Return to Office: Must-Have Shoes for a Casual Work Environment
Office attire for women today looks very different from a few years ago. The pencil skirt and stiletto pumps are no longer prerequisites for being office-ready in a casual office environment. Over the last five years, dress codes have relaxed. So how has footwear changed? What shoes are women wearing to work?
That’s where we come in. Here at Stylishly Grounded, we’ve curated the best casual work shoes that bridge comfort and sophistication, spotlighting low-heeled and flat silhouettes designed for a casual work environment. In this article, we cover categories of shoes that you can wear at work.
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Soft Loafers: The Perfect Comfortable Casual Work Shoes
Loafers are the perfect balance between polish and ease; they’re more elevated than sneakers, yet far less formal than a patent pump or a slingback. Forget the rigid, glossy versions that are more preppy and prim; casual office loafers are pared-back, minimal, and effortlessly refined. Choose unembellished silhouettes with clean lines because they complete your outfit but don’t look too dressed down with jeans.
Why They Work: They are the midpoint shoe: sleeker than sneakers, less formal than heels.
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. |
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For business casual loafers options, check out our Business Casual Shoes for Women article.
Boat Shoes: Best Friday Casual Work Attire
Boat shoes offer a more relaxed alternative for casual office settings. Unlike loafers, which are sleeker and more tailored, boat shoes have a softer silhouette with visible stitching and a moc-style toe that reads laid-back. For work, the key is choosing elevated materials: think leather or suede in understated shades like tan, navy, or off-white. Pair them with tailored trousers or crisp denim, and they deliver just enough polish without tipping into overdressed territory. Opt for minimal designs and skip the heavy contrast stitching or oversized logos to keep the look clean, versatile, and office-appropriate.
Why They Work: Because they have a relaxed structure
Outfit Ideas
Knee-Length Dresses + Tights + Boat Shoes
Dark Denim + Casual Tops + Blazers + Boat Shoes
What to Look For in Boat Shoes
Supple, Matte Leather
Choose soft, matte finishes in leather or suede. Glossy textures can feel dated and overly casual, while matte leathers read modern and refined.
Sturdy Rubber Soles
Seek out durable rubber soles with good grip and support. They keep the shoe grounded—literally—and make all-day wear in an office setting far more practical.
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Sneakers: Perfect for Casual Work Outfits
No list of casual work shoes would be complete without sneakers. They’re the modern office uniform, equally at home with denim, tailored trousers, midi skirts, or even dresses, and they make commuting infinitely easier.
Sleek Sneakers
For work, think sleek, minimal fashion sneakers in leather or refined fabrics.
Casual White Sneakers
Crisp white pairs or streamlined tonal styles are endlessly versatile. Skip the chunky, athletic silhouettes. while great for the gym, they feel out of place in an office and disrupt an otherwise polished look.
Links: Casual White Sneakers
Comfortable Work Flats
Welcome to the most substantial section of this edit and arguably our favorite. We uncovered a handful of brands redefining casual work flats, proving that comfort and refinement can, in fact, coexist.
What’s the difference between casual and business casual flats?
The line between casual and business casual flats often comes down to one detail: material. Glossy leathers and patent finishes instantly read more formal, which can feel overdressed in a laid-back office setting. Softer, matte textures, like suede, woven fabric, or supple napa, are less rigid. They finish off the outfit with polish.
Option 1: Rothy’s Flats
Rothy’s Shoes: Rothy’s has become synonymous with casual, everyday flats. Crafted from recycled materials, their knit silhouettes (from Mary Janes to rounded-toe bestsellers) pair effortlessly with denim and a cotton button-down or even a simple tee. The lightweight fabric makes them breathable, flexible, and ideal for an office environment that values comfort over formality.
Option 2: Margaux NYC Shoes
Margaux Flats: Margaux, a female-founded New York brand, is celebrated for ballet flats that blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. (Read our NYC brand article here.) Their pairs are crafted from buttery-soft napa leather. They perfectly elevate light denim and a sweater effortlessly and make you look 10x better than in sneakers. These do run a bit pricey, however, the thoughtful construction makes them a smart investment. These can also be worn with business casual outfits.
Option 3: Reformation Shoes
You know Reformation for its dresses, but the brand’s shoes deserve equal attention. Their flat Mary Janes, reimagined with thicker straps and a modern edge. The thick straps dress down the office 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. We love the material which dresses down an outfit.
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. We love the unique footbed here to keep your comfortable when running to meetings or when communiting into the office.
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.
The SG Perspective
Casual office environments provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style, which is what we are all about. By choosing versatile, high-quality shoes like loafers, sneakers, flats, and Chelsea boots, you’ll always feel put together in a casual work environment.
Read for our next article on business casual office footwear, where we’ll dive into options that are a bit more elevated than casual shoes. Also, check out our other articles in our Handbag and Shoe Edits.
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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.