What Are We Wearing to Work in 2019? It Starts With These Shoes

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(Image credit: @darjabarannik)

While every piece in an outfit holds its own weight, there’s one item that often pushes through as the true workhorse: The shoes. Because really, no perfect ensemble is complete without a beautiful pair of heels, boots, or flats. To that, we actually tend to build ensembles—especially office looks—around our footwear choices since shoes are often one of the first items coworkers actually notice in a ‘fit.

As we started planning our go-to work ensembles for 2019, it became clear that there are actually five key shoe silhouettes that will be the front-runners in our arsenals. Keep scrolling to check out the styles that will ground our looks this year—and take your 9-to-5 wardrobe to new heights (sometimes literally).

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Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: @lindatol_)

While knee-high boots may feel more appropriate for going out than going to work, they actually feel quite sophisticated paired with a longer skirt and chunky knit.

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Statement Kitten Heels
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Keep comfortable running around in a colorful pair of kitten heels that are equal parts forward and practical. 

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Patterned Pumps
(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

If you're going for a classic pair of pumps, ditch the basic black iterations and opt for a patterned or embellished style for serious impact.

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Sock Boots
(Image credit: @darjabarannik)

A pair of ankle boots is always a smart choice, especially a sock-inspired silhouette with cropped pants, a top, and a checked coat. 

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Metallic Booties
(Image credit: @thefashionguitar)

Work in a more casual and creative setting? Go bold with a metallic pair of booties with jeans and a blouse. 

Next, check out the shoe trend that's still everywhere.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.