Boots are such a popular and versatile footwear choice that
it’s hard to imagine any workplace putting a “no boots” rule in place, let
alone being able to enforce it if they did.
That said, if you’ve got doubts about whether you can wear
boots to work, and how to wear them if so, we’ve written this guide to help
you. Our goal is to get you strutting confidently into your workplace in a pair
of stylish, comfortable boots paired perfectly with a stunning outfit.
Here’s what we’re going to cover:
●
What boots are suitable for work
● What to wear with boots for work
● Dos and don’ts for boots at work
What Boots Are Suitable for Work?
When it comes to workwear, it’s definitely true that
some boots are more suitable than others. Work-appropriate boots should strike
a balance between style and professionalism,
while complementing your outfit without being distracting.
And while it is possible to push against the boundaries
of what would be considered suitable for the workplace, we need to remind you
to take care when pushing too hard, especially in a job with a strict dress
code!
With that in mind, here are some of the best types of
boots to wear to work.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are one of the most versatile options for
the workplace. With sleek and structured designs, this style looks professional
while allowing space to express yourself. We recommend a leather ankle boot
with a modest heel like the Madie or the Sarina, paired well with either trousers
and skirts, as a go-to for any office setting.
● Why they work: the streamlined silhouette makes them easy to dress up or down, providing a polished yet practical option.
● Best for: business casual offices or smart-casual dress codes.
Heeled Boots
Heeled boots add a touch of sophistication to any work
outfit. Whether you prefer block heels, kitten heels, or stiletto heels, they
create a professional and stylish look when paired with tailored pieces. The Kalamata or The Monika
are good examples.
●
Why they work:
heeled boots elongate the legs and pair effortlessly with dresses, skirts, and
structured trousers.
●
Best for:
formal office environments or roles where polished, stylish footwear is
preferred.
Knee-High and Long Boots
Knee-high boots make a statement while still looking refined. They offer warmth in colder
months and look particularly chic when paired with midi skirts or fitted
trousers.
●
Why they work:
their sleek and tailored appearance makes them an elegant yet practical choice
for winter workwear.
●
Best for:
business casual offices or creative industries where fashion-forward pieces are
embraced.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots like the Maddalena are classic staples that work well in professional settings. Their
close-fitting, slip-on design makes them a practical and stylish choice for
both men and women, and they pair with all manner of smart and smart-casual
outfits.
●
Why they work:
their timeless appeal and simple design allow them to be paired with a variety
of professional outfits without looking too casual.
●
Best for:
smart-casual and business-casual workplaces.
What to Wear with Boots for Work?
Once you've lined up the right pair of boots for work,
styling them correctly is a crucial part of achieving a polished and
professional look. Different types of boots pair best with specific outfits, so
to ensure your workwear feels put-together and intentional, here are some
things to keep in mind.
Ankle Boots for Work
Ankle boots are one of the easiest styles to
incorporate into workwear, providing a balance between comfort and
sophistication.
●
Styling tip:
wear sleek leather ankle boots with tailored trousers and a structured blazer
for a smart business look. Alternatively, pair suede ankle boots with a midi
dress and a belted coat for a chic and professional winter outfit.
For more styling tips, check out our guide on How to Style Ankle Boots for Winter.
Heeled Boots for Work
Heeled boots instantly elevate any work outfit, making
them ideal for meetings, presentations, or more formal office settings.
●
Styling tip:
pair some block-heeled boots with a pencil skirt and a tucked-in blouse for a
refined look ready for any office. Alternatively, combine stiletto boots with
tailored trousers and a cashmere sweater for a modern, sophisticated outfit.
Long Boots for Work
Knee-high boots are a bold, stylish choice for work,
especially in colder months when extra warmth is needed. But paired correctly,
they can look fantastic without being too much.
●
Styling tip:
wear knee-high boots with a midi skirt and a turtleneck sweater for an elegant,
winter-appropriate office outfit. Alternatively, pair structured boots with
slim trousers and a tailored blazer for a sleek, professional ensemble.
Looking for more ideas? Read our guide on How to Style Knee-High Boots for Winter.
Boots with a Suit
Not only is it satisfying to say aloud, but boots and
suits combine perfectly to create outfits that blend professionalism and
fashion. The key is to choose sleek, minimal boots that don’t overpower the
outfit.
●
Styling tip:
pair Chelsea boots with a tailored suit for a clean and contemporary office
look. Alternatively, opt for heeled ankle boots with a fitted blazer and
matching trousers to maintain a streamlined silhouette.
Dos and don’ts for boots at work
If you’re inspired by the tips above, keep these final things in mind when coordinating boots with your work outfit.
● Do choose high-quality materials like leather or suede for a polished look.
● Don’t wear boots with excessive embellishments, fringe, or bold patterns in a corporate setting.
● Do keep the heel height work-appropriate: mid-height block heels or kitten heels are ideal.
● Don’t wear heavily worn-out or scuffed boots, as this can make your outfit look unkempt.
That said, those are guidelines. If you want to do a don’t or ignore a do, go for it. Your outfit should be an expression of what you want to wear, just be aware of dress codes in the workplace and don’t get yourself into trouble!
Boots at Work: You Not Only Can, but You Should
Unless you work for a particularly strict employer or there are health and safety reasons why boots aren’t allowed, we encourage you to free yourself of doubts about wearing boots in the workplace. The boot is such a timeless and versatile type of shoe that you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair that wouldn’t work in some work-friendly outfit. So, once you accept boots as suitable for the workplace, it’s free reign for you to get your creative juices flowing and assemble some truly stylish ensembles.
To find your perfect pair of boots, take a look at our
extensive range of boots for women and men. You’ll find all the styles mentioned
above, along with countless others, and our team is on hand to answer any questions
and connect you with your perfect pair.