For Work Office Shoes

Dissecting the Office Appropriate Summer Shoe

A table with many different shoes and a woman standing in front of it.


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What Shoes Will Work at Your Work?

The days are getting hotter. For the next few months, even at the office, we just naturally want to wear clothes that are a lighter weight. Footwear that is dark and heavy and clunky stays tucked at the back of our closets in favour of something lighter on the foot. If your office dress code is shirt-and-tie-equivalent (no jeans allowed), what constitutes office appropriate footwear for the summer?

Types of Shoes to Consider

  • Slingbacks, heeled or flat. Definitely a summer shoe. Classic and simple, yet versatile.

A pair of white and black shoes on a high heel.A pair of shoes with black and white stripes.

Marc Fisher LTD // J. Renee

A red and silver shoe with a gold toe.         A black flat shoe with a flower on the side of it.

Topshop // Hispanitas
  • Cut-outs. Most likely, a shoe with cutouts would not be one you would wear in fall or winter. That makes it a perfect choice for the warmer months of the year.

A silver loafer with a geometric pattern on the side.       A pair of red shoes with cut outs on them.

Vince Camuto // Sudini

A pair of beige shoes with laces on top.        A white shoe with black design on the side of it.

Born // Via Spiga
  • Loafers (without socks). Summer is not the time to have your socks showing above your shoe. Buy some of those sock-ettes that give extra comfort but sit below the top edge of your shoe.

A pair of beige loafers with white stitching.        A metallic loafer is shown in this image.

Calvin Klein // Vince Camuto

A white loafer with tassels on the front.         A pair of shoes that are on the ground

G.H. Bass // Kate Spade New York
  • D’Orsay, pump or low heel. This style of shoe has an open instep, offering less foot coverage. Your toes are covered, but your foot still gets some breathing room.

A pink pump with an open side.A pair of shoes that are on the ground

MICHAEL Michael Kors // Paul Green

A pair of shoes that are tan and there is a heelA pair of beige shoes with pointed toes.

Sam Edelman // Marc Fisher LTD

Shoe Fabrication Possibilities

  • Paler colours and citrus brights

A pair of nude pumps with pointed toes.        A pink flat shoe is shown on the ground.

Louise et Cie // AGL
  • Floral print

A pair of blue and black shoes on a white background       A pair of colorful shoes on display.

Sole Society // Shoes of Prey
  • Woven

A pair of white and black shoes with a flower on the side.        A red shoe with a strap on the side of it.

        Kate Spade New York // Trotters
  • Fabric instead of leather

A pair of blue shoes on a high heel.     A pair of black and red shoes with a decorative pattern.

Calvin Klein // Stuart Weitzman

Some Guidelines

  1. Keep your toes covered. Sandals are a direct path to all-too-casual or just simply showing too much for the office. Of course, flat sandals work for beach-side strolls. Sandals with high heels are ideal for evening or even Saturday afternoon with a summer dress. The only shoe where your toes might go uncovered is a classic peep toe pump. These may be office appropriate depending on your work culture. Tread carefully (pun intended), for if the peep toe is acceptable at your work, it must be unembellished and without a platform sole.
  2. Avoid lucite heels. On occasion, a slightly tacky shoe can do wonders for a straight-laced outfit. But not at your office.
  3. Speaking of laced, avoid any shoe that hints of bondage at the office. So, no lacing up your leg, and no fishnet-filled panels. Stay away from shoes with spikes. Does this go without saying?
  4. Keep any beach-friendly shoe away from your professional office. Avoid shoes made with soles of raffia, such as an espadrille. Cork wedges, even if they have a closed toe, are not office appropriate.

The Joy of Style

As personal stylists, we have embraced the art of shoe shopping with great gusto. If you want us to help you find the pairs to keep your HR department happy, contact us about our personal shopping services that will make your feet happy too.

A woman in blue shirt and pants holding purse.

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