The Shoes I've Worn to Work Every Day for a Decade

Our in-depth research (i.e., asking the Who What Wear team) concluded that a midi block heel is best (a little elevation but without the wobble of a kitten heel), especially when rendered in suede (softest on your feet) with some sort of ankle or Mary Jane strap (to keep your feet cosy and in place)—the triumvirate of successful work shoes.

It'll come as no surprise that there's been a rise in this “day heel” in the retail sector: They started to filter into the mainstream when Céline introduced glove pumps, Valentino debuted the Tango (I bought a pair in red) and cult footwear brands like Maryam Nassir Zadeh (yep, bought some red suede sandals) and Martiniano picked up industry approval. Such was the sell-through rate that designers finally started to offer more within this once-overlooked realm.

I can recall spending the first few years of my fashion career desperately seeking them to no avail—my early days were when fierce heels ruled and nothing was complete without a platform. As soon as more became available I bulk bought, and continue to do so, often finding a style that suits and is comfortable and then snapping them up in different colourways.

Well, that definitely helps on the what-to-buy-for-work front.