There’s something strangely comforting about an office dress code.
Though we rebelled against uniform as children by rolling skirts up higher than rules allowed, wearing black trainers instead of classroom-appropriate leather shoes, and sporting colourful hoodies underneath our school crest-adorned blazers – as adults we can appreciate the low-maintenance, decision-free nature of a prescribed daily outfit.
Having to dress according to a pre-ordained set of office rules can often take the stress out of choosing an uber-stylish outfit on the daily. Despite the fact that Mark Zuckerberg has since decided to explore the world of fashion (in his own, bizarre way), the CEO of Facebook once heavily promoted the time-saving wonders of having a capsule wardrobe.
When it comes to those three to four office days, remove the stress of getting ready in time to catch your already packed train by curating a selection of chic yet work-appropriate interchangeable outfits made up of a selection of smart trousers, dresses, blouses and even t-shirts for those all-important casual Fridays.
Don’t get it twisted, we’re certainly not suggesting you enter the office with zero sign of sartorial personality – far from it. Bring a touch of personal style to your otherwise dreary office neutrals through one of life’s most important accessories: a fantastic pair of shoes.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best work shoes for women that deliver smart and chic office style while remaining comfortable during that lengthy morning commute. From classic Chelsea boots to studded flats, shop the edit below.
Duke + Dexter Wilde Kiss Penny Loafer
Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan are fans - and so are we. London-based brand Duke + Dexter has a plethora of contemporary loafer designs to choose from, yet these Snake Loafers caught our eye. Featuring a unique serpent print and crafted from handmade Italian leather, they are the ultimate gift for style-conscious loved ones.
Buy now £260.00, Duke + Dexter
Toteme + NET SUSTAIN The Slim Leather Ankle Boots
If you’re looking to invest, look to Toteme. The brand’s Slim Leather Ankle Boots adopt a streamlined style with a patent croc effect, meaning they never run the risk of becoming cheugy. Add them to your wardrobe rotation and enjoy them for years to come.
Buy now £600.00, MyTheresa
Hereu Alber T-bar leather loafers
The T-bar construction and apron-stitched toes add a certain sophistication to Hereu’s loafers. Handcrafted using fine leather by Spanish artisans, they offer both style and substance - and are sure to never go out of fashion.
Buy now £425.00, Farfetch
French Sole Amelie bow-embellished leather ballet flats
Effortlessly luxurious, comfortable, and chic – adjectives that French Sole specialises in. The brand is almost solely dedicated to ballet pumps and the expertise in the matter is thus unmatched.
Founded in London in 1989 by Jane Winkworth, who is now known as the ‘The Queen of Ballet Flats’, French Sole brought the style of our favourite French movie stars across the Channel. We simply can’t imagine your first pair of ballet pumps being bought from anywhere else.
Buy now £120.00, French Sole
Maje buckle-embellished chunky leather ankle boots
A glint of a buckle goes a long way. Maje’s cool-girl boots are crafted from ebony black leather and exude Parisian chic. Say goodbye to bad boots and bonjour to your new everyday stompers.
Buy now £429.00, Selfridges
Bethany Mesh Ballet Flat
Ever since Miu Miu sent a pair of buckled, wickedly embellished ballet flats down the SS16 runway, we've been trying to find a pair that captures the very same gothic ballerina essence. These beautiful studded flats from Reformation certainly aren't far off (sans ribbon, full mesh), and we love the idea of styling them with boyfriend jeans and a plain white t-shirt. Just make sure to wear them with tights for the office.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
Penelope Chilvers Low Mary Jane Diamante Velvet Shoe - Black
These Mary Jane flats by Penelope Chilvers are effortlessly elevated by a delicate embellished buckle. We're also a huge fan of the flattering squared toe.
Buy now £219.00, Penelope Chilvers
Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 Loafer
Swedish brand Vagabond, which began life in the Seventies as a men’s footwear brand, is a pro at the chunky aesthetic. These penny loafers are no exception. In black polished leather and an outsole measuring 45mm, these will give you some serious height as you stomp the streets in style.
Buy now £130.00, END
Vibi Venezia Whipstitched velvet Mary Jane flats
Vibi Venezia has modernised the traditional Venetian Furlane slipper – worn by gondoliers for centuries – with a ballerina pump twist. These beautiful velvet whipstitched flats come in a variety of colourways, but we particularly love the simple elegance of these deep navy wonders.
Buy now £95.00, Harvey Nichols
Alexander McQueen Wander Exaggerated-sole Leather Chelsea Boots
Lean into McQueen with the brand’s luxury leather Chelsea boots. The extravagant shoes feature a short style, an exaggerated tread to battle the British elements and a patent finish. Note the eye-catching seams and striped heels that take the classic shoe up an aesthetic notch.
Buy now £725.00, Net-A-Porter
Bobbies Dasha Derbies
Grab yourself a pair of Bobbies, office-appropriate shoes before it's too late – its drops are known to sell out in an instant. Available in black and a deep mahogany ‘Cabernet’ hue, these lace-up Derbies are a subtly stylish and effortlessly smart delight.
Buy now £210.00, Bobbies
