Return to Office: Must-Have Shoes for a Casual Work Environment
Here’s what shoes to wear to work when the office calls for casual attire.
Workwear no longer means stiff silhouettes (remember pencil skirts?) or stiletto heels you struggle to walk in. Office dress codes have evolved over the past five years, and overall, style has shifted toward something more wearable. Instead of switching shoes under your desk (if you even have a permanent desk these days), we are here to help you find a pair that does it all. We’ve rounded up the best casual work shoes for women that you can wear all day long. Keep reading for low-heeled styles that are comfortable enough for your commute and polished enough to actually wear in the office. We’ve broken down the best casual shoes for work into categories to make it easier to find what fits your style. Scroll by category or shop the full edit below. Let’s get your work wardrobe grounded.
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Soft Loafers: The Perfect Comfortable Casual Work Shoes
Loafers are an ideal choice for casual work attire when you want something more polished than sneakers but not as dressy as slingback heels or pointed patent flats. In the context of casual work shoes, we’re referring to buttery soft loafers versus the structured, glossy styles you might associate with Blair Waldorf. Those lean more business casual, and sometimes even formal. Softer leather or suede styles are a better fit for relaxed work environments. Stick to streamlined designs in neutral colors to keep the look clean and make it easy to mix and match with any outfit. For a casual office setting, we recommend skipping croc embossing, shiny finishes, or flashy hardware, and opting instead for clean, unembellished styles that feel effortless but still pulled together.
Why They Work
Loafers strike the right balance between casual and polished. Soft leather or suede versions feel relaxed for everyday wear and keep you looking put-together in a casual office setting.
Outfit Ideas
- Tan loafers + denim + a sweater layered over a white tee + a relaxed blazer.
- A button-down shirt tucked in + black skinny jeans + white loafers.
- White skirt + black t-shirt + black loafers.
What to Look For
- Material: Soft leather for breathability and flexibility.
- Hardware: Minimal or no embellishments for versatility.
- Sole: Rubber or sturdy options to endure NYC streets.
- Cushioning: Essential for all-day comfort.
Links: Casual Loafer Options
For business casual loafers options, check out our Business Casual Shoes for Women article.
Boat Shoes: Best Friday Casual Work Attire
Boat shoes are a solid option for casual offices when you want something relaxed but still presentable. They’re different from loafers in both structure and feel. Loafers are sleeker and more tailored, while boat shoes have a softer shape with visible stitching and a moc-style toe that feels a bit more laid-back. In the context of casual work shoes, we’re referring to leather or suede boat shoes in neutral tones like tan, navy, or off-white. These are easy to pair with tailored pants or clean denim and add just enough polish for the office without looking too dressed up. Stick to simple designs without bold contrast stitching or oversized logos to keep the look clean and easy to style.
Why They Work
Boat shoes strike the right balance for work shoes in a casual office. The soft leather and relaxed construction keep them comfortable for everyday wear and the shape still feels intentional and put-together. They’re an easy way to elevate your look without crossing into formal territory.
Outfit Ideas
- Knee-Length Dresses + Tights + Boat Shoes
- Dark Denim + Casual Tops + Blazers + Boat Shoes
What to Look For in Boat Shoes
Soft, Matte Leather: Opt for boat shoes made from soft, matte leather, Avoid glossy designs.
Sturdy Rubber Soles: Look for boat shoes with durable rubber soles that provide good grip and support, essential for all-day wear in an office environment.
Links: Casual Boat Shoes
Sneakers: Perfect for Casual Work Outfits
Sneakers are the PERFECT casual work shoes. We are sure you already know this but we had to include them in this round up. They go with jeans, trousers, skinny pants, midi skirts and even dresses and they make commuting to work a breeze. We broke out sneakers into white sneakers and sleek work sneakers. We recommend you stick to fashion sneakers that are typically sleek and minimal and avoid chunky, athletic sneakers because they tend to feel out of place in office settings and distract from an otherwise polished look.
Option 1: Casual White Sneakers
Why They Work
White sneakers are timeless and pair well with almost everything. They’re versatile enough to transition from morning meetings to after-work errands.
Outfit Ideas
- Wide-leg black pants + a turtleneck + white sneakers.
- Straight-leg denim + oversized blazer + white sneakers.
- All-black outfit + white sneakers for contrast.
What to Look For
High-quality materials, thick soles for durability, and designs that handle daily walking miles.
Links: Casual White Sneakers
Option 2: Sleek Sneakers
Why They Work
Sleek, minimalist sneakers like Adidas Sambas add a trendy touch without being overly flashy. They offer a balance between style and subtlety, perfect for tech office environments.
Outfit Ideas
Styled similarly to white sneakers but with an edge. Pair with straight jeans, a slim-fit blazer, or a monochromatic outfit for a modern look.
What to Look For
Elegant designs that complement a casual office aesthetic. Nothing too bold or chunky.
Linked here
Comfortable Work Flats
Welcome to the meatiest section of those article (and our favorite!) because we surprisingly sourced a handful of brands that are doing casual work flats really well.
What’s the difference between casual and business casual flats?
You can often tell the difference between casual and business casual shoes just by the material. It’s that simple. Ever wonder why your glossy ballerina flats still feel too dressed up for a laid-back tech office? That’s probably the reason. When it comes to ballet flats (and flats in general) the material makes all the difference. For us, switching to softer, matte finishes was what made everything click. So let’s get into the brands!
Option 1: Rothy’s Flats
Rothy’s Shoes: Rothy’s are made from recycled materials. Their cloth Mary Janes and rounded toe flats (best sellers!) pair perfectly with jeans and any top (t-shirts or nice cotton collared top). Again we opted for a casual material to keep it light and comfy in the office.
Option 2: Margaux NYC Shoes
Margaux Flats: Margaux is a female-owned NYC brand known for its quintessential ballet flats crafted from premium materials. Margaux flats are timeless staples for those seeking understated elegance. These can also be worn with business casual outfits. These are a bit pricier and but worth it because of the quality and construction. You know those painful red lines along the top of your foot after taking off painful ballet flats? You shouldn’t get those with these buttery soft napa shoes. (Stay tuned for a Margaux Shoes article in summer 2025).
Option 3: Reformation Shoes
Reformation Shoes: We know you love Reformation’s dresses, but have you tried their shoes? Want something little more modern and edgy for your office? These flat Mary Janes with thicker straps are perfect for your casual work outfit.
Option 4: Vivaia Shoes
Vivaia Flats: Are Vivaia shoes good? We think so. They have an eco-conscious design and their flats come in many different silhouettes for those who want to switch up the toe box.
Option 5: Birdies Shoes
Birdies: Birdies’ flats are made of supple nappa leather which makes them ideal for long work days, especially if you are standing all day. Take a closer look at the quilting and cushioning.
Option 6: Allbirds Shoes
Allbirds, different from Birdies, is known for its use of soft, sustainable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber, creating lightweight shoes that feel more like slippers than sneakers. Their flexible construction and breathable design make them a solid pick for casual workdays, commuting, or long hours on your feet. Stick with the neutral tones to keep them office-appropriate.
Flats Outfit Ideas
- Straight-leg jeans + button-down+ crew-neck sweater + ballet flats.
- Flats + midi dresses.
- Square toe flats + maxi skirt + ribbed half-sleeve sweater.
Chelsea Boots: Functional and Fashionable
Chelsea boots are a lifesaver for casual offices, especially when the weather is less than ideal. Sturdy lugged soles make them perfect for days after a snowstorm, offering traction and durability without sacrificing style. Plus, their timeless silhouette ensures they remain a wardrobe staple. Thursday Boot Co. makes ones that checked all the boxes. They’re a favorite!
Why They Work:
Easy to break in, durable, and versatile enough for post-snowy days. Their chunky silhouette complements fuller hips, balancing out the figure beautifully.
Outfit Ideas:
Oversized blazer, super skinny jeans, or office-appropriate leggings.
Straight-leg jeans with a slightly oversized sweater.
Knee-length midi dresses paired with pantyhose for a feminine, office-ready look.
What to Look For:
Sturdy soles, comfortable insoles, and a chunky almond-toe silhouette for a modern edge.
Super casual office environments provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. By choosing versatile, high-quality shoes like loafers, sneakers, flats, and Chelsea boots, you’ll feel confident and polished every day.
Read for our next article on business casual office footwear, where we’ll dive into options that perfectly balance professionalism and comfort.
Check out our shoe edit.
Why Trust Stylishly Grounded
Stylishly Grounded is dedicated to providing honest, well-researched recommendations for footwear that blends comfort and style. Our editorial choices are guided by our mission to help readers find high-quality, wearable shoes that truly fit their needs. We are committed to curating content that prioritizes thoughtful insight and practical value, ensuring every selection aligns with the preferences and lifestyles of our audience. Transparency and trust are at the core of everything we do, and any future collaborations will always be clearly disclosed.
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