I (really, really) need your brogues expertise.....

[AquaticNocturne]

I'd really like to get into wearing brogues this Autumn/Winter but don't have a clue what to do with them. I'm hoping to channel the 'cool Camden bookseller' look, which is a sharp deviation from my life as a mother of small children and part-time Psychiatrist!

I am short(ish) and petite. In the winter I tend to wear skinny jeans/ above knee skirts with coloured cardis and sweaters and shortish dresses with coloured tights. I need to look smart but not 'business' for work and do a lot of walking/ running around after tinies when at home. I tend not to wear much black and brown, preferring navy, maroon and grey.

Any ideas about how I could wear a nice pair of brogues with my 'normal' wardrobe. I was wondering about a grey pair?

Ideas much appreciated, thanks :)

[Loveleopardprint]

Might be worth looking in Clarks. I had a pair from there last year and they were great. Think they are doing funky colours this year like burgundy.

[snowlie]

Sounds like you have the perfect wardrobe for brogues. They look good with skinny jeans and ankle grazers. I'm also fond of them with above the knee skirts/dresses, the only thing to consider is the colour of your tights when showing a bit of leg.

[BillStickersIsInnocent]

Yes look at clarks. I have the black ones (not patent) and I wear them with black trousers (skinny and wide leg).

Personally I prefer tan with denim and navy so might get them this year.

I think brogues would suit your existing look well, but I'd go for a colour other than black.

[AwkwardSquad]

What's the 'cool Camden bookseller' look? I'm intrigued. Sounds like the kind of look I'd like, just because its got the word 'bookseller' in it!

I've got myself a pair of brogues for Autumn in the Hobbs sale, black patent. They're gorgeous.

[buttercrumble]

Ankle grazers and funky socks showing , with a nice shirt and jumper or tank top. I love that bookish look
my dd wears this look and it looks great

[CambridgeBlue]

Watching with interest as I fancy some brogues this year too...

[AquaticNocturne]

Thanks everyone, lots of useful ideas. I'd never thought of tank tops before (although my son has a very funky tractor one!) but think I'll give that a go.

What do I have to think about with tights colour when showing a bit of leg? I was hoping that aubergine, peacock, elf green would look edgy- does it actually look like I might be colour blind?

I'm liking the idea of tan brogues, although I'd be a bit concerned about matching my husband from the ankle down.

AwkwardSquad- Not sure 'cool Camden bookseller' is an actual look (probably checked shirt, big beard and a pipe) but I know a few people who live in places like Fitzrovia who just look fab- little satchels, cute bobs, cool knitwear, possibly channeling their inner Annie Hall.....

[Loveleopardprint]

I think coloured tights are great and show individuality. I like grey or purple tights from m&s for work.

[JemimaMuddledUp]

Clarks Hamble Oak seem to get very good reviews.

I'm thinking about brogues instead of boots for the autumn, but I have big (size 8) feet and I am a bit nervous that skinny jeans and brogues will make me look like a clown.

[daimbardiva]

I have tan Hamble Oaks and they are brilliant - one of these items that you wonder how you ever survived without!

[charitygirl]

Another vote for the Hamble Oaks, but brogues will continue to be everywhere this winter, Esp if you include the 'monk strap' style - see Office.

[AwkwardSquad]

Big beard and a pipe, you say? I can do that! (Chucks waxing strips in bin)

[SageBush]

Another vote for Clarks Hamble Oaks - I have the burgundy ones - wore them loads last autumn and winter, and they still look great.

[blibblibs]

I have the beige patent hamble oaks and love them (although they do make my short legs look a bit chunky sometimes )

Just noticed that amazon have some of the colours for half the price of Clarks shops

[redmayneslips]

I LOVE brogues and have 3 pairs now and have resisted a 4th pair recently. I have the clarks hamble oaks in pale grey and have lived in them all summer with bare feet - comfiest shoes EVER and I have really annoyingly soft feet.

I also bought stupidly expensive pair which are not as comfy.

I have been wearing mine with 7/8 length skinny trousers and jeans to work and I have had a lot of positive comments about the pale grey ones.

I like the idea of coloured tights, but for me personally feel it needs a slim calf to carry this look. I might experiment with a flash of colour under an ankle skimming velet skinny jeans when the weather cools down. I have lovely navy ones from GAP - they might work.