The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Working Closet.
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Tina is looking for shoes for her work-at-home-mom wardrobe. “I have mainly casual clothes with a few suits thrown in for trips to the office,” she writes. “Two kids, dogs, chickens, school board meetings and my life is literally a bit of a zoo.
“My problem is I just can’t figure out what shoes to wear with chinos. I bought three new pairs of different color chinos from J. Crew last week, but in the past would have probably worn sneakers with them. Flip flops all the time are not appropriate for my life and open toed sandals…..brrrrr I live in Western PA.
“So what kind of flat cute shoes can I find to wear with the chino-cardigan-t-shirt kind of look?”
ECCO Kenna Moccasin, $150
Chinos are always casual pants; it’s important to remember that. They’re the perfect pant when you’re juggling kids and work and chickens (go Tina!) but they are, essentially, informal and relaxed. Keep shoes casual, but don’t assume that means sneakers. Look for beautiful materials (suede, fabric) and cool colors (how fun are the orange driving mocs, above?). Choose a shoe that works with the line of your chinos; an embellished ballet flat is perfect with a very skinny leg, but a wider leg calls for a cleaner line.
Here are five fun options to pair with chinos and a cardi for everyday.
Kate Spade New York Lido espadrille, $98
Bass Brockton oxford, $64.95
Sperry Top-Sider, $70
AK Anne Klein Buttons, $69 currently $55.20
All shoes available at Zappos.
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i’ve always liked black loafers with chinos too (in my case, bass weejuns).
elaine | April 29th, 2011 at 9:17 am
I am a HUGE fan of fun-colored driving mocs. I have a pair of dark red patent ones that I’ve worn like crazy for 3 years. Mostly with chinos, come to think of it.
Shannon | April 30th, 2011 at 5:41 am
I like the toms shoes for weekend wear too.
Uc | May 1st, 2011 at 6:59 pm
I wear my cargo pants with trendy clogs or wedge gladiator sandals or ankle boots. Anything that doesn’t scream I’m a soccer mom is my kind of shoe. I also like canvas shoes with wild graphics on them too. Sorry but I refuse to grow up.
mneave | May 2nd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
for supportive, comfortable flats I recommend Ecco Bouillon styles. I have them in several colors and styles and they are my go-to mom on the go flats.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3633D_ECCO-Bouillon-Stud-Shoes-Leather-Slip-Ons-For-Women.html?utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=ECCO_Bouillon_Stud_Shoes_-_Leather_Slip-Ons_For_Women&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEBASE11&codesProcessed=true
rb | May 4th, 2011 at 2:16 pm