This high-heeled oxford kind of shoe is the kind of thing my mother would look at with disdain and call a “nun shoe,” but I actually think they’re a great workwear basic. This pair from Nine West looks particularly attractive — a nice stacked heel with what looks like lots of cushioning, and good comfort reports on Zappos. Score! I’d wear them with tall, wide-legged pants, or with matching opaque tights and a slightly short skirt (nothing below the knee). They’re available in black, black suede, brown, and brown suede, for $53.40 at today’s sale on 6pm.com. Nine West – Elodee (Black/Black Suede) – Footwear
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Admittedly, I am late to the brogue/oxford party — they’ve been in stores for more than a year and a half, and so many chic New Yorkers wear them all the time with skirts and dresses. Yet I’m still hesitant about them for a conservative office — hence my weekend recommendation. I like that they have a higher vamp than flats, making them easier to walk in, and I think they can look amazing with tights. This pair from Steven is on sale today at Zappos — was $99, now $68.77 (available in black, brown, and olive leather). Steven – Melanee (Black Leather) – Footwear
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Both 6pm and Zappos have great sales on these high-heeled oxford shoes from Gabriella Rocha — and I think it’s a good sign that they have all positive reviews on Zappos. Suede can be tricky in the springtime, but so long as it’s dry outside and you’re wearing something on your feet (whether it be a pair of tights, knee-highs, or a hidden nylon sock), I think these are still wearable for a few more months. The shoes are available in gray, pictured ($72 at 6pm, $84 at Zappos), a brown “camel” ($60 at 6pm, $69 at Zappos), and black ($48 at 6pm). ( The price difference between the two stores may be negligible considering the free shipping and easy returns that Zappos offers, so I thought I’d list both.) Gabriella Rocha – Dorell (Black Suede) – Footwear
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In our conversation yesterday about basic black pumps, readers reminded me of a very comfortable brand that I forget sometimes — Me Too. True enough, this oxford pump has glowing customer reviews on comfort (yes, despite the height) and walkability. As I’ve said before, I think this style can be one of the easiest to wear in the winter with tights and pants, and I love that a comfortable iteration is on sale. They were $109, now $87.20 at Zappos. (Available in black, black patent, black suede, brown suede, and grey suede.) Me Too – Lisbon (Black Goat) – Footwear
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Today’s reader mail has to do with shoes…
I am going to be a summer associate in a couple months in a large New York City law firm. I also have been secretly drooling over women’s oxford style shoes in the last few months. My question is are these shoes appropriate or do I stick to basic pumps for summer associates? What about as a first year attorney? If so, would they ever be appropriate with a skirt or only with pants? Thanks!
This is a great question, as the style seems to be on deep discount at a lot of stores (including the pair featured above, on sale at Nordstrom for $65: VANELi Ipswich Oxford) For our $.02, the shoe pictured above is totally appropriate for the office — with the higher vamp, it’s perfect for girls who have a slightly hard time walking in pumps — and it’s great for getting a more comfortable shoe that still has a great heel. (We own the Born oxfords, pictured at right — very comfy — available at Zappos for $102: Born – Pace (Black Leather) – Footwear.) That said, we believe our mother would call this a “nun shoe” — unless the oxford has 4″ heels and looks very fashionable, you will feel a bit less attractive if you wear it with skirts. Does it mean that makes it somehow inappropriate for the office? No. But it just might not be the look you’re going for.
Now, on a related note, there are some oxfords that expose toes — we would argue that these are inappropriate for the office. We’re not big fans of open-toed shoes at the office anyway, but to have the entire foot encased in leather and then an unexpected flash of toe… it’s a fashionable style that’s supposed to be naughty and cheeky. We would not advise you to purposely dress to be naughty and cheeky at the office. Just our $.02, though.
Readers? Care to weigh in?
