When we talk about work clothes, there are plenty of options to choose from: structured dresses or tailored pants, crisp white shirts or frilly printed blouses. But so much emphasis is on the clothes, it can be easy to forget about the shoes. We all know that shoes are actually a girls' best friend, and just because you're working doesn't mean you need to compromise on your footwear style.
Being a boss lady doesn't just require an understanding of mixing personal tastes with office-appropriate style, it also means being able to balance your bank account. A good work shoe has to both complete your outfit and be comfortable throughout the day – which could even mean hitting the bar (or the shops before closing) before making your way home.
We took it upon ourselves to find a selection of shoes that are perfect for work and that won't break the bank. Coming in at under $100 each, here's what we found:
Black pumps are an essential closet staple because they will totally go with everything. Pair your jeans with a pump to make them more formal, and also to elongate your legs. Alternatively, slip into a brightly colored pair for a day-to-night look if you have after-work plans.
Boots can be versatile as they look great with both pants and short skirts. A fail-safe styling tip for work would be to rock a straight-leg pant with a simple ankle boot, but you could also try a cute skirt with tights and Chelsea boots to create a feminine outfit with edge.
Who says loafers and lace-ups are only for men? They are comfortable, elegant and can be styled loads of different ways: pair yours with a shirt-under-knit-sweater combo and skirt for a preppy vibe, or rock a pair of stacked loafers with a pantsuit for a contemporary power-woman look.
Some girls really adore ballet flats and we can think of many reasons why. They fit like a glove, for starters, and they come in all sorts of exciting colors (see: Molly Goddard's metallic versions). Why not pick a pair of bold ballet flats to brighten up a monochrome work look?
