Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

I often prefer merino wool sweaters compared to other women's sweaters like cashmere, cotton, or blends.

Merino has a bunch of advantages — it’s very warm but also lightweight (often light enough to wear beyond fall and winter), and it holds its shape much better than cotton. It’s not quite as luxuriously soft as cashmere, but it's also less hot and tends to be more durable, and it's often machine washable. 

(Here are some tips on washing merino wool.)

If you’re on the hunt for merino wool sweaters for work outfits, now is a good time — there are a lot great options out there!

Readers, which are your favorite merino wool sweaters for women? Which are your favorite merino sweaters for work outfits?

{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}

Our Latest Favorite Merino Wool Sweaters for Work Outfits

Our all-time favorite 100% merino sweaters for work include Uniqlo, Everlane, Banana Republic, and APC. Eileen Fisher has high quality merino, also, although the clothes tend to be on the more casual side.

Why Merino Wool Sweaters are Great

Merino wool tends to be thinner and less fuzzy than cashmere or other knits, and it helps regulate your temperature throughout the day, while being generally really warm on cold days (much more so than cotton sweaters!).

You can find a lot of wool blends, but a 100% wool sweater is fully biodegradable, and naturally renewable in that it grows back every year. When Harper's Bazaar spoke to Alex Crane of his eponymous New York brand, he noted that merino wool is “supremely soft and warm, lightweight, naturally breathable, and it dries super fast. … It’s basically the linen of the fall.”

Another huge plus to merino wool: It's almost always machine washable.

What Is Merino Wool and How Does It Compare to Other Kinds of Wool?

According to Wikipedia,

The Merino is a breed or group of breeds of domestic sheep, characterized by very fine soft wool. It was established in Spain near the end of the Middle Ages, and was for several centuries kept as a strict Spanish monopoly; exports of the breed were not allowed, and those who tried risked capital punishment.

Merino wool is often chosen for base layers because it's very good at wicking moisture naturally so you don't feel clammy in, say, sweaty socks, sweaty leggings, or the like.

What About Merino Wool Blends?

Merino wool is often blended with cashmere, silk, and cotton (as well as a lot of synthetic blends)!.

If you're hunting for wool-cashmere sweaters in 2024, check out this lovely one from Kule, and Vince also has some. This Jenni Kayne cardigan/sweater jacket is fabulous. On the more casual side, Summersalt has a bunch!

Hunting for cotton-merino blends? Everlane has a bunch as of Feb. 2024.

Silk-wool sweaters are hard to find, but Tory Burch's bestselling cardigan fits the bill.

The Best Merino Wool Sweaters for Work Outfits

Uniqlo

Uniqlo has been a longtime reader favorite for super affordable merino wool. This extra fine merino ribbed turtleneck long-sleeve sweater comes in 10 colors, in sizes XXS-XXL. They almost always have a bunch of basics like crew necks and V-necks; this year they also have a short-sleeved mock neck sweater in a variety of colors.

Another good bargain option: J.Crew Factory has a sale on machine washable turtlenecks.

Banana Republic

I really like the V-neck and ribbed details on this bestselling merino sweater from Banana Republic. It's available in regular and petite sizes XXS-XXL and is full price at $80. They have a lot of nice merino sweaters in other shapes, too — turtlenecks, a few nice polos, and more.

Everlane

Everlane's merino wool has been a reader favorite for years — and it meets the Responsible Wool Standard. Every year they have a ton of different trendy styles, this year including a polo sweater, a cocoon cardigan, a cotton-merino turtleneck dress, a cotton-merino bomber, and an ultrafine merino shell tank.

Boden

Boden has a BUNCH of really cute merino sweaters right now, a lot of them with interesting border details like this polo sweater. A lot of polo sweaters are down to lucky sizes right now, but at least two colors of this one are still available in all sizes XS-XL.

(Also: LOVE this pink V-neck with red scalloped edges, they also have cardigans with the same detail.)

Theory

Theory has a bunch of great basics in merino wool, including this cardigan sweater, and this very fitted
“long-sleeve tee” in wool has been around for years.

Another splurge-worthy brand to check out: APC, with great basics in merino wool for $300-$450 or so.

WoolX

On the off chance you want a merino wool bodysuit, WoolX does have some (although they're down to lucky sizes at the moment because they're on sale!). The brand notes that the bodysuit is “moisture-wicking and quick-drying, warmth without bulk,” and “the perfect layering item.” It has a thong-style bottom so there won't be any underwear lines. At full price, the bodysuit is $130. (They also offer a tank-style bodysuit.)

Wolford has short-sleeved merino wool bodysuits (but know your office with this style).

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

There are a bunch of flannel dress pants out there right now, so I thought I'd do a little roundup! I always think flannel dress pants are great for winter because they're warm AND soft, unlike some of the other warm wool blends that can be a bit itchy.

What are your favorite warm winter pants to wear to work? Do you have any flannel dress pants in your rotation at the moment?

Our Latest Favorite Women's Winter Dress Pants In General

Where to Find Flannel Dress Pants for Women, in General

Great Flannel Dress Pants for Women in 2023-24

Everlane

These pull-on flannel pants from Everlane look great, and they come in two colors: heather charcoal and a beigey “tiger's eye.” They're available in sizes XXS-XL, and marked down to $104.

Banana Republic Factory

I'm not a huge fan of the styling on these pants from Banana Republic Factory, but I guess we shouldn't hold that against the pants. They come in three colors, in regular and petite sizes 0-14, and have a matching (double-breasted) blazer. With today's sale they come down to under $30.

Loft

Loft often has flannel dress pants, actually — sure enough, they have a few colors in stock, including this lovely caramel color. These are available in regular, petite, and tall sizes and are under $35 today with code.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor hasn't had flannel dress pants for a while, if memory serves, but they do have a few options right now. I like these “smokey gray heather” ones, available in classic and petite sizes 0-14. They're down to lucky sizes, and also on sale — originally $119, they come down to $60 with today's deal.

Theory

Theory's Treeca pull-on pants have been around for years, and it's nice to see them in a number of flannel options right now. They come in four solid colors, as well as a pinstripe wool flannel. They were $215-$295 but are now marked to $96-$221; they come in sizes 0-14.

(Thoughts on the shiny silver Mary Jane heels, ladies? For my $.02, I'd wear these with a bootie.)

Also in this price range, check out these “luxe Italian stretch flannel” pants from Talbots ($189), as well as these “dream flannel trousers” from Faherty in a pretty tealish gray ($198).

Vince

These pinstriped flannel pants from Vince are my personal favorites of the lot, but then I prefer non-pleated pants. They're $395 at Nordstrom and down to limited options in some sizes… but note that Vince has a number of flannel pant options at the moment, including a plus-size pull-on trouser. (And an unfortunate cargo trouser? I think the cargo pant trend needs to be a post on its own…)

St. John

The most expensive pant we'll include today is this lovely pair from St. John for $695. Some sizes are already down to limited quantities, so take a look now if you're interested. (Just as a side note, this is a great example of what I often call “shades of shades” dressing — the model's outfit is all gray, but because there are slightly different shades, it looks interesting and sophisticated.)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post 6 Great Flannel Dress Pants for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

We haven't done a hunt for classic sweaters for work for a long time, readers, so let's discuss — what sweaters (and types of sweaters) are you loving right now? Are you wearing cashmere, merino, alpaca, or something else? Do you prefer sweater jackets or cardigans? Which sweaters do you have in multiple colors, and which ones are worth the splurge? Do tell…

We've talked a lot about sweaters for work outfits over the years, including giving tips on how to wash “dry clean” items, and discussing what makes a sweater appropriate for the office — as well as how to do business casual in cold weather and seasonless sweaters for summer!

We've also rounded up the best fake collars if you like that preppy “layered look” beneath your sweaters, discussed 9 ways to use an office pashmina, how to style sweaters as an accessory, and how high to button your cardigan.

{related: do check out our regularly updated list of wardrobe essentials for work!}

First, let's look at a few basic categories of classic sweaters….

Table of Contents

• Great Sweater Jackets for the Office
• Sweaters for Work in 100% Natural Fibers (including 100% cotton and 100% cashmere)
• Great Sweater Tees
• Classic Cardigans for Work
• Pashminas, Ruanas, and Other Wraps
• A Closer Look at Reader-Favorite Sweaters (Specific Styles)

Pictured at top: black 100% cotton sweater blazer / gray 100% cashmere crewneck / green extremely affordable cardigan (& regular) / navy shawl-collar pullover in silk-cashmere blend / blue cardigan in silk-wool blend

Our Favorite Sweater Jackets for the Office

{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}

Classic Sweaters for Work in 100% Natural Fibers

A lot of our readers have expressed a preference for sweaters with only natural fibers, so we're rounding up some specifically sweaters with 100% natural fibers for work.

If you want to do the professorial layered look with sweaters, such as with a crisp collar peeking out of your sweater, we also rounded up a bunch of great fake collars aka dickies.

The Best 100% Cotton Sweaters for Work

{related: tips on creating a capsule wardrobe for work}

Great 100% Cashmere Sweaters for Work and Weekend

Other Classic Sweaters for Work in 100% Natural Fibers Like Merino, Silk, and More

Stay tuned for our roundups of sweaters in other natural fabrics… Some notes:

Merino Sweaters

Our all-time favorite 100% merino sweaters for work include Uniqlo, Everlane, Banana Republic, and APC. Eileen Fisher has high quality merino, also, although the clothes tend to be on the more casual side.

Cashmere Blends

As of 2024, you can find cotton-cashmere sweaters at Quince, L.L.Bean, and Reformation. You can also sometimes find them from brands like Nordstrom Signature.

Another lightweight but luxe option: cashmere-linen sweaters, such as this option from Vineyard Vines.

Hunting for cotton-merino blends? Everlane has a bunch as of Feb. 2024.

Some of our favorite silk-cashmere sweaters for work include these from LaLigne and Brooks Brothers; if you're looking to splurge, Akris has a bunch right now.

Buck Mason has a lot of silk-cashmere-wool blend sweaters, including this turtleneck and this crewneck – APC also has some as of Feb. 2024!

If you're hunting for wool-cashmere sweaters in 2024, check out this lovely one from Kule, and Vince also has some. This Jenni Kayne cardigan/sweater jacket is fabulous. On the more casual side, Summersalt has a bunch!

Wool Blends

Silk-wool sweaters are hard to find, but Tory Burch's bestselling cardigan fits the bill.

Hunting for sweaters in a wool-alpaca blend? Stay tuned for our full roundup, but as of 2023 check out AllSaints and Buck Mason.

{related: how to look great for work every day}

Great Sweater Tees (Perfect for Layering!)

Some of our favorite short-sleeved sweater tees for 2024 include Quince ($45!), Ann Taylor, J.Crew,* and this Amazon bestseller. (* plus sizes too!) If you're hunting for something fancier, check out Kule; Tuckernuck also has one in a cashmere/silk. As of 2024, Nordstrom and Anthropologie both have a huge selection of sweater tees. (All of the ones below come in white and black, as well as other colors!)

{related: the minimalist's guide to dressing for work}

Classic Cardigans We Love

Some of our favorite classic cardigans for the office as of 2024 include those below — definitely check Talbots and J.Crew Factory if you're looking for plus sizes, and Quince is always a nice affordable option.

Pashminas, Ruanas, and Other Sweater Wraps

These aren't technically sweaters, but they're often made from knits. I've always loved them because you can wear them on TOP of bulkier sweaters or blazers to add another warm layer, whether you're sitting in your office or out and about. (They also make a great lap blanket when your legs are cold at the office!)

Reader-Favorite Sweaters for Work Outfits

Note that not all of these are 100% natural fibers, but we've tried to note the details wherever possible!

A Great Sweater for Layering Under Suit Jackets: Brooks Brothers Silk-Cashmere Shawl Collar Sweater

Brooks Brothers has had a version of this style for more than a decade at this point, and I think that's because it's a perfect sweater. It's soft, it's lightweight, it's a little bit luxe, and that high shawl neckline looks great under suit jackets and blazers as well as by itself. You can dress it up with a tailored suit, or dress it down with jeans.

The sweater is $168, available in sizes XS-XL, at Brooks Brothers.

An Investment Cardigan in Wool-Silk: Tory Burch Simone

The Tory Burch Simone cardigan has been around for years — maybe since the very beginning of the blog, although it had a slightly longer length in years past. The new version of the Simone cardigan is made of wool and silk and is a bestseller at Tory Burch.

It currently comes in seven solid colors for $398. You can also find it at Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and other department stores.

A Great Warm Sweater With Interesting Prints: Talbots Audrey Cashmere Sweater

Readers have loved the Audrey cashmere sweater for years — it's warm and polished but definitely has a conservative vibe with its high neckline. The sweater comes in solid colors and interesting prints in regular, petite, plus, and plus petites for around $200.

The O.G. Jacket-Cardigan: M.M.LaFleur Woolf Jardigan

M.M.LaFleur was the first company, as far as I know, to come out with the idea of a jacket-cardigan hybrid called the “jardigan” — the idea is that it's cozy and soft like a cardigan, and less structured than a blazer, but like a blazer, it has some structure and adds polish and authority to your work outfit as a separate or “third piece.”

The brand has a number of jardigans now — a cropped version, this longer version, and even a belted version with lapels — but the Woolf remains a bestseller.

The jardigan is $295 and available in several neutral colors as well as a few seasonal colors. Note that both Nordstrom and Zappos sometimes carry the sweater jacket in the more neutral colors.

A 100% Cotton Sweater Jacket: J.Crew Factory Schoolboy Sweater Blazer

Sweater blazers have been a huge trend lately, and for good reason — like jardigans, they add polish and structure while also being cozy and comfy.

We've done a full roundup of our favorite sweater jackets for the office (as well as a roundup for plus-size sweater jackets!) but one of the longest-running reader favorites is the J.Crew Factory Sweater Blazer.

Not only is it affordable (full price is $138, but there are frequent sales!), but it comes in regular sizes XXS-3X as well as some petite sizes.

A Lightweight Cardigan for Warmer Months: Nic + Zoe 4-Way Convertible Sweater

This 4-way convertible sweater keeps coming out in new colors (and sometimes even prints), and it's a reader favorite because it's so versatile.

It has hidden buttons to help you wear it multiple ways — wear it wrapped as a sweater for a sleek look by itself, as an open cardigan when you want a lightweight top layer, or as a knotted or twisted shrunken sweater when you want more of a shrug (such as with an empire waist or pretty much any dress).

I've found it's a perfect sweater to wear over sleeveless dresses in summer when you want a bit more coverage!

It's available in regular and plus sizes at Nordstrom, Amazon, and many other department stores for just around $100. (The fabric is usually a linen-viscose blend, but Nic + Zoe just came out with a cotton-viscose blend.)

A Lightweight Knee-Length Cardigan: Halogen Longline Cardigan

Longer cardigans like this come in and out of fashion, but I've always been a fan of wearing them as a softer look with sheath dresses or skirts. This particular cardigan has been around for years and keeps coming back in new colors.

It's incredibly soft, and in my experience makes a great lightweight layer on warmer days.

It's available in regular and plus sizes at Nordstrom for under $100.

An Affordable Cardigan That Feels Like a Blazer: Karen Scott Shawl Cardigan

This one is super affordable — in fact, it often comes down to under $20. We've featured it in our full roundup of our favorite sweater jackets for the office, but in truth this feels a bit softer and less structured than most sweater jackets. I have it in purple and have given it to two other women in my family for gifts; I find it adds a dash of polish to everything from trousers to jeans.

It comes in many colors in regular and plus sizes (and sometimes petites!), and it’s $49-$54 full price. This one goes in and out of stock all the time, especially as it often dips pretty low on sale — all links are good as of Jan. 2024.

Readers, what are your favorite classic sweaters for work?

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: Classic Sweaters for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Statement winter coats aren't as versatile as classic winter coats, nor are they as functional as puffer coats, but if your mood or outfit needs a jolt of energy, statement winter coats provide that in spades. I thought we'd go on a hunt for statement winter coats to wear to work… which are your favorites?

Readers, what kind of winter coat do you want this season? Which, if any, of these statement coats are calling your name?

{related: the best winter coats to wear on your commute}

What Is a Statement Winter Coat?

A winter coat can be a lot of things — warm, functional, versatile, classic. But a statement winter coat aims for something a bit more dramatic than any of those. It might seem a little bit daring in color, fabric, or texture.

The cut could also be daring, either by expanding the proportions you're used to on a regular coat (the lapels, the shawl collar, the shoulders, the length, the hood) or even by emphasizing something that more classic coats don't, such as cuts or patterns that emphasize your waist, and so on. In addition to being a bit more dramatic, the feeling behind it could be avant-garde, whimsical, or even goth.

(The classic example is the amazing jackets Olivia Pope wore on Scandal!)

Where Can You Find Statement Coats for Work?

Some of our favorite stores and brands to check for statement coats for winter include Ted Baker, Soia & Kyo, COS, J.Crew, and Cuyana.

Before we get to the statement coats for this year, let's review some of the classic choices…

Classic Style Winter Coats for Women

Some of our favorite classic coats for work as of 2024 include: olive / blue / green / caramel / black / gray (not pictured but also) – and don't forget to check out our editors' favorite washable winter coats!

Classic Winter Coats for Women in Plus Sizes

Statement Winter Coats for 2023/2024

J.Crew Daphne Topcoat in Italian Boiled Wool

J.Crew is one of the reader favorites for classic coats, but it's also one of the best spots to check first for statement winter coats because it often has really fun colors for coats, and usually at a great price point.

The pictured boiled wool coat is $298 full price but down to $209 today. It's available in petite, tall, and regular sizes 00-24. (I also like the wide lapels on their Villa coat!)

Cuyana Wool Cashmere Short Wrap Coat

We've featured this short wrap coat from Cuyana before, and it remains one of my favorites — it can be tricky to style just so, but it's warm and super stylish. It's $398 available in XS-XL.

(Note that Soia & Kyo has a very similar option on sale!)

COS Oversized Double-Breasted Floral-Print Wool Coat

COS is another great spot to check for semi-affordable statement winter coats… I love the floral print on the oversized style (pictured); the brown is on trend but the floral feels really unusual this season. The coat is available in sizes XXS-L for $390.

(Here's another great option, but down to lucky sizes XS and S.)

Ted Baker Roseika Flared Wool Blend Coat

Ted Baker has had a coat like this for a number of years — a wrap coat with big, floppy lapels (that actually do close at the neck for warmth). This version is a bit longer and flouncier than previous coats, though, and I love that! The coat is available for $525 in two colors, sizes 2-14; there's a very similar option in a gray herringbone.

Reiss Helena Atelier Wool-Cashmere Blindseam Coat

Reiss is a great spot to look for tailored but dramatic coats, and this wool/cashmere coat is no different — I love the dolman sleeves and super, super wide lapels. You can wear it as a wrap or open, as pictured. It's $1145, available in two colors in sizes 2-12 at Reiss.

Totême has some similar options at the moment!

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

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Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you're buying one for the first time or replacing one you've worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

I've said it before, I'll say it again: I find classic pumps challenging in tights (damn my narrow heels!). As the weather gets colder, though — particularly if you're commuting in rain boots or snow boots — tights become more practical.

My way of dealing with this has always been to keep strappy pumps at the office. They've become some of my favorite shoes over the years because I find them much easier to walk in.

We haven't talked about strappy pumps in almost a while, though, so let's discuss… Readers, what shoes do you wear with tights in the winter? Are you a fan of strappy pumps for this purpose — or do you prefer to wear booties and shooties? Bought any great ones recently?

Our Latest Favorite Strappy Pumps for Work

As of 2024, these are our latest favorite strappy heels for work (below) — also check the brands J.Crew, Valentino, and Jennifer Chamandi for strappy pumps. If you’re looking for strappy commuting shoes with heels to maintain a hem length, we recommend Dansko or Fly London.

Our Latest Favorite T-Strap Pumps for Work

As of Sept. 2023, these are some of our favorite T-strap pumps for work:

Our Latest Favorite Mary Jane Pumps for Work

There aren't a ton of Mary Jane pumps that I know of in 2024 — Manolo Blahnik has had this heeled Mary Jane for years, and Jennifer Chamandi has some cute styles now, as does Tory Burch. In terms of affordable options that are less than $350, Amazon also has a “limited time sale” on these SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Mary Jane pumps, and these Kurt Geiger pumps are only $150 at Dillards. If you prefer wedges, Theory has some Mary Jane wedges. (Also, take a look at the trend of Mary Jane flats…)

Our Latest Favorite Ankle-Strap Pumps for the Office

Ankle-strap pumps can be slightly hard to find in 2024… one of our longtime favorites is this affordable option from Anne Klein, and Nordstrom has a surprisingly large selection of ankle-strap heels right now. If you prefer flats, Dream Pairs has a bunch of options (such as this or this), and Eileen Fisher usually does as well.

Great Strappy Flats for Work

Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!

Some Specific Strappy Pumps for Work We Love

Tamara Mellon

I was looking through Tamara Mellon’s website recently, and so many of her heels (and shoes in general!) look great — I particularly love the “Cloud Cushion,” i.e., 6mm of extra padding “where you need it the most.”

If you’re not familiar with Tamara Mellon, she was a cofounder of the brand Jimmy Choo — from the “our story” page she notes:

“I co-founded Jimmy Choo in 1996. Today, I’m still obsessed with shoes, but not the traditional way of doing things. So I’m starting over. This is my reboot (pun intended). I’m redefining luxury and doing what I do best: designing shoes and breaking rules.”

Nice! T-straps are particularly hard to find right now, and these look absolutely gorgeous and sophisticated. The shoe is $795 at TamaraMellon.com.

Easy Spirit

I primarily think of East Spirit as a comfort brand, but they do have cute shoes from time to time — such as this strappy heel! Not only are they affordable, but you benefit from the comfort — there’s arch support and a cushioned insole.

The heels come in 9 mostly neutral colors, but as of this writing there are the red patent heels as well as silver and tortoiseshell options.

The shoes come in sizes 5-12, in regular and wide sizes (in some colors), for $49-$99. Note that this Calvin Klein pump is very similar if you're hunting for an option in a different color or size.

Anne Klein

Another longstanding favorite strappy pump is this ankle-strap pump from Anne Klein… over the years it's come in a bunch of colors and materials, including party shoe options, as well as some pale beige options, and it's almost always under $75.

You can find the Anne Klein heels at Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon… a close dupe that's a bit more affordable are these Dream Pairs ankle strap pumps that are highly rated on Amazon.

Calvin Klein

These Calvin Klein pumps with an asymmetrical strap look great — the way the strap crosses the vamp of the foot is really flattering, and I like how the outside of the shoe has a d’Orsay look.

The shoe comes in 9 colors at Zappos (including two beiges and a brown, if you’re hunting for nude-for-you heels). They come in sizes 5-11, and are $99.

Jennifer Chamandi

These green lizard-effect heels from from Jennifer Chamandi are stunning. It seems so simple but I honestly can’t remember a strap clasp being on the top of foot instead of on the side — I like how it almost takes the place of a minimal bow or other decoration.

The brand has a lot of strappy heels in neutral colors, but these green ones jumped out at me. Gorgeous, gorgeous.

They’re available in Italian sizes 36-41 at NET-A-PORTER for $840.

Vionic

These low, affordable, comfortable heels from work only have a baby Mary Jane strap — but they could be just what you're looking for if you need a higher vamp. These shoes have been a reader favorite for years and years but are getting harder to find — right now Amazon has the biggest selection of colors and sizes, starting at $27. (Also keep an eye out for them on resale sites like eBay!)

Valentino

Valentino's Rockstud shoes have been around for years, and they're definitely distinctive, with a bit of a “tough girl” vibe. If that appeals to you, go for it — they're one of the most reliably stylish T-strap pumps with a closed toe. You can find them at any upscale department store (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks) as well as on resale sites like eBay and Etsy.

Manolo Blahnik

I think Manolo Blahnik's classic Mary Jane has been around since the earliest days of this blog — and it remains one of the most sophisticated iterations I've seen of the Mary Jane. It comes out in different colors and textures — keep an eye out at spots like Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter. (You can also sometimes find it at resale shops like eBay and Etsy!)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: Strappy Pumps for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you're buying one for the first time or replacing one you've worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

I've said it before, I'll say it again — pumps are great, but for days where I'll actually be walking/standing/running around, I always prefer shoes with straps. T-straps are classic, ladylike, and often super comfortable even if they're not pitched as “comfort shoes.”

In walking cities like NYC, they're often great for the rainy fall day because they stay on your feet while hopping around puddles and running from sudden showers. I've rounded up my favorites below — readers, have you bought any great T-strap pumps lately? 

Update: Our Latest Favorite T-Strap Pumps for Work

As of Sept. 2023, these are some of our favorite T-strap pumps for work:

Update: Our Latest Favorite Strappy Pumps in General

As of 2024, these are our latest favorite strappy heels for work (below) — also check the brands J.Crew, Valentino, and Jennifer Chamandi for strappy pumps. If you’re looking for strappy commuting shoes with heels to maintain a hem length, we recommend Dansko or Fly London.

Some Specific T-Strap Pumps We Love for Work Outfits

Tamara Mellon

I was looking through Tamara Mellon’s website recently, and so many of her heels (and shoes in general!) look great — I particularly love the “Cloud Cushion,” i.e., 6mm of extra padding “where you need it the most.”

If you’re not familiar with Tamara Mellon, she was a cofounder of the brand Jimmy Choo — from the “our story” page she notes:

“I co-founded Jimmy Choo in 1996. Today, I’m still obsessed with shoes, but not the traditional way of doing things. So I’m starting over. This is my reboot (pun intended). I’m redefining luxury and doing what I do best: designing shoes and breaking rules.”

Nice! T-straps are particularly hard to find right now, and these look absolutely gorgeous and sophisticated. The shoe is $795 at TamaraMellon.com.

Valentino

As we note in our general roundup for strappy pumps for work:

Valentino’s Rockstud shoes have been around for years, and they’re definitely distinctive, with a bit of a “tough girl” vibe. If that appeals to you, go for it — they’re one of the most reliably stylish T-strap pumps with a closed toe. You can find them at any upscale department store (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks) as well as on resale sites like eBay and Etsy.

SJP

SJP (begun by Sarah Jessica Parker) has had a bunch of strappy heels along the years — and this shoe (called “Carrie,” so you know it's good!) has been around for a few years.

I love the beige grosgrain stripe on the back, the way the T-strap slopes a bit in the front, and the multiple straps at the toe.

The shoe is $385 at Zappos and more.

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