The best places to buy dress shoes for women

Why you'll love them: Madewell shoes are perfect both in and out of the office, won't break the bank, and are definitely comfortable.

I was a Madewell fangirl before I joined the workforce, and now, I'm a Madewell fan-professional. Not only does the retailer offer a fantastic selection of work appropriate clothing, like cardigans, dresses, and trousers, but it also has one of the chicest and accessible shoe collections I've found for the younger demographic.

With great options for both the summer and the winter, Madewell's shoes are, as you might imagine, well made, and reasonably priced, with most coming in at less than $130.

What I particularly appreciate about Madewell is its ability to turn classic shoes into fresh, modern offerings. Take, for example, the all-important loafer. While Madewell certainly offers this staple pair in your usual black leather, there are also a few updated options. My personal favorite is the Crackle Metallic version, which is just bright enough to catch your eye, but not so aggressive that you'll feel the need to hide your feet any time a senior partner comes around.

If you're looking for a great pair of mules, Madewell certainly has you covered. These shoes come in a wide range of heels, prints, and colors, which means you can dress up or dress down your professional wardrobe however you see fit. I also love the solid craftsmanship of these shoes. The pair I own has more than withstood the tests of time, weather, and situation.

Pros: Modern takes on classic styles, inexpensive, wide selection of colors and prints, available in stores and online

Cons: The dressiest of office environments may not be well-served by Madewell shoes

Shop Madewell's shoe collection here

Why you'll love it: If I could only wear one type of shoe for the rest of my life, it would be a pair of boots, and they would probably come from M. Gemi.

You may not think you're fancy enough to buy Italian-made shoes, but M. Gemi is here to prove you wrong. The direct-to-consumer brand is best known for its beautiful loafers and flats, but as it turns out, the high-quality footwear company also makes some of the most beautiful ankle boots that you've ever seen. If you've ever questioned whether or not boots are work appropriate, M. Gemi is answering with a resounding "yes."

Made in artisan Italian workshops with almost unbelievably soft leather or suede, the Corsa ankle boot is not only insanely comfortable, but extremely versatile as well. The beautiful silhouette has a fitted shaft and sleek sole, and looks fantastic paired with a sharp pair of cigarette pants or a dress.

While it takes some time to break in a pair of boots or any pair of work shoes, this simply isn't the case with M. Gemi. Its products are ready to wear right out of the box, and I've literally never gotten a blister from its shoes, even after very long work days. Plus, with the just-over-two-inch heel height, you won't feel as though you're at risk of falling and breaking your neck when you're running from meeting to meeting.

If you're not into the boots look, you could also check out the famous Stellato Sacchetto. The company's constant best seller, this pointed flat has a soft suede upper, a tiny heel, and an effortless sophistication. The shoe quite literally wraps your foot in comfortable leather, and comes in a range of surprising colors that rotate out by season.

As it stands, I love the sage color, but M. Gemi is always coming up with new earth tones that never go out of style.

Pros: Truly quality craftsmanship, beautiful and comfortable material, warm inviting earth tones, unique look

Cons: M. Gemi shoes do come at a premium, but they're worth it

Shop M. Gemi's women's shoe collection here Read our reviews of the Stellato Sacchetto Flat and the Corsca Ankle Boot

Why you'll love it: If you believe more is more when it comes to shoe options, then dive right into the crazy shoe world that is J. Crew.

With a seemingly endless roster of styles, colors, and patterns, J. Crew is truly the shoe lover's dream come true. While this may sound a bit overwhelming, I appreciate that J. Crew's website allows you to narrow down your choices based on the kind of shoe that you're looking for.

A particular treasure trove, I've found, is its heels department, where you can find elevation of the slim or chunky variety, the miniature or stiletto variety, or just about anything in between.

The Elsie Suede Pump is a personal favorite of mine. Think of it as the shoe that every woman needs in her closet, what with the slightly curved heel that is generously sized at 3.5 inches, and the perfectly pointed toe. I find this pair to be especially useful on presentation days, when I'm looking for a bit of additional lift.

The fact that J. Crew has both IRL and online presences certainly makes shopping considerably easier, especially considering the size of its shoe catalogue. I'll often scour the internet for a pair I like, then go to my friendly neighborhood store in order to take it for a test run. And of course, with different selections in different stores, shopping is always a fun surprise.

Pros: Huge selection of shoes, higher heels available, ease of shopping either online or in-stores

Cons: Some J. Crew shoes can get pretty pricey, but there are also less expensive options to offset those pairs

Shop J. Crew's shoe collection here

Why you'll love them: Rothy's recycled water bottle shoes are far from a gimmick — in fact, they're some of the best work-appropriate flats you'll ever own.

There was a time in my life when being seen in public in a pair of flats felt like the cruelest punishment imaginable. But that was because my idea of flats was generally relegated to awkwardly large sneakers that, while comfortable, were undeniably unsightly.

Luckily, both my view on flats and my taste in flats has since evolved, and now, the greatest reward I can give myself is a day in a pair of Rothy's flats.

The company's rounded flats ($125), pointed flats ($145), and loafers ($165) are made from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles and other recycled materials, are machine-washable, and feel light and flexible on your feet.

The brand's innovative approach to footwear makes way for a comfortable, chic, and environmentally friendly shoe that is as easy on the eys as it is on the planet.

Thus far, the company has repurposed 12 million water bottles (and counting) and joins the growing movement of brands also using recycled plastic to make sneakers, leggings, and even watch bands. But it's not just the upper of the shoe that is sustainably made — the insoles contain recycled foam, while the rubber soles are carbon-free. The adhesives used are non-toxic and vegan. Plus, the packaging for the shoes is made from post-consumer recycled materials and is biodegradable to boot.

There are more than 20 styles each of The Flat and The Point, and another eight styles of The Loafer, which means that no matter what setting you're dressing for, you'll find a great match. I love the simple Black Flat for everyday wear, and the more eye-catching Fuchsia Navy Snake Point for statement-worthy days. Really, though, you can't go wrong with any of these shoes.

If there's any company that can convince me that wearing a heel is not an absolute prerequisite for getting a big-girl job, it's Rothy's.

Pros: Sustainable, creative, and comfortable materials; beautiful range of styles; great patterns and colors

Cons: Starting at $125 a pair and going up to $165, these aren't cheap for flats

Shop Rothy's collection of flats here Read our review of the Rothy's flats