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Update: Check out our most recent round-up of the best knee-high boots for commuting to work, as well as our last discussion of whether boots are acceptable for work.
We haven’t done a poll on this in a while, so here’s the question of the moment: are tall boots ever acceptable for a conservative office? We’re seeing lots of over-the-knee styles available at surprisingly respectable places like Saks, and obviously engineer boots, cuffed boots, and more are regular weekend wear. But what about for the office?
To us, this is one of those things that a young woman can’t be too cavalier about — if you want to be taken seriously, avoid clothes that will make some people joke that you’re a “dominatrix.” After all, if Condoleezza Rice can take flack (from a female reporter, no less) then we would say that these should be strictly off-limits for a conservative office proper. (If you want to wear them for commuting purposes or with pants, we think, have at it.) We might also argue that this is perhaps the dividing line between a casual office and a conservative office — in a casual office you can get away with more fashionable, trendy pieces. But that’s just our $.02, obviously — what are your views, readers?
Pictured: Nine West Women’s Iwas Boot, available at Endless.com in half-sizes 5-11 for $104.47 (were $190).
Some Of Our Favorite Latest Boots
Hunting for black knee-high boots? Here are some of our long-standing favorites as of 2023!
MamaJD
I think boots are perfectly fine for a business casual office. However, call me old-fashioned, but I would never wear them to court, a client meeting, or an interview. That’s just me but, then again, we seldom have weather conditions harsh enough here in DC to call for wearing boots to court; the streets are generally cleaned except in rare situations where courts are likely to be closed anyway.
nathalie
I live in a colder climate where boots are kind of the norm in the dead of winter. As long as they’re not too pointed, and they don’t have any embellishments like studs (or God forbid- lace up boots!) , and they don’t extend above the knee, I don’t think there’d be a problem.
Heel height and thickness is up for debate- some firms are perfectly find with taller heights (I wouldn’t suggest wearing anything over 3″), while others say they should be around 2″ (and the uber-conservatives would argue that even that is too high). Some offices are impartial to thinner “stiletto-style” heels, but there are also some that say they’re too hooker-ish. It’s best to err on the side of caution and opt for more conservative-style heels until you get an idea of what’s deemed appropriate at the office.
For court, I try to avoid wearing boots if at all possible- even if it means changing into heels just before I go inside. But that’s just me, and I don’t know how many courts actually care.
georgienyc
i like tall boots but with a low(er) heels for the office. for a more casual workplace, here are some great loefller randall ones (a bit pricey) but i think look great with this theory dress
http://www.what2wearwhere.com/blog/post/2009/10/20/From-Conferences-to-Cocktails.aspx
Kelly
I’ve seen a woman who was an assistant prosecutor wear knee-high boots with a “jump suit” outfit to a court hearing where she spoke, etc. to the judge. She looked both professional and fashionable.
Kristine
I see a lot of tall heeled boots at the office. Even my boss wears them with long skirts and she’s very conservative. It really does depend on the boots and the outfit as a whole, but boots can definitely be office appropriate.
Paul
I appreciate the livelyl discussion about knee high boots! I think knee high boots are a very powerful statement. Business is competitive and boots give you an edge. Wear them and enjoy the power they give you over men and other jealous women. :)
Mandy
I live in Maryland, on the super rural Eastern Shore, and I can’t wait for boot weather! I wear them to court all the time, and I don’t always wear dark tights. They are not over the knee, however, and are never spiky heeled. I’m also super short. I would never never never wear them for a jury trial, though.
Girl Watcher
When you think of the sometimes rush-rush involved with getting ready and getting to wrork, I think it says something very positive that a woman took an extra few moments to pull on – or zip up – a nice pair of knee-high boots. I think they dress up any kind of outfit. Fashion-wise, I think wearing a skirt just to the top of the boots looks the best. What is more important, though, is that she took the extra time to improve her looks by wearing boots.
Brad
I agree that women should wear knee-high boots. They are flattering and I personally think they are cute and sexy. As long as they aren’t too over the top they are absolutely appropriate for work. A nice brown or black leather makes for a very professional addition to a women’s wardrobe.