Replica Put Your Best Foot Forward at Work With These Powerful Shoes

The right shoes can make or break an outfit—why spend time perfecting your look just to throw on a scruffy pair of heels? I’ve made that mistake way too many times, and this year, I vow to only leave the house in polished, clean shoes (well, for the office at least). With this new plan in place, comes the need for an urgent update to my shoe cupboard. (Shock! Horror!).

Victoria Beckham once said “I can’t concentrate in flats”, but fast forward a few years, and she changed her tune, explaining “I just can’t do heels anymore”. It’s this back and forth struggle between flats and heels that I know many women constantly face—me included. I know that I always feel more “done” when I’m in a pair of heels, but that’s not to say I haven’t had some of my best work days in a pair of elevated flats.

Let’s put to rest this notion that you can only feel powerful in heels—you’re in control, and as long as you feel polished and elevated, you’ll feel like the powerful #GirlBoss you are. For 2017, update your shoe wardrobe with the classics—the shoes that aren’t overly trend driven, and you can wear all year... Just be sure to keep them polished and clean.

Scroll down for our edit of the most powerful work shoes to shop this year, so you can put your best foot forward.

Gucci

Leather Pumps

Keep these under your desk for emergency meetings, so you don't ruin the pearls out in the elements.

Valentino

Rockstud Leather Pumps

Neutral pumps will help elongate your legs.

Gianvito Rossi

85 Leather Pumps

The little black dress version of your shoe cupboard.

Acne Studios

Loma Black Ankle Boots

An everyday pair of boots, you'll feel elevated yet comfortable in these all day.

Manning Cartell

Academy Boot

If you favour simple, minimal outfits, a pair of interesting boots will give your outfit a fresh touch.

Scanlan Theodore

Nashville Boots

These are perfect for casual Friday with jeans and a white shirt.

Scanlan Theodore

Studded Block Heel Sandal

Can't you already imagine wearing these with a floral midi dress?

Senso

Vanita Heels

Hot tip: Make sure you weather-guard these suede babies so they last the distance.

Sportsgirl

Fae Wrap Up Heel

Lace-up shoes have left trend territory, and are now a classic. If you're still wary to invest, try this affordable pair first.

Lanvin

Leather Ballet Flats

Elastacised rims and padded insole make these extra comfortable.

Miu Miu

Lace Up Leather Trimmed Brocade Ballet Flats

These are the flats that kick-started the ballerina trend.

Mansur Gavriel

Suede Flats

Classic, simple, and easy.

Gucci

Brixton Leather Horsebit Loafer

These are designed to be worn with the heel either folded down or up. Genius.

Ellery

Dubois Loafer

A classic loafer with a modern twist. The exaggerated fold is the stuff dreams are made of.

Fendi

Studded Metallic Textured Leather Loafers

If you go for metallics, keep the rest of your look neutral.

Opening images: Style Du Monde and Getty Images

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Amanda Bardas is an award-winning leader with 15 years experience building modern digital media businesses. She is currently the head of Val Morgan Digital Publisher. She joined the Val Morgan team to help launch its digital business and to shape the content team of the future. In six years they’ve grown to become Australia's largest youth network by bringing together household name brands including Fandom, LADbible Group, POPSUGAR, BuzzFeed, and Tasty, all under one roof.