The Daily Telegraph

Plus Your winter-friendly work shoes

As the weather turns colder, the best way to update your workwear is with new shoes

- To ask Isabel Spearman your workwear questions, email isabel.spearman @telegraph.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @isabelspea­rman

QI usually rely on leather and suede court shoes for work, but don’t want to risk them in the rain and snow. Is there a more weather-friendly option?

AThis time of year I live in knee-length boots, as they are just so easy underneath the dresses and skirts that I predominan­tly wear. However, this doesn’t help my trouserwea­ring contempora­ries out there, or those who prefer to wear classic court shoes to the office. My issue with these in the winter is that I dislike seeing more than a flash of leg in tights, especially black ones, and I’m not convinced about wearing nude tights when, underneath, my legs are a shade of blue-grey.

However, I recently came across Heist tights (heiststudi­os.com) and they have a very chic 30-denier style, which has enough coverage to be flattering but they are not so thick that they look unsophisti­cated. I am hoping they can convert me from only wearing boots, as the shoes I’ve found here are pretty tempting. If you mostly wear trousers, invest some time in finding a good nude pop sock to keep your ankles warm – I always end up in M&S for mine.

Patent leather is a brilliant option for winter work shoes. It’s lovely and shiny, wears well in bad weather as it is more water-resistant than leather and certainly suede, and looks really smart. It can take time to stretch and so often may feel a bit snug in your size, but hold firm and wear them in at home as much as possible first to get the ideal fit.

A block heel is the most practical style and I love the detail on the heel of Russell and Bromley’s Column shoe. If these are too high for you, then go for their lower Bowline style that comes in a chic navy. If you prefer flats then LK Bennett’s Iona loafers have the perfect almondshap­ed toe and come in a beautiful oxblood red. I always go back to Jimmy Choo’s classic Romy style as it is so flattering and comes in patent black, peachy-beige and red. Yes, the black is the obvious choice, but there is something very jolly (and sexy) about a pair of red patent heels. Team them with a sober navy or burgundy dress and they will look more Amal Clooney than Dolly Parton. With less than seven weeks to go until Christmas, it’s the perfect excuse to wear shoes with any type of embellishm­ent. They will look fantastic with simple workwear (and prove a great talking point) but also double up as party wear. I absolutely love these tartan heels from Jcrew with sparkly studs, which can just be worn with a black dress or black trousers. Zara, as always, has come up trumps with an elegant checked kitten heel with black beading on the front.

And if it really is boot weather then opt for a pair of slim ankle boots under trousers – the more fitted on the ankle, the more flattering – and a colour that blends into the trousers to elongate the leg.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Embellishe­d plaid pumps, £164 (jcrew.com) Checked fabric shoes, £29.99 (zara.com) Column heel court, £235 (russelland­bromley.com) Romy pumps, £425 (jimmychoo.com)
Embellishe­d plaid pumps, £164 (jcrew.com) Checked fabric shoes, £29.99 (zara.com) Column heel court, £235 (russelland­bromley.com) Romy pumps, £425 (jimmychoo.com)
 ??  ?? Checked top, £165; wide-leg trousers, £165; leather loafers, £185 (lkbennett.com)
Checked top, £165; wide-leg trousers, £165; leather loafers, £185 (lkbennett.com)
 ??  ?? Suede ankle boots, £169 Carvela (kurtgeiger.com)
Suede ankle boots, £169 Carvela (kurtgeiger.com)

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