:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/office-shoes-GettyImages-94433514-db24c50b935e49198232a7b93dc3c185.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "The 8 Types of Office-Appropriate Shoes Every Woman Should Own")
Planning your work outfits is simple enough, until you get to the footwear part and realize that you haven’t changed things up in a really long time. Pointed-toe pumps? Cute, but if you’re ready to mix things up, there’s a whole world of office-appropriate shoes that bring a little more variety to your 9-to-5. We asked a personal stylist and footwear designer about their favorite shoes for the corporate world, and they delivered some fresh inspiration.
Mary Janes
Originally marketed as girls’ school shoes, the classic Mary Jane has become a staple for women—and yes, they’re office appropriate shoes when styled right! “This silhouette leans structured but soft—think refined Parisian minimalism,” says Sabrina Morin, personal stylist and founder of The Closet Compass. “They’re a smart flat that still reads intentional and pulled-together, not off-duty.”
Ballet Flats
You don’t have to leave the ballet flats at the barre. This now-trending flat is girlish and sweet, but can easily be dressed up for the office. “Especially in more buttoned-up environments, it’s a clever way to sneak in some flair,” says Arabella Barros, chief design officer for John Fluevog Shoes. “A classic ballet flat looks stunning with ankle-length trousers and a crisp blouse for a clean, professional look.”
Low Heeled Mules
These tried and true office-appropriate shoes are like your work wife: stylish, dependable, and low drama. Low-heeled mules slide on with no effort but still show that you put some effort into your look. Pair them with tailored trousers, midi skirts, or even your favorite wide-leg pants.
Slingbacks
This classic office footwear option remains a staple for a reason—it’s super versatile and always looks professional. “This is your lift. Whether you’re in a kitten heel or block pump, slingbacks sharpen the whole look,” Morin says. “They’re clean, structured, and elevate your posture, both literally and stylistically.” She suggests pairing them with structured dresses, tailored pencil skirts, or crisp trousers that follow clean lines.
Chunky Platforms
Go ahead and sneak in a little grunge moment while you take those calls and hit those deadlines. “For the office, a chunky platform brings attitude in a wearable wag. The bold silhouette can modernize a classic work look and help reduce foot fatigue during long days,” Barros says. She adds, “Platforms are the unsung hero of the workday wardrobe, especially on those ‘five meetings before noon’ kind of days.”
Chic Sneakers
Go ahead and sneak in a little grunge moment while you take those calls and hit those deadlines. “For the office, a chunky platform brings attitude in a wearable wag. The bold silhouette can modernize a classic work look and help reduce foot fatigue during long days,” Barros says. She adds, “Platforms are the unsung hero of the workday wardrobe, especially on those ‘five meetings before noon’ kind of days.”
Block Heels
On those days when you want to tower just a little bit more, a pair of block heels is your superpower. “Heels change how you carry yourself, signaling you didn’t come to play dress up and stand your ground,” says Morin. “This shoe works best when the rest of the outfit is equally composed. Think controlled silhouettes and strong separates.”
Loafers
Loafers are a structured, grounded flat that adds polish without needing a heel. They’re clean, composed, and offer a modern balance to softer or more relaxed silhouettes. “They pair well with midi skirts, pencil skirts, or wide-leg trousers,” Morin tell us. “The key is in how you finish the look. Choose crisp fabrics, defined waistlines, and clean lines up top.”