ISABEL SPEARMAN WHY IT WORKS
Putting your best (clad) foot forward for the autumn
QI’d like to treat myself to a new pair of shoes now that it’s cooler out. Where should I start?
AWell, goodbye summer and hello fading tan and goosebumps. I find this one of the trickiest times of year to shop, with my mind still clinging on to holiday mode but the inevitable chill creeping in. “Back to work” is the buzz phrase of September, and the pressure is on to look and feel ready for any new opportunities and projects.
A new pair of shoes is the simplest way to update your existing workwear wardrobe and ease yourself into the season ahead. Look at what you already have to see what staples can be repaired, and which need replacing – suede styles in particular can wear quickly.
As for shopping, slingbacks are just right for a few months (then put them away
until spring) and look particularly good with trousers. I love Uterque’s modern, silver‑studded take on this ladylike shape, and Boden’s monochrome pair are the perfect nod to the ongoing polka dot trend. Snake‑print is a great neutral and a sneaky way to wear the animal‑print trend in the office.
For an update on classic pumps, try patent leather in deep berry or navy, rather than black. Block heels are still very much around, thank goodness: I’m a huge fan, as they give you height without compromising on comfort – just make sure the toe is almond‑shaped and not too rounded.
It’s far too early to be thinking about proper boots, but I’m tempted by ankle boots for the first time. It’s a bit like buying a pair of jeans: you do have to try quite a few to find a pair that hits your ankle at the most flattering point. It’s worth persevering, as they instantly render summery dresses autumnal and will bridge the gap to winter – at which point, add tights and they will take you right the way through.
At the top of my wishlist is Twinset’s flat pair for those days when I’m rushing between meetings. Otherwise, a tan pair is a classic autumnal choice.
Now, can anyone recommend a good fake tan?
Snake-print is a great neutral and a way to wear the animal print trend in the office
Need a workwear reboot? Isabel will be restyling four readers to appear in the paper in October. For your chance to take part email isabel. spearman@telegraph.co.uk specifying your job and what you’d like help with, and enclosing an image of you in your current work clothes.