Ariat boots are good for work and dress. I wouldn't call them 'court' boots for the dressup occasions but for casual they are fine.
Durability - If you are working construction and doing farm/ranch work I would recommend Justin 'Packers'. Im not sure thats the name, but thats what we have always called them. They are a high lacing, riding heeled, all leather work boot. My brother has had the same pair for 5 years, resoled 2x. He does ranch work and concrete/demolitions and wears the boots for all of that.
Comfort - Individual basis really. I have flat feet, so Tony Lama or Nocona, with the steel shank from the heel to the toe makes me feel like I am walking on a pencil. I prefer Ariat or Justin, low heels not flat, all leather with a spur ledge and bull hide on the heel, boots. They are sturdy for what I do and I can get slip ons or laceups depending on the choices. For dress boots and comfort to go together, unless you are lucky and have the ability to buy 'off the rack', custom boots are what you need, but they are $$$$$.
Styling - You can get low heeled, riding heeled, laceups, slipons, round toe, flat toe, pointed round and Arts cockroach killers. Depends on what you like. Most work boots will be round toe. My dress boots are point round, I cant kill anything in a corner with them but they are comfortable. There is the upper styling too. Are you going to Buckaroo functions where you will be wearing your jeans tucked into the tops? If not, don't pay any attention to the uppers decorations.
I can go on and on about boots, having designed my custom ones and sold them for a few years too. But this should be enough.