hide the backpack straps (AND there’s a trolley sleeve!). The other two big convertible backpacks I know of right now (M.Gemi and Senreve) both look great as totes but have skinny little backpack straps that may dig on a long commute and easily break.

The Rowledge backpack is pictured below and ooh: it’s on sale.

Our Latest Favorite Convertible Backpacks for Work

As of 2024, some of our favorite convertible backpacks for work include options from Lo & Sons and M.Gemi.

Readers, what are your thoughts: backpack or tote? (Or messenger bag, or convertible backpack, or… some other option?) What is your preferred bag for commuting to the office?

The post Tote or Backpack for Work? appeared first on Corporette.com.