You may not enjoy buying work shoes, but they're the most important pair in your closet! You wear them everyday, and they are the keystone to looking polished and pulled together -- more so than any other accessory. If you walk into the office with dirty, scuffed clunkers on your feet, it really doesn't matter how great the rest of your outfit is. We've gathered the basics -- the pump, the flat, and the to-and-from-work shoe -- to keep you looking sleek in the office and beyond.

The Pump:

Ideally, the pump is the perfect work shoe. It's classic, sophisticated, and aesthetically pleasing, all of which signals to others that you mean business. The style you choose will depend on your office environment. For example, in a less formal job, you could experiment with materials, various adornments, and hardware (velvet! crystals!) but in a law office that might seem quite garish. So instead of pulling shoes from across the style-spectrum, we've picked tried-and-true types that work everywhere. A matte leather is ideal, as is a mid-level heel. Also, consider a pointed toe when choosing a pump, because it's not only mature-looking (which we strive for at work), but it also visually elongates your leg. If you find a style you love, it makes sense to get it in basic black and a deep brown, so you'll have a pair to match virtually anything. Target offers several inexpensive options, such as the Mossimo Viviana Pumps ($26.99) and the Merona Michelle Pumps ($24.99). These Go Max Village 33 Black Pointed Toe Pumps ($22.50, Lulu's Fashion Lounge) are also a great deal on the classic style. If you have a bit more money to spend, try these BCBG Stela Pumps ($99, Zappos.com) or the DV Skye Black Nubuck Round Toe Pumps ($78, Lulu's) -- the latter of which gives you a great round-toe option, in case you're vehemently opposed to pointy toes. We also recommend these Taryn by Taryn Rose Black Leather 'Domain' Pumps ($147, Bluefly.com) because they are specially made to be comfortable heels (and that's not an oxymoron).

The Flat:

As much as we may love the idea of power-walking through the office in killer heels, we frequently rely on our dear friend the flats for our regular footwear. It's just so much more comfortable! Like the pumps, it's a great idea to have subdued, classic options in both black and brown, but since a flat is inherently less fancy (height = a sense of occasion), you can take this opportunity to try something a bit more flashy without looking overdressed or out of place. These American Eagle Emerge Flats ($19.99, Payless) are about as timeless as you can get, while the Vanessa Flats ($19.80, Forever 21) feature textured fabric and a cut-out toe. We adore the charming style of these Nanette Lepore Baby Cakes Patent Flats ($82.50, Shopbop.com) and the Eileen Shields for Zero + Maria Cornejo Zero Patent Slash Vamp Flats ($127.50, also Shopbop.com) because they will match most everything but also lend your look a bit of quirky personality. They're more expensive than the former two options, but unless you're a devout stilt-walker, you may as well invest in good flats because you'll be wearing them the most frequently. Do look into your office dress code before buying the slingbacks however, as “flip flop sounds” are sometimes considered to be on par with wearing actual flip flops in some offices. To keep your feet dry and blister-free in any of these styles, nab a pair of these Loafer Peds ($6.50, The Gap).

The To-And-From-Work Shoe:

We all do it: wearing a pair of comfortable walking shoes to work is no crime, but it is criminal to ruin a perfectly cute outfit for any period of time with bulky sneakers that just don't match. There are many comfy shoe options that are far more attractive, not to mention easier to stow away once you get to the office. We personally own these Xhilaration Simone Stretch Ballet Flats ($14.99, Target), and we highly recommend them for this purpose. They collapse completely flat because of the elastic back -- making them easy to toss in your purse -- and people are constantly surprised to hear they weren't expensive (try them in gold for a wow factor while you walk down the street). The Xhilaration Sable Ballerina Flats ($10.49, Target) are also supple enough to "fold" flat, and the synthetic material can take a beating in your handbag. Plus, they're adorable! In this heat, you may want to consider shoes that will let your feet air out while you're outside, like these beautiful (yet simple) Cocobelle Alice Thong Sandals ($22.50-$42.50, Shopbop.com). If you prefer to sport sneakers during your commute, make sure they're streamlined. Keds Slip Ons are always good options, as are these adidas by Stella McCartney Thala Flats ($99, Zappos.com).

So, if you work-shoe wardrobe it a bit lackluster, be sure to revamp your collection via our guide. After all, you should always put your best foot forward!

-- Lindsay Sakraida