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The Hunt: Basic Black Pumps Under $250

Budget Fashion· The Hunt | ·

2019 Update: We still love these basic black pumps under $250 — but you may want to check out our most recent roundup of the best black heels for business attire instead.

Sure, we all know what basics 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, have you bought a black pump for under $250 recently? Which is your favorite?

Naturalizer - Lennox (Kirsch Red Shiny) - FootwearI thought we’d start strong: I think this is a good looking shoe from Naturalizer, available in a black kid leather, black patent leather, and a very attractive shiny red leather. The platform looks just right here — it’s big enough to make the heel height more walkable, as well as the sole more firm, but without looking stripperish at all. Oh, and the kicker: it has 133 glowing reviews at Zappos. It’s $79.Naturalizer – Lennox
Nine West - Selene (Black Leather) - FootwearThis Nine West pump has a 5-star rating on Zappos (from 90 reviews) — again, I like the shape of the toe as well as the platform. N.B.: it comes in a pinkey “taupe” as well as a caramel-y “natural.” The black is $79 at Zappos. Nine West – Selene (Black Leather) – Footwear
Franco Sarto - Cicero (Piombo Suede) - FootwearI’m always a fan of Franco Sarto, and this basic pump — with a bit more prominent, but covered, platform — is no different. The black is $89 (and also comes in some more adventurous colors, including “gunmetal metallic” and a leopard print, as well as a muted brown suede).
Franco Sarto – Cicero
Cole Haan - Air Talia Pump (Black Leather) - FootwearCole Haan Air: these are almost such a basic (available in both the 3.5″ style as well as the more manageable 2.25″ heel) that I almost didn’t mention them — but they’re on sale at Zappos so I had to include. The regular Talia was $198 but is now marked to $209; the “mid pump” was $198 marked to $130. Cole Haan – Air Talia Pump
Stuart Weitzman - Blog (Black Kid) - Footwear Wow: I don’t think I’ve ever seen one shoe offered in so many shades of black. In addition to the black kid leather (pictured) there is the “black crystal snake,” “black goosebumps nappa,” “black patent,” (and then a brown goosebumps nappa and a navy). They range in price from $176 to $355; the plain black leather kid ones are now marked to $209.
Stuart Weitzman – Blog

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

(L-all)

Comments

  2. Cats Ahoy!

    Out of curiosity, for all of you out there, how long do your pumps normally last? Is there anything out there that will stand up to years (or, hey, maybe 4 months?) of regular wear? Also, is there anything that can be done when one screws up the leather on the tips of pointy-toed shoes?

    • Susan

      About 2 years. I tend to go for the mid-price selections- -the Nine Wests, Franco Sarto, etc.

      One of the reasons why I don’t go beyond mid-price for shoes is that I think I’d just feel like a big sucker if I shelled out $500 for a pair that only lasted as long as a Nine West “workday” shoe. Plus, repair costs would probably be fairly high with certain high-end brands.

      • Cats Ahoy!

        You can get 2 years out of Nine West? Excellent work!

        My husband has several pairs of shoes that were several hundred dollars. Of course, a few pairs are 10-11 years old and are still in great shape. I’d be willing to pay that for shoes if I thought they’d last, but I doubt that any women’s shoes would last that long, no matter the price.

    • Kara

      I’d love to hear what could be done about worn out leather on the tips of pointy-toed shoes too. I have so many pairs lying in my shoe closet – except for the worn-out-leather-part, they’re in pretty good shape.

    • LawyrChk

      My Cole Haan Talias and Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps have held up to two years of pretty heavy wear. Around twice a year I send them to my cobbler to have the heels retipped and the leather conditioned and shined. I also try to stay on top of polishing away scuffs regularly.

      My limit is around $150 for a pair of shoes, and I try to purchase shoes with leather soles that can be replaced if I fall in love with the shoe.

    • Anonymous

      I have two pairs and they’re both about 2 1/2 years old, but I rarely wear them outside.

    • Bonnie

      With pointy toed shoes, gets taps put on the tips before you wear them and they won’t scuff as easily.

    • attiredattorney

      Preventative maintenance on your pointy toed pumps is key -I take mine to the cobbler and have them add a short little piece of rubber, like a slightly thicker sole, just under the point. This keeps them looking sharp much longer.

    • A Long Time

      My every day office/court pumps are made by Varda and Galo. Both available in NYC and online. Each pair lasts years. Today I am wearing a pair I bought in 2008. Friday I wore a pair I bought in 2006. I still have two more pairs, purchased in 2002 and 2005. Those are the four pair I alternate.

      They last a long time because as soon as I buy them, I have rubber half soles put on the bottom of the sole under the ball of the foot, rubber taps put over the rubber under the toes, and rubber heels put on the heel. I replace them when they wear down.

      I also keep them clean and put them away in their box with tissue paper stuffed inside.

    • AN

      Almost 3 years now and going strong – Ferragamo, Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman. But I drive to work though I wear them even when I drive.

      Probably wear them once a week on avg.

    • Lydia

      My dress shoes tend to last for a very long time. My current pair of black pumps I have owned for over 3 years. However, I keep all of my dress shoes at work (I think I have 12 pairs here) so they are really only worn inside. I live in NYC, so if I wore them on my commute, I doubt they would last very long.

  3. Babs

    Also curious – if you ladies wear your shoes to work (if you’re commuting) or wear flats and then change into heels at work. Also, how frequently do you wear the same pair?

    When I find a pair of black heels that are comfortable, I wear them every.single.day. Which, obviously shortens their life to about 6 months. (I’m in Florida heat here, almost never wear socks or stockings and my shoes just start to stink and there is nothing that I’ve tried that works well. Of course, any thoughts or suggestions are encouraged.) Because I know my shoes have a short life span, I won’t spend more than $75 on a pair. I love the Alfani Gracie Step’n’flex shoe. Thinking of scooping up a back-up pair… but the naturalizers mentioned by Kat sounds good too.

    • Ashley

      I was going to recommend the Step ‘n Flex! That shoe is so comfortable, and I wear it probably 3x per week. A friend of mine wore this style to a wedding and loved them as well. HIGHLY second this recommendation :)

    • Cait

      I have two pairs of black 2.5″ heels (one is Nine West, one is Rockport) that I find the most comfortable, and I try to alternate those so that I don’t end up wearing the same ones every day. I also have a pair of brown heels that I bring out occasionally, and some wine-colored ones too, but neither is as comfortable as the black ones. For reducing shoe sweat, I don’t have much advice but I do wear knee-highs under pants often, which helps a little bit.

      For commuting, I usually wear cheap flats or Crocs (they look like ballet flats but are plastic) to work. Crocs are for if it’s raining or muddy. I have a 6 block walk to the bus and I don’t want to ruin my leather shoes.

      • Alana

        Beware of ballet flat crocs. I went to a summer concert and left a pair in the car as a back-up to my less comfortable shoes. They shrank in the heat!

    • Kara

      I used to wear sneakers to work – not the white obvious kind, but the more-serious looking black/navy ones. I find them to be super comfortable while commuting – esp. going thru the subway stations and walking on super crowded streets along Broadway. However, I happened to watch a movie where they stereotyped women from suburbs who travel to the city for work in trains/subways wearing sneakers and bought some flats. They do a good job actually, and although they are not as comfortable as sneakers they are pretty good. I own a lot of blacks and grays from Kenneth Cole and they’re pretty good

      • Susan

        “…a movie where they stereotyped women from suburbs who travel to the city for work in trains/subways wearing sneakers…”

        Ugh. This kind of snobbery (not you, but by whoever made the movie) really rubs me the wrong way. Plenty of city-dwellers wear sneakers on the subways, buses, etc. And as long as the sneakers aren’t these huge, puffy white (or formerly white) monstrosities, then it doesn’t even look bad.

    • MelD

      Did you try Summer Soles? They are pretty good for Florida heat. I think you should still rotate them out a bit to let them dry fully between wears. I find that if I wear a pair of shoes a few days in a row, that’s when they really start to smell.

    • Anonymous

      I walk 30 minutes each way to work and wear boots (in the winter), FitFlops (in the summer) or sneakers (if I’m going straight to the gym). Flats may be fine if you drive to work, but they’re not supportive enough for long walks.

    • Former MidLevel

      I always wear “commuter shoes” (boots or flats, depending on the season) and change into my real shoes at the office. I find it really extends the life of my shoes– not to mention my feet, knees, tendons, etc.

    • Merabella

      I have been cursed with sweaty feet. I have found that spray antiperspirant and terry cloth inserts for my shoes have been the ticket. I have about 6 pairs of the terry cloth inserts from ALDO shoes. They are great because they have a rubberized bottom so they don’t slip and slide in my shoes and are machine washable. They are the socks for shoes I can’t or won’t wear socks with. Hope this helps.

      PS I usually get my size in the inserts and half a size larger in the shoe to accommodate them.

    • Red

      Yes it’s best to at least alternate shoes to wear them every other day. I try to do long walks and drives in flats or uggs rather than my heels too. That just means I replace my flats far more frequently than my heels though!

      I usually buy mid priced shoes like aerosoles or nine west, and I have some coach and cole haans I’ve found at marshalls/tj maxx. now that I need wide shoes bc of my effing bunions it’s hard to find nice shoes on discount though. A few months ago I gave a couple beautiful shoes to my friend’s little sister bc my feet no longer fit in them!

    • mamabear

      I don’t have super sweaty feet so YMMV, but if I’m wearing shoes with bare feet, I sprinkle a little Dr. Scholl’s foot powder in the shoe and kind of shake it around before I put on the shoe. For me, this helps with the “slip” factor, so that my feet feel good in the shoe. But I’ve been doing this for 10+ years and have never had a problem with stinky shoes.

      Hmmmm….. I need to train my 9 year old son to do this….

  4. CPA to be

    I have a pair of Cole Haans that I found at Marshall’s for $30 (yes, seriously. I almost cried). I recently transitioned into a professional environment from a more casual one, so right now I just have one pair of black pumps and one pair of brown pumps. I usually wear the black ones 4 times a week, and I walk maybe 8 blocks in them a day. By the end of four months of hard wear, I had to get the heel cap replaced. My guess is that they’ll last a year or two, but that is not because of quality issues, it’s because I wear them almost every day. I bet that if I took very good care of them and wore them only once or twice a week they’d last 4 or 5 years.

    I think part of why expensive shoes last a long time is that people are more careful with them. I have some Ferragamo loafers that I am almost too afraid to wear, so of course, they’ll still be in my closet in 10 years. I never wear them in bad weather, and I’m really careful where I walk. YMMV.

  5. Anon

    I’ve been looking at the Cole Haan Talia and the Violet. Is the only difference between the two the rubber sole on the Talia v. the suede sole on the Violet? Does a suede sole justify the $50 price difference? Does anyone have experience with both?

    • Equity's Darling

      The squeaking of the rubber sole on the marble floors in my office drives me insane. I hate hate how it sounds when I walk. I know, totally stupid, but I cannot stand it.

    • soulfusion

      I LOVE the Talia – I’m wearing the 2.5″ in brown right now. I have never noticed any squeaking from the rubber sole and I actually think the rubber sole makes it a sturdier heel (especially on stairs).

      • sadie

        I just wanted to echo on the Talia — I love that shoe. It is hands down my favorite black heel of all time.

    • ChristinaMD

      The Talia’s are going to be my death one day. I’m generally klutzy to begin with and the rubber sole is constantly catching in my carpeted office. There’s nothing like a professionally 5’8″ women in 3.5″ heels flying forward like a child on a playground :( I much prefer leather bottomed shoes in the office for this reason. I do otherwise enjoy them very much, great shoe.

  6. Clueless Summer

    The Naturalizer pumps are AMAZING. I can’t recommend them enough. They sell the same ones at Naturalizer outlets as well if you can find one of those, and the Canadian outlets have a nude patent version as well. Size down though, at least a half size and maybe a full size. They do need a bit of breaking in above the toes though.

    • Blonde Lawyer

      I also have the naturalizer one pictured and love them. I bought mine in my regular size. I wear them all the time. They go with skirts, pants, jeans, everything. I even barfed all over them one wild weekend, cleaned them up and wore them with a skirt suit on Monday.

      • Hmmm...

        I bought my regular size, and then my regular size in wide (even though I don’t have particularly wide feet) but found the Naturalizer Lennox painfully small in the toe box and had to return both pairs.

        I am currently wearing the Calvin Klein Renni in black patent — bought these recently on Endless at the same time I bought the SW Blogs featured above. The Calvin Kleins are super super comfy for me, and I returned the SW’s.

      • eh230

        Bought my regular size in wide, and the toe box was too small. I have other Naturalizer pumps that fit just fine.

        • Hmmm...

          Ditto. I have one other pair of Naturalizers that I LOVE, in regular width, kind of a color block with shades of brown. But the Lennox didn’t fit at all the same.

    • Atlantia

      I have the Naturalizer in the red shiny, and although I love them, I do get some killer blisters from them every time. I think it is because they are patent. I must say, I use them as my party shoes, so they haven’t gotten a ton of wear. I far prefer my Naturalizer Avie, which seems more pliable and comfortable.

    • Annie

      I found that stuffing the toes of my Naturalizers with athletic socks and leaving them for a couple days suitably stretched them at the toe box. Now, they are probably the most comfortable dress shoes I own!

  7. A to Z

    Who are the people out there that rate products that they buy? While I now regularly read product ratings, I have never rated a product, and that is the last thing I would think to do after I buy a product. Are these raters really trustworthy sources?

    • Cait

      I will rate purchases if I feel strongly about them (either for or against). If I hate something, I want to warn fellow shoppers! Same if I really recommend things. Also, Amazon sends emails prompting me to rate items, so sometimes I will do it just because I have nothing better to do for a minute and I’ve just been reminded. I’m also a big fan of Yelp, so maybe I got used to reviewing things through that.

    • momentsofabsurdity

      I feel like ratings are good for pointing out truly excellent products and truly terrible ones. They aren’t really helpful for mediocre products (ie, worked fine, did what I expected, didn’t go above and beyond).

    • Jas

      I rate shoes that I buy online because I rely so heavily on other people’s reviews when I buy them. I can think of a couple things I’ve bought from non-review sites that I really wish had reviews because I Have Opinions about them.

      • Sydney Bristow

        I rate things as well for the same reason. I normally write reviews on Zappos because I have odd feet to fit and I write reviews on Eloquii because it’s a new brand and plus size fits can be difficult. I rely on fit descriptions in reviews when I order things myself, so I like to return the favor.

    • TCFKAG

      My Sister in law rates everything she buys from Amazon — as a result she’s on their list of super shoppers or something and gets free stuff from them sometimes. I’ll occasionally rate things when I get an e-mail reminding me to do so.

    • Anonymous

      I always rate things I bought online if the website allows for ratings. I find ratings very helpful when I’m deciding what to buy, so I figure I’m returning the favor or paying it forward or something. I also write beauty product reviews on makeupalley if there’s something I particularly like or particularly hate.

    • anon

      I don’t know who rates products, but I do know that there are companies that assist authors in getting reviews for their books (ie, members of the focus group company with get a free copy of the book and a $5 starbucks card for reading the book and posting a review on amazon, etc.). The cost to the author would be the $5 per starbucks card and it helps them get ranked on the big bookstore websites (as far as i know, the authors do not get input into what the reviewer actually says). I bet some bit consumer products do similar things (though there’s a big difference in a free vaccuum and a free kindle copy for a book).

    • Reviewer guru

      I rate products all the time, mostly from Nordstrom because they send me a reminder to review the product I just purchased. I find reviews really helpful so I like reviewing in turn to help others. I also submit tons of reviews on Yelp as well.

    • mamabear

      I do review things. Amazon and Zappos are good about giving me little reminders to do so, so I end up reviewing a pretty high percentage of items I buy from them. I do this because, like Jas, I Have Opinions, and because I find others’ reviews so helpful when I’m buying. I figure I should return the favor.

    • Natalie

      I think it depends on the site. I always write reviews on Zappos, because I’ve found their reviews really helpful in the past. Example: when I purchased a particular pair of ankle boots, most of the comments mentioned that the boot ran a size or so small. They were right.

      Other places I don’t trust so much. Everyone in my local Yelp has a terminal politeness that is utterly worthless as far as reviews go, as it prevents them from ever rating anything below 3 stars. You have to read unnecessarily wrong, rambling comments to find out that the place sucks.

    • ss

      I find Tripadvisor super-useful on hotels so I usually do a comment there, even for places I stay in a couple of nights a month for work. Usually with a picture of the loo. Such an important thing to know about a hotel :-)

  8. Kara

    I can’t have enough of these black pumps. I don’t mind wearing them all week provided they are slightly different from one another (you know, like a different shape, different heel height etc). I’ll probably order the first two.

    I never walk in pumps. I keep few pairs in work drawer and one at home. But my problem is when I sit at my desk, I rest my feet on the base at the back (just above the heel). This is so weird and believe it or not, they get worn out. It’s such an odd place and luckily, I’m saved because my pants always cover them. And then I have another pair that I use only when I wear skirts. I’m quite tired of seeing my pumps with patches on the back but I find it more comfortable to rest them that way. Recently I’ve seen a colleague who has a slanted foot-rest under her desk and thinking about buying one like that.

    If what I wrote above did make any sense to any of you at all, do you recommend foot-rests at work under the desk?

    • soulfusion

      I realized I was doing exactly what you were describing as I was reading your description. However, I’ve never noticed any of my heels showing any wear from this so I must not do it excessively. But then again, I usually kick my heels off under my desk and regularly prop my feet up on a large exercise ball I have tucked into the corner where the desk and return meet. I find propping my legs up straight in front of me like that can make sitting for extended hours much more comfortable. Of course, there are those awkward times when I have to get up and leave my office quickly when I’m fumbling to find a shoe under my desk.

    • Anonymous

      Testing? My comments have just been disappearing, not even going to moderation.

    • So weird...

      OK, let’s try this one more time and see if it posts. Maybe I inadvertently had bad words hidden in it or something.

      I do the same thing and have the same problem! I’ve found that it’s really just the outer layer scuffing off and so I just polish them as needed. Probably buying higher-quality shoes would also help, but I can’t afford that.

      Reposting because my comment disappeared for some reason.

      • So weird...

        And apparently the words r-bbing off was enough to get me censored by the WordPress gods! I also deleted the word p-lish – not sure if WordPress thought I meant it as an ethnic slur? Very strange.

  9. Jen

    The platflorm on the Naturalizer show offers a good bit of cushion. I have them in the “shiny red” and love them. The heal is wide enough to offer great balance. I feel like I could run a little jog in them. I look for reasons to wear these shoes.

  10. Magdeline

    My most comfortable black pumps are Calvin Klein olive. I have them in two colors.

    Threadjack:

    Does anyone know of a brand that carries tights/pantyhose with non-slip/non-skid soles? My feet are always slipping to the front of my pumps and slipping out of my shoes, so these seem like a nice solution. I do have non-slip shoe liners, but they don’t completely solve the problem.

    I very much like the look of these UK brand tights- http://www.johnlewis.com/88411/Product.aspx – but shipping to the U.S. is 25 pounds!

    • Whit

      I also have the Calvin Klein Olive pumps and I looove them. So comfy and the heel is solid, no wobbles.

    • Editrix

      Fogal makes hose with nonslip soles. I can’t stand the way they feel on the bottoms of my feet, but they do stop the sliding.

      • I dream of .... jean-?

        I belive that shapings (dot com) carries the Fogal line. Don’t know about the actual item. I’m a loyal US customer of thers, but I stick to the Filodoros from Italy. No relationship to the owner/company, but can’t survive without their large selection of brands of hosiery.

    • Lyssa

      This might be a terrible idea, but remember that puff paint that was popular to use on T-shirts in the 80’s? It had a non-skid feel to it – I wonder if you could get some of that and put a few dots on your hose to make them non-skid. (of course it would look stupid, but who looks at the bottom of your feet?)

      In fact, now I’m wondering if that would solve a lot of just-barely fit problems. Maybe if I paint some lines inside the heels of my pumps, it would stop my heel from lifting out of them so easily?

      • anon

        I have this problem, and after a LONG time looking, finally found Foot Petals “Strappy Strips”. google them, they are available at your pharmacy (walgreens/CVS) or Amazon. They are intended to go under the strap of a mary jane or ankle shoe, but, I place them just how Lyssa describes , around the heels of my pumps. Finally! They stay on and my heel doesnt slip out! I found that regular “heel” cushions just pushed my foot forward and didnt help with the slippage at all.

        I have also, pre “strappy strips” used duct tape in a pinch.

    • Matignan

      I just read about Philip Matignan hose last night on wwwDOTwhatkateworeDOTcom. They make hose with non-slip bottoms.

  11. Baby weight

    I just parted ways with some brown Stuart Weitzmans that I’d owned for 4 years. I wore them about once per week. They’d made many trips to the shoe hospital for various repairs.

    • a passion for fashion

      i must second SWs for comfort and length of life. I have about 20 pairs and think the last longer than any shoes i own. my lower heals that i wear a couple of times a week will last for 2-4 years (w/ heal repairs of course). I have a pair of platswoons that i wear 1-2 times a week that is over a year old and still looks like new.

  12. Julie

    For those who don’t wear leather: I’m wearing today the Easy Street Major pumps, available on Amazon and elsewhere. I’ve got the croco print but have been eyeing the black patent; there are other colors and finishes, too. Heel height about 2.25 in., which is high enough for me.

  13. Mom Jeans

    Threadjack:
    Where do you shop for weekend clothes? Not going-out clothes, but just for running errands, going to a friend’s house or chasing the kids around. On Saturday I spent three hours trying on stuff at Loft, Old Navy, Gap and a local department store and walked out with 1 cardigan and a scarf. I kept an open mind and even tried stuff out of my comfort zone. It was so frustrating and a waste of an afternoon. NOTHING fit right and the trendy stuff just looked awkward on me. Most of my clothing budget is allocated for work, and I can’t justify spending much on casual clothing when I’m constantly getting my kiddo’s food/snot/drool all over me. I feel frumpy all.the.time. Even when I make an effort, I don’t feel like I look right, if that makes any sense. Wow, this is turning into a major pity party, but I need help! Does anybody have a few idiot-proof weekend wardrobe essentials they can recommend?

    • anon

      hmm. this is tough without knowing a bit more info about your tastes, general body type, and maybe your budget? are you looking for jeans, tops, pants, shoes? warm weather, cold weather?

      all else equal, you might try target, land’s end, ll bean, land’s end canvas or (this takes more patience) the racks at TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s, Marshall’s. if you have a bit more money to spend, personal shoppers at nordstrom are great.

    • nikkiesq

      I would concentrate on jeans. As long as I have a pair of jeans that makes my body look good, I have no problems sticking to fitted T-shirts and ballet flats (or riding boots with my skinny jeans). I may also dress up weekend wear with a funky necklace, but that’s about it. I’ve had luck with jeans at Nordstrom Rack and Marshall’s.

      More than anything, I’d have resented the 3 hours shopping. Maybe try shopping online so you can try things on at home and return what you don’t like. It’s much better than wasting your precious free time going to crowded clothes stores on the weekend.

    • PollyD

      I think this is a boring time of year to shop, anyway. The clothes in the store seem to be caught awkwardly between winter and spring. I’d advise trying some of these same stores in a month or two, when more spring/summer items start to come into stock.

      Target is a good idea, also maybe Kohl’s, for inexpensive items. If you like a more outdoorsy, athletic look, you could try Athleta or Title 9. New York & Company is not expensive and has coupons all the time, although most of their stuff tends to be synthetic. Not that that’s necessarily bad, but I tend to think cotton when I think of casual clothes.

      Nordstrom has personal shoppers, as does Lord and Taylor. The service is free and you could consider working with a shopper to try to figure out what shapes and colors work best on you. Then replicate this at lower-price stores. If you feel guilty, buy something the shopper recommends and then just return it later if it’s too pricey/not quite what you want.

      As for not fitting right, you may need to consider tailoring. I decided a couple of years ago that it was worth it to me to just have my pants tailored (I almost always need the waist nipped in) rather than search endlessly for The One True Pair of Pants. I know most people think you should only tailor high-end stuff, but I’m quite willing to get a pair of pants at Loft for under $50 and then spend $20-30 to get it tailored – I find that my tailors also do an awesome job and my [email protected]@ looks much better in the tailored pants than any I’ve found off-the-rack. It does seem like a lot of trouble, but I find it easier to just go to stores where I can guess within a size or two which pants will fit best and then get them tailored, rather than spending more time searching.

    • Research, Not Law

      My weekend mom wardrobe consists of way-too-old jeans (Loft curvy fit circa 2006… last time I tried to replace, they weren’t as nice in fabric or cut), some stretch poplin and corduroy pants (again, really old), knit tops and lightweight sweaters/cardigans from Nordstrom (love the Caslon brand… and a fair number from BP ::blushes::), Gap, Loft, JCrew, etc.

      Hmm… perhaps this isn’t so much inspirational as it is commiserating? I do absolutely encourage you to find something that makes you feel good, even if it’s just one or two well-fitting, comfortable, and bought-in-this-decade tops and one pair of pants. It makes all the difference – and the kids don’t care if you’re wearing the same thing over and over ;)

      Currently pregnant, but after I’m out of maternity clothes, I’m going to be checking out Lands End. I’ve gotten a few items from them and love them. Sigh, I really am going to have to find some new pants, though. Not looking forward to that.

      I’ve also found that things that are basically t-shirts but look like I’m trying harder work great – such as tees with gathered/puff sleeves. wrap tops, or deep v or henleys over a tank.

      Do you follow Ain’t No Mama Jeans (blog)? Check out their posts about the momdrobe.

      • Research, Not Law

        Oh, and for shoes: Ballet flats or some cute slip-on tennis shoes. Stylish, slip-on/off, and able to run after a toddler. Just changing my shoes to something cute makes me feel so much more put together.

        Agree that online shopping is the way to go, assuming that you are post-partum and dealing with sizing changes. I don’t like buying my clothes online, but it’s the only way it happens these days.

    • So weird...

      I have some jeans from Old Navy and I wear them with the same sweaters or tops I’d wear to the office (mostly Loft, Ann Taylor, BR and Gap). I have a general rule against wearing sweatpants unless I’m actively working out, but most of my activewear is from Target’s C9 line or UnderArmour.

      • So weird...

        Oh, in warm weather I pretty much stick to dresses. I have dresses from a bunch of places, but Eddie Bauer makes my favorite sundresses, and my other favorite dress is from Loft.

    • jcb

      I recently had some luck with Boden online shopping. Their “essential tees” are perfect IMO, just the right scoop neck, not too short, good stretch and not too thin. I also tried out a couple of pairs of their pants for the first time, with some success – I often have trouble with finding pants that work with my frame (muscular legs), but their skinny cords and straight leg cords worked just fine. Their quality is good and their prices are generally pretty reasonable (they frequently have sales, be sure to wait for one). Otherwise, my casual stuff just comes from BR or Anthro, usually. I rarely have time to actually go to the store and try on a bunch of things, so it’s pretty much online shopping for me.

    • Anon

      I wear Old Navy, American Eagle and Levi jeans on the weekends. My shirts are from Old Navy, Target and JCPennys for the most part. In the winter I wear a lot of sweaters and cardigans and in the summer mostly fitted t-shirts. It has been a while since I bought myself anything though.

    • Anon

      I am perpetually in weekend clothes, as I have little kids and work PT. I tend to wear classic clothing mostly. I rarely shop in-person, always online.

      Lands End – sailor Ts, modern cut stuff. Stay away from anything boxy or traditional fit. Lands End Canvas for their basic cardigans (slimmer than regular LE).
      Long sleeve T’s – AnnTaylor, Old Navy, Merona from Target.
      Jeans – dark bootcut (Gap Tall for me)
      JCrew from the sale rack – velvet blazers, sweaters.
      Vintage from ebay – high school letterman sweaters, beaded cashmere sweaters, men’s 60’s ski sweaters. Hit or miss.

      SHOES! Don’t wear sneakers. Maybe ColeHaan or Boden funky prints. Otherwise NO SNEAKERS.
      Jewelry! and Makeup if you wear makeup. It goes a loong way to being anti-frumpy.
      A good casual coat or puffer vest — Eddie Bauer had some great vintage-ish ones this winter. Ditto for nice accessories.

      Basically, treat dressing for at-home time the same as dressing for work. Allow yourself a wardrobe and nice accessories. It will take a while, and there will be hits and misses.

    • Anonabus (allergies)

      Agree on jeans being the central piece. I would add outlet malls are key. Either work in a trip with a friend who also has kids and wants to shop and knock out some other errands (gifts, kids cloz) too. That way the pressure is not ALL on you to get some clothes.

      Don’t rule out outlet malls on vacation too. I went to one where we vacationed, got a coupon book and bought my entire refresh to next years casual winter wear and shipped it back for cheaper than I would have at our malls during sales.

      Of course anytime you feel good and have an hour to kill (like say 3 hour baby sitter for 1 hour massage), I always find better clothes at better prices if I am alone, refreshed, and focused.

    • Anonabus (allergies)

      Also, colorful long sleeve tees and short sleeve neutral open cardigans are also good to hide stains and (ahem) occasional lumps.

    • Amy H.

      I empathize — I hate hate hate trying stuff on, and to spend three hours with so little to show for it is definitely frustrating. I buy nearly all of my casual and weekend clothes online at the same few places (mostly Gap and L.L. Bean), and buy multiples/duplicates. Of course, you have go in and spend some time trying on things (jeans, in particular) to know what size you are to start with, or be willing to do all the shipping back and forth to try things on at home.
      My staples:
      Gap Always Skinny, Perfect Boot and Long and Lean jeans (wait for 30% off coupon or code).
      Gap Slim Cropped black stretch pants. (Look more polished and are pants, not leggings.)
      Gap Pure Body LS tee (I buy one size up b/c I don’t like the skintight look of the site models).
      Nike yoga pants and powerstretch fleece tops.
      L.L. Bean French Sailor 3/4 sleeve boatneck sweater.
      Garnet Hill jersey knit sundresses (for summer).

      I agree with Research, Not Law that knit/jersey tops that are somehow a bit more than a basic tee really go a long way. I had three cowl neck 3/4 sleeve knit tops from Gap that I wore all the time — under blazers/suit jackets as well as on weekends and for going out. Two of those are now too pilled to wear (and of course Gap doesn’t make them any more as they were from 2010) so I found a similar style on Zappos and got them in every color they came in. I love Zappos for trying a new-to-me brand, because they have free shipping both ways.

      If you haven’t already checked out Angie’s blog (You Look Fab [dot] com [slash] blog), it’s a great one for this exact topic. She has a whole series of posts on “Mom on the Go” looks/capsule wardrobes. Just look for the “Mom on the Go” link under “Top Categories” on the right-side menu. She often has suggestions about where to look for good casual basics as well as how to put things together.

      • Amy H.

        Oh, and I like the “retro sneakers” look for weekend flat shoes for running around — the Asics Onitsuka Tiger (on Zappos) is super comfortable and they have all sorts of fun color combinations.

      • Amy H.

        If you didn’t like any of the Gap jean fits in your marathon try-on session, maybe try the new(ish) Levi’s Curve ID jeans? I keep meaning to set aside a couple hours to go try those on and figure out what size/ID I am so I can order online from time to time. Similar price range.

      • ShortieK

        seconding the you look fab rec.

        I stopped in Ann Taylor on my lunch break and picked up a cowl neck black shirt and a neat drape-y blue shirt for like $12. (I’m really short though, so anywhere with a petite section is a lifesaver for me.)
        Drape-y shirts are great for weight fluctuations too (I don’t know if that’s an issue for you.)

        Land’s End has a huge sale online right now and there are a bunch of long sleeve cowl necks, cardigans, etc… You can return to any Sears so it might be worth trying to see what you like.
        Also: Black? Doesn’t show stains, might look chic with that scarf you just bought. :)

        Shoes-
        Slip-on shoes are coming in for Spring. Casual and comfy. I’ve seen them in cute prints at a couple places (Land’s End comes to mind first)

    • Susan

      1. Cheap pair of jeans in a cut that flatters you.
      2. A couple of cute tops you can change around and dress up with that scarf, or a cardigan, or some cheap statement jewelry.
      3. A good pair of low-heel/flat riding boots (if you wear skinny jeans, you can tuck them into your boots) and/or a good pair of ballerina flats so you’re not tottering about in heels.

      Below, I’ve got links to some possibilities:
      Cheap jeans from Forever21 (you’re a Mom and face kidsnot/drool/etc; I’m a klutz and spill stuff on myself)
      http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=btms_jeans&ProductID=2000040022&VariantID= $11 for a pair of skinny jeans. They have bootcut and other styles, too, if you’re not a skinny jean person.

      Cute Tops
      http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24057515&catId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&pushId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=14&color=015&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&templateType=subCategory ($68) Throw a cardigan over it for more coverage; you can throw on a statement necklace if you’re going someplace for dinner later on.

      http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24264418&catId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&pushId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=14&color=060&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&templateType=subCategory $58 flattering, comfy top that doesn’t need any accessories.

      http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24295453&catId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&pushId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=14&color=005&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-KNITSTEES&templateType=subCategory ($68, flattering, very forgiving, you can wear this with your new scarf)

      Lord & Taylor has a bunch of fairly affordable flats; DSW and Endless.com are likely to have some good affordable (but durable) boots.

      Good luck and happy shopping!

    • Susan

      Posting again as my original post had links and got stuck in moderation.

      Here are the building blocks I’d recommend:
      1. Cheap pair of jeans in a cut that flatters you.
      2. A couple of cute tops you can change around and dress up with that scarf, or a cardigan, or some cheap statement jewelry.
      3. A good pair of low-heel/flat riding boots (if you wear skinny jeans, you can tuck them into your boots) and/or a good pair of ballerina flats so you’re not tottering about in heels.
      4. A few skirts or skorts that are washable. Athleta has a number of good choices. Their “Whatever skort” has had consistently high reviews, and I swear by them– great colors, flattering shape, and easy to care for. A lot of parents have vouched for this, having also been spat upon, sh*t upon, barfed upon…

      Below, I’ve got a few specific ideas:
      Cheap jeans from Forever21 (you’re a Mom and face kidsnot/drool/etc; I’m a klutz and spill stuff on myself.) Search for “Classic Denim Skinny Jeans” $11 for a pair of skinny jeans. They have bootcut and other styles, too, if you’re not a skinny jean person.

      Cute Tops – try Anthropologie (and search for the following– my posting links got my original reply stuck in rmoderation)
      Verbatim Tank $68 – Throw a cardigan over it for more coverage; you can throw on a statement necklace if you’re going someplace for dinner later on.
      Wrapped-Ruched Tee $58 – flattering, comfy top that doesn’t need any accessories. Plus, a bit of a “pow” if you choose the brick-orangey color.
      Ever Placid Top $68, flattering, very forgiving, you can wear this with your new scarf.

      Other places for cute tops include: Modcloth, Boden (wait for a sale as Boden is pricey). I find that Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, and J.Crew are terrible for casual-wear tops. They go right into frumpskank category. They’re fine for work, but just don’t seem to get the casual look right. Also, they’re pricey for how frumpy some of their tops are.

      Lord & Taylor has a bunch of fairly affordable flats; DSW and Endless.com are likely to have some good affordable (but durable) boots.

      Good luck and happy shopping!

      • Taylor

        Cannot imagine in a million years buying Anthropologie for weekend wear. Too expensive. Guess I am a frumpskank. The problem is that I have that middle age spread and it is hard to find cute and trendy tops that don’t hug my belly. I do find that INC from Macy’s is good for cute tops.

        • Suited Up

          I use to think that also…but then I bought a couple of Anthro shirts on a whim. I get more wear out of my casual Anthro clothes and more compliments on them than I do for just about anything else I own! I’ve decided that (reasonable) spending at Anthro is worth it for casual wear.

          • Susan

            I used to bristle at the prices, too. But then, I thought: better a $68 top that I love and wear 60 times a year, than a $20 top than I hate and leave in my closet, worn once (or never.)

    • zenmom3

      Jeans: Find a brand that works for your body and buy a few — I love Gap jeans in Long & Lean, Perfect Boot Cut & Essential (discontinued unfortunately)
      Long-sleeve tees: Can be dressed up or down with cardigan, scarf, etc. — I like Gap, Old Navy, J. Crew, Lands End
      Short-sleeve knits & tees: I like Loft and also have a few J. Crew, Eddie Bauer
      Sweaters: I bought a couple of open cardigans from Banana that I love — I throw them on over everything. For other casual sweaters, I’ve had good luck lately with Target — they don’t last more than one or two years, but they’re so cheap it doesn’t matter.
      Shoes: I like clogs and athletic-type flats from Clarks/Privo. They are SO comfortable and they last.
      Earrings: Unless I am in full-on work out clothes, I always put on a pair of earrings — I have several cute dangly silver ones from J. Jill & Brighton.
      Makeup: Agree with above — at least a little makeup.

      I used to totally frump out in boring jeans and tees. Now that I’ve stepped up my casual fashion a little, it’s WAY more fun. :-) Even running errands, taking kids to baseball practice and working from home I feel more “grown-up” when I have put at least a little thought into what I’m wearing. Good luck!

    • Mom Jeans

      Thank you, ladies! I will definitely check out many of these recommendations!

    • Long and Leans

      Have you tried the Gap Long and Long Jeans in a dark wash? I find them super flattering on myself as well as on most body types – flared leg, and mid rise so no muffin top. I’m an hourglass, sometimes a pear.

  15. ML

    Ann Taylor’s perfect pump should be on this list. They are comfy and classic looking and the heel height is great. I wear the “kitten” heel which is really IMO more like a regular heel- nearly 3 inches I think. It’s a great pick for people who just can’t wear 4 inch heels but want something non frumpy.

    • January

      I have the AT perfect kitten heels. They’re attractive and comfortable, but I was wondering if anyone else has found that the shoes don’t hold up particularly well. I’m a little disappointed with mine. I don’t subject my shoes to very heavy use, but I do wear them several times a week.

  16. Suited Up

    I like Express for jeans (but not for much of anything else.) You can usually buy some dark wash jeans w/ slight flare or bootcut for around 25-3o on sale. I like H&M for t-shirts (long and short sleeved) in a, variety of colors- I prefer v-neck, but they also sell crew neck. These run around 10-15 dollars (I think regular price.) A couple of pairs of “fun” flats in bright colors from Payless, a few inexpensive printed scarves from Target (also, you can get cheap costume jewelry from Target…I have one purple necklace that gets compliments every time I wear it, and it cost 3 dollars on sale.) F21 sells fairly inexpensive blazers- they aren’t work quality, but nice for the weekend and look polished. My advice for both H&M and f21 is patience, because both stores look like a tornado just rolled through, but both have really great basics. That’s basically how I do casual—and it’s all machine washable!

    • PollyD

      Ooh, yes, H&M! You do have to look carefully – many of the stores are set up with teenage clubwear in front and clothes adult women would wear in back. I’m 44 and still shop there fairly often. They have decent quality t-shirts and fun blouses and sweaters. It’s cheap, so the quality can be uneven, but I don’t expect the stuff to last forever and it can be a nice way to try out some trends.

      I mentioned Kohl’s, but wanted to add that they, too, have great cheap jewelry.

      • PollyD

        Gah, I should learn to complete my thoughts. Another thing about H&M – I sent a coworker there and she was all upset that “her size” didn’t fit, until I explained that H&M tends to run small. So just take a bunch of sizes into the dressing room and think of them as some totally other size system so you don’t get discouraged about taking a size with a larger number than you usually do. For reference, at Loft I’m extra small or a 2/4, at H&M I’ve gone up to an 8 in pants, am usually a 6 in skirts, dresses, and tops.

        now I need to shut up and get some work done.

        • Suited Up

          Agreed…the sizing might have something to do with the fact that H&M is a British company, so even though the sizing has been “re-done” for American customers, it still doesn’t rise to the level of vanity sizing that other stores now do. On the other hand, for smaller people, it actually is a bit easier to find the size you need.

  17. DallasSkirt Envy

    Does anyone have experience with the Saks 5th house brand of patent leather pumps? They are very attractive and Italian…?

  19. KS

    I have long toes and bunions, and for this reason I cannot comfortably wear pumps because the toe box just isn’t big enough or the edge cuts into my bunions or shows too much toe cleavage. As a result, I end up having to buy matronly-looking heels with long toe boxes (e.g., Taryn Rose), or Mary Janes or T-straps so the shoes don’t slip off my feet when I walk. But I really wish I could wear standard pumps! Does anyone else have this problem, and if so do you have any recommendations? Any decent-looking Mary Janes or T-straps, for example?

    • Anonymous

      I don’t know if the width would work, but Bruno Magli makes shoes with longer toe boxes. They are expensive, but can be found on sale. I find the quality to be the best of any brand I’ve worn, including Stuart Weitzman. Also, have you tried Sofft? I remember seeing T-straps and Mary Janes every season, and they are a comfort brand cut a little wider.

      • KS

        Thanks, I hadn’t thought of Bruno Magli. I do have shoes by both Stuart Weitzman and Sofft.

    • Loans

      I have the same problem. I got over toe cleavage (at least the look) and switched to wides for pumps. Also, I go up a half of a size when I can’t switch to wides and put those heel slips in the back. I admit I have to send a lot of shoes back. Vigotti and Bella-Vita are pumps I have had luck with on Zappos. But I have had to sent A LOT back.

      It sucks because when I started pointe in ballet in junior high, my teachers all said I had “the perfect feet for this!” Little did I know that would mean I have the most imperfect feet for all normal shoes and the rest of life.

      • KS

        It actually hadn’t occurred to me to try a wide width. Good tip. And I’ll check out Vigotti and Bella-Vita; those actually aren’t brands I was familiar with. I do all my shoe shopping on Zappos, and send a LOT back as well, but at least Zappos does carry a fair number of shoes in my size (Size 11 — that’s my other shoe-related problem!). Thanks!

    • mamabear

      1) check out barkingdogshoes.com for her recommendations on shoes for bunions

      2) I tried on a pair of low-heeled Sofft pumps at Nordstrom this weekend. I don’t ordinarily wear a wide, but this style seemed to run a little narrow. So the clerk brought out the same size but in a wide width, and to my surprise they fit perfectly. Generally, a wide is wider in both the toe and the heel, so a wide heel would slip off my relatively true to size heels. But this wide pump was only wider in the toe box. If they’d had my color choice I would have bought it on the spot.

    • SoCal Gator

      I agree with mamabear that barkingdogs.com is an indispensible site for those of us with bunions. She tipped me on to that site and I cannot say thank you enough. I also cannot wear pumps. Beacuse of my bunions, I have to buy a wide width but then the shoe slips off, even with every pad and heel liner out there. To compound matters, my right foot is a full size larger than my left.

      There are a few that I have found that work for me and although not pumps, they are close enough and nice dress shoes. I can wear the Munro Garbo (wide width) and the Munro Leann in wide (yes it’s a Mary Jane) and the Munro Allison a size up in wide. I also can wear (for short bouts only) the Ros Hommerson Loyal in wide. I also wear the Aravon Maya (another Mary Jane) in wide. All of these recommendations derived one way or another from the barkingdogs site. Do a search on the site and try some out. Good luck and let us know what works for you!

    • Salit-a-gator

      I like the heel hight of this shoe and the fact that it comes in two different versions of nude. I don’t know this brand, but I found a similar looking shoe for Steve Madded last season and bought it in both a nude and a black. They look like keepers.

  21. ShortieK

    I have a pair of Seychelles Code Pumps that I got off Amazon for ~$40. I’ve only had them for a few months, but they’ve held up really well.

  22. Jill

    I have those Lennox pumps by Naturalizer and love them! I also enjoy the Nine West Nuncio but it is rather pointy and doesn’t last very long for me. I guess I am hard on shoes.

  23. EK

    I finally replaced my Cole Haan nike air pumps with Vince Camuto Zellas (see: http://www.vincecamuto.com/Shoes/Heels/ZELLA-BLACK.html). Footbed is super padded (you won’t need insoles, promise) and the .7 platform is small enough to wear to court and not look like a hooker, but is high enough to make walking a breeze. I wear these up and down manhattan and remain wobble and sore-foot free.

  24. Either too long or too short

    I have a question. I love wearing heels (not too high but 3″). Problem is I feel my pants could go a little longer be ause I wear heels but at the same time, if i wear them long, then they may be too long for flats. Anyone’s got tips to deal with this?

    • ss

      I think I remember a thread a while back about how to commute in flats and then swap to heels in the office in the same pair of trousers. Some ladies use masking tape to hold the hem up and there was mention of some stick-on snaps or plastic thing-y you can buy to do the same job.

  25. SoCal Gal

    All black pumps look great, but I have weird feet and can’t wear them. I prefer boots. I am always on the look out for booties and ankle boots suggestions.

  26. Coach Laura

    Thanks Kat! Perfect timing, as I need new black pumps as a backup to my main pair and Talbots has gone all wacko on me. Most of my pumps have been from Talbots or Sesto Meucci or Van Eli (I was told that they were all from the same manufacturer but a not certain of that) but Talbots has no nice looking pumps with a moderat (2.5-3 inch) heel. Zappos was out of my size of the Talia mid but Nordstroms had them at the same sale price. Free shipping too. I might look into the Naturalizer too. I’ve given up on Nine West – they don’t fit me well and wear out too quick.

  28. heels, not heals

    What are “heals”? They must be the things on the bottom of your shoos, which you wear on your feat right under your kneas.

    OK, rant over.

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