From Making Magic to Changing Lives: Transforming Leadership and Revolutionizing Organizations

With the colder season upon us it’s time, even here in central Florida, to break out the heavier jackets and long-sleeved shirts.  This is my first year of working in an indoor office though so it has raised a few questions.  I know that might sound weird, but my last job was a bit out of the norm and therefore I wouldn’t include that on my list of “indoor offices.”  My theory is if almost half of your work day is spent outside,  your “office” is really a desk in the corner of a 60 degree break room, and you can hear dogs barking and a pig squealing all day then your job is usually not considered a normal one.

With the start of my new job in June it was obvious that a new wardrobe was going to have to accompany it.  My mom and I had a blast shopping for my new work outfit.  It might be the only time in my life that I’ve allowed myself to buy such wonderful designer names and have tailored suits and dresses.  It was an amazing experience and I’m excited that not using most of my vacation days at my last job allowed me to make it possible.

While we were shopping this summer we tried hard to pick pieces that were classic and versatile, so I have had no problem finding a wear to wear most of them even now that it is cold.  A thicker jacket and a pair of black tights go a long way in stretching most of my summer wardrobe into choices that I can wear in the winter.  The only new additions since then have been 1 winter coat, courtesy of my amazing boyfriend who has picked up my deal grabbing shopping trait, and a few pairs of new shoes.

I grabbed these awesome ankle boots from DSW.com on Cyber Monday and after using my membership number for free shipping, taking advantage of the fact that they were already marked down and using several coupon codes the website practically paid me to buy them.  With them I ordered my first two pairs of over the knee boots that were also priced to make me jump for joy.  It’s not even a question that the ankle boots, that I ended up getting in black as my signature color was sold out in my size, go with just about any dress that I wear dark tights with.  However, do over the knee boots have a space in the workplace?

Both pairs that I bought were flat so that I could get optimal use out of them with all the walking I planned for them, but I keep questioning if they are appropriate to wear to work.  I tested out the water by first wearing my stiletto boots, which just barely come to the knee, with a pair of black leggings under a Calvin Klein dress on one of the few days that it dropped below 60 degrees.  Many of the other women at work commented on how amazing the boots were and then just days later I noticed several other women in my work area breaking out their high-heeled boots.

Just last week another cold snap prompted me to try testing the water with both pairs of over the knee boots.  I received a ton of compliments, but I’m still left questioning if they are really appropriate in a business casual office situation.  They are the “in” shoe of the moment and you see ads all over the place with women pairing them with stylish outfits meant for the office, but does that really mean that it is now acceptable?  I’m putting this out there to my fellow trend setters because we all know that I don’t want to look like Ke$ha is my fahion icon!  Do you think over the knee boots can be paired with a tailored designer dress and jacket to wear to work in the winter so you can get the most out of your year round dresses?

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5 Comments

  1. I totally had the same internal discussion with myself when I was boot-shopping a month or so ago. Over-the-knee boots are clearly all over the place but that doesn’t necessarily make them appropriate to wear all over the place… I think it definitely depends on one’s office environment and culture, and obviously, the outfit that you pair them with. Even with the most classy and conservative outfit though, I think I’d still feel a bit too “Pretty Woman” to pull it off in my office. But if I ever went anywhere interesting or did anything past 6pm, over-the-knee boots are a pretty tempting way to way to make one feel indomitable! =)

    That doesn’t really help answer your question, and I have no idea what your office environment is like so I really can’t offer an educated opinion. But I have faith that you can pull it off like the class act you are!

    1. Thanks for the feedback Erin. I initially felt the same way as you did. I chose to go with flat knee high boots so I would feel a little less “Pretty Woman” like, but I still have my doubts. It is amazing how many women I see wearing them to the conferences they are attending in the area. However, I know that can’t always be a dead set answer as people tend to be more brave when they are out of their normal environment. Thanks for chiming in!

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