Hey Guest, do you have a question for graduate recruitment? Gemma Baker from Willkie is live to answer your questions!
They don't have to be long-sleeved - anything generally that covers the shoulders will be fine.
If you’re talking a bag with an MK tag on it that’s fine, if it’s a bag with GUCCI printed very largely down the side I’d probably refrain. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with it but it might look a bit over the top for a vacation scheme.
Agree with @FS comments above.
No - won't be a negative for wearing these type of things - people in the office will be wearing similar pieces. Its just about not being too "out there" or flashy with it, but the same could be said for many types of clothing, not just designer items.Amazing! thank you both so
Amazing! Thank you both so much - the pieces I have in mind are definitely on the subtle side and I was just worried about being perceived negatively if it was noticed. Both of your advice have been super helpful
It's a lively discussion, isn't it?
Hi Abii
Thank you so so much for taking the time to do this - definitely given me some inspiration.Hi Abii
They are a bit studenty, but equally, you won't be refused a job because of them, it's just about how you feel. But if that's around your budget, you have plenty of leeway.
What about a loafer - these look pretty smart? https://www.modainpelle.com/shoes-c...oes-c46/ebrielle-black-patent-mocc-croc-p9821
Or Clarks - maybe a bit too flat for you? https://www.zalando.co.uk/clarks-slip-ons-black-leather-cl111e06j-q11.html
Or John Lewis own brand https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-gina-leather-chain-trim-heel-loafers/p6022025
Or Zara (flat) https://www.zara.com/uk/en/flat-lea...detail-p11500810.html?v1=153033417&v2=2026736
Otherwise a mid-heel loafer? I'd search in shops such as Office, Dune, Jones Bootmakers, Kurt Geiger/Carvela, even Clarks. You basically want leather rather than suede (rain, though you can use Scotchguard protector or wear trainers for the commute).
Russell & Bromley always have good professional footwear that's a bit more stylish, and a good sale but not yet.
Gucci do really good block-heeled loafers which I know is over budget, but interesting for inspiration. (No, I am not suggesting you spend £600 at this point...) https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/w...GRro6Z4kozeX4JohI8xoCL9MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
John Lewis have a pretty good shoe department for conservative and mid-priced options; M&S have also worked hard on this. A number of the high street stores such as Jigsaw, Reiss, Hobbs have workwear shoes with a bit of a twist but as you recognise, it's probably wise to stick to black for the moment.
Good but suede: https://www.zalando.co.uk/anna-field-leather-comfort-classic-heels-black-an611b0e6-q11.html
More suggestions from Zalando: https://www.zalando.co.uk/womens-shoes/?occasion=business
Also from La Redoute: https://www.laredoute.co.uk/pplp/100/157878/499/cat-501.aspx#srt=noSorting&facets=colourfamily*noir
These could be cute, you'd have to try them on to ensure you don't look like a china doll: https://www.johnlewis.com/charles-keith-double-strap-block-heel-mary-jane-court-shoes/p6067928
You could look at a closed-toe slingback but it's not as versatile.
If you actually have more of a medical thing going on, Sole Bliss is a British company who do stylish Spanish- and Italian-made shoes for people who need proper comfort (bunions/wide feet) https://solebliss.com/collections/heels/products/imogen-nude-leather https://solebliss.com/collections/heels/products/ingrid-black-leather Ecco also do softer leather shoes and this might be a place to look too. https://gb.ecco.com/en-GB/Women/Shoes/Heels/product/5642846533/ECCO-SHAPE-SQUARED-35?dfw_tracker=25315-5642847379&¶m={trbo}&gclid=CjwKCAjwtIaVBhBkEiwAsr7-c_MwvptHf9cxzulB0rtPAr-2IHRa8dlDOXntvXqUWoVzWdijbklzRBoCkE8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds https://gb.ecco.com/en-GB/product/5...tvXqUWoVzWdijbklzRBoCkE8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Basically think plain, or with subtle embellishments like chains/snaffles, or even an ankle strap.
If you really feel you want something more masculine, or chunky, take a look at Grenson - which is from the Northampton tradition of British shoemaking and is a bit less studenty (and pricier) though they are definitely chunky still, and therefore not ideal: https://www.grenson.com/evie-black-shoes-for-women-in-hi-shine-leather/
Nina
Shop Nina, our womens loafers in black hi shine leather. Nina is a new loafer with a chunky saddle bit on our aggressive, chunky rubber sole that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. Free worldwide returns.www.grenson.com
If you are in London, Covent Garden has pretty good shoe shops. Kensington High Street is also good and not as squashed as Oxford Street but if you can face the centre of town then you also might find something there.
LK Bennett apparently has a sample sale coming up - many people swore by the brand before it was bought up: https://www.themusicroom.co.uk/whats-on/lk-bennett-1
Good luck, remember your shoes are supposed to inspire you when you look down and manifest the new you (though obviously, they also need to fit!).
I hope that helps a bit!
It isn't really a rule for the office, more general dress code (however, one I regularly ignore) that navy and black shouldn't be together, and so general consensus would be skin/tan coloured tights with navy shoes/skirt. However, a navy skirt with black shoes and black tights works in my opinion.
Thank you! As a follow-up question, would this type of blouse be ok? Especially re covering the shoulders? Thanks https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/shirts-shirts/short-sleeved-satin-shirt_47077120.html?c=05
Yes - that would be fine is paired with smart trousers or a smart skirt.
