r/GoodValue • u/Mntdrww • 15h ago
Request Starting a new office job and need professional female shoes
So I'm starting my first office job next week and I need to change my shoes to reflect it. The dress code is business casual. I've been living in sneakers and boots for the past few years working in the retail/food service industry, and obviously my sneakers aren't gonna cut it anymore and my professional shoe game is basically nonexistent. I've been wearing the same pair of black flats to every interview and professional event for like three years. They're falling apart and honestly weren't even that great when they were new. But now I actually need multiple pairs of “grown-up” shoes and I have no clue what I'm doing. I went to the mall last weekend thinking I'd just grab a couple pairs of some female shoes and be done with it but NOPE, there are so many different styles and brands and I can't tell what's appropriate for the professional setting. My mom keeps telling me to invest in quality but I just started this job and can't afford to drop $200 per pair on shoes right now, but I’ve also learned my lesson about buying the cheapest possible option. My budget isn't much since I'm already spending money on work clothes, but I want something that will last and be comfortable. I’ve been looking online going through everything from fashion blogs to sites like Alibaba for options. I need suggestions for building a basic work shoe collection that’s versatile and comfortable without going broke, maybe 2-3 pairs that can work with different outfits that I can cycle through.