IMO, those are too sporty/casual for work (even if you work in a casual work environment) and quite frankly, too young-looking for someone in their late 40s. I'd check out Boden, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, etc... for something more professional/age appropriate. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news b/c the dresses are cute, but maybe for a young SAHM, not a middle aged college prof).

first dress is really not attractive, second is okay. but its very busy. I am short too, and I can only wear very small prints otherwise they overwhelm me.

I think if you're looking for some wardrobe basics, you should stick to basics and add color or flair in accessories--a scarf, some jewelry, maybe some bright shirts.

gap has some decent, inexpensive wrap dresses on their website (also in petite sizes which may fit better).

I also love the below site. here are some casual, simple but still work appropriate dresses

http://www.6pm.com/jwla-paige-l-s-henley-dress-black

http://www.6pm.com/carve-designs-rowan-dress-phantom

http://www.6pm.com/andrew-geller-wennie-black

It's not my style, but I think the items are appropriate.

Anonymous wrote:Uh... does nobody in DC wear Danskos? If your foot fits their last, they have lots of cute styles. And fuck the clog-haters. When one of my profs wanted me to consider academia, he pointed out that dressing poorly/unflatteringly/like a lunatic was practically expected.

This is pretty much true. I know teachers whose students gave them gift certificates for clothing as an end of the year gift - an obvious hint. I try to dress up a bit more to impress my suit-wearing boss, plus I just feel a little more confident and authoritative (probably a short person issue).

Uh... does nobody in DC wear Danskos? If your foot fits their last, they have lots of cute styles. And fuck the clog-haters. When one of my profs wanted me to consider academia, he pointed out that dressing poorly/unflatteringly/like a lunatic was practically expected.

Anonymous wrote:Wow, have no style at all. The dresses and shoes are VERY ugly. Are you old? Do you have good vision? Something has to be wrong with you...

Not OP, but could you be anymore insulting!?! Damn...

In general, Athleta has nicer stuff than Title Nine. Some very nice dressier looking knee-length skirts and dressier tees.

Love the Jambu (at least the way they feel and allow me to run for a bus when necessary). Clarks are also comfortable and cute.

OP here - wow, my shoes have really brought out some strong reactions! I admit that a few years ago I would never have worn such shoes. I preferred JCrew back then, and honestly I'd still love to wear them, but since I had a child I just can't do anything but a comfort shoe at work. I'm not sure if my feet have changed or I've gotten less tolerant, but I'm no longer willing to go through the day with constant pain in my feet, avoiding walking too much, avoiding standing too much, etc. I am just able to work better if my feet don't hurt and I don't have to "ration" my standing time. There is just no comparison between a Jambu and a regular heel that is considered comfortable - Jambus and Dansko and similar feel more like a sneaker, but give you the height of a heel. Flats are not more comfortable - in fact, they're worse because there is no arch support. Also, I think flats look awful with dresses - I'm short and not that thin, so they just aren't flattering. Thus, I am going to try to own my comfort shoes and hope it's more of a "look" than just bad shoes.

I think the shoes are fabulous.

The dresses--eh, the style & colors are good, but I personally don't like wearing polyester. It gets very hot and sticky, especially on cool humid days.

FWIW, I work at a college and I think OP's style is completely appropriate.

Anonymous wrote:I think you can find better shoes. I like your idea of riding boots and I know it can be hard meshing comfortable with stylish shoes, but I would not buy those shoes. Here are a few other options.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7994324/color/106

http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-acrea-mid-brown

http://www.zappos.com/geox-donna-odina-2-black

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-moscow-coffee

If you are feeling "edgy" try these, they will be extremely verstile:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-kiev-lace-up-camel

Those are all nice shoes, but I can guarantee you none of them are as comfortable as the Jambus the OP posted, if comfort is a concern.

I think you can find better shoes. I like your idea of riding boots and I know it can be hard meshing comfortable with stylish shoes, but I would not buy those shoes. Here are a few other options.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7994324/color/106

http://www.zappos.com/tsubo-acrea-mid-brown

http://www.zappos.com/geox-donna-odina-2-black

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-moscow-coffee

If you are feeling "edgy" try these, they will be extremely verstile:

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-kiev-lace-up-camel

Not a fan of the shoes, admittedly ... I'd search for a black wedge heel (not with a raffia wedge, though) or a flat or a kitten heel. I like the Aerosoles Plum Tree wedge a lot. Also a fan of Cole Haan and French Sole flats. Nine West doesn't fit my feet well, so I usually also hit up Bandolino and Franco Sarto. (If I had the money, I'd go for LK Bennett or Stuart Weitzman.)

But all of those brands I mentioned seem comfortable to me.

As far as the clothes ... I'm a big fan of Banana Republic, Loft, and J. Crew for work. BCBG also makes some surprisingly tasteful work dresses. Loft and BR have sales all the time, too.

The dresses seem casual, but look comfortable. I hate the shoes. They remind me of a witch. Look for something without a strap.

I am not going to judge OPs style or whether or not she these are too casual for work. She knows all of that. These seem like fine choices. Also take a look at the getaway dress which I have and love.