As someone who works full-time from home, I fluctuate between feeling envious of my office-going friends and grateful that I don’t have to decipher a confusing workplace dress code. Every office is different, and years of lockdown have generally relaxed the rules, but fashion-related questions linger: Are jeans permissible? Can I get away with an above-the-knee hemline? And when asked to wear ‘smart shoes’, just how smart are we talking?
It seems to be generally agreed upon that having your toes on show is pushing the boundary slightly, but it’s hard to know how much fun you can have with your footwear in the workplace. This particular dilemma has never been more pressing, with so many exciting new shoe trends to tap into this season. And if you spend 40 hours a week in the office, that limits the time you have to try them all out. Seems pretty unfair to us.
The good news is there are shoe trends you can take with you into the office. In fact, we’ve pinpointed five current styles that feel polished and professional, but will also show off your fashion know-how. Take a look below, then shop your favourites in time for your next big meeting.
See the Chicest Work Shoe Trends for 2024:
1. Slingback Kitten Heels
Style Notes: If you prefer wearing a low heel to work, make it a slingback shape to chime with the Instagram style set. This particular silhouette (low heel, thin strap) is everywhere right now.
Shop the Style:
Russell & Bromley
Sling Back Point Pump
The sculptural heel sets this pair apart.
Reformation
Walker Slingback Heel
Patent leather is always workplace-appropriate.
mango
Slingback Heeled Shoes With Buckle
Mango might just have outdone itself with these heels.
Reiss
Reiss Jade Croc Effect Leather Kitten Heel Slingback Court Shoes, Taupe
Wear with a column skirt or tailored trousers.
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Valentino Garavani Go Logo 40 Embellished Leather Slingback Pumps
Guaranteed to earn you compliments.
2. Cherry-Red Pumps
Style Notes: Unless it says in your employee handbook to only wear neutral shoes to work, embrace the bright-red trend! This is an easy way to inject some colour and personality into your corporate attire.
Shop the Style:
Mango
Slingback Heeled Shoes With Buckle
The same Mango heels in red—now to decide which colour to buy first…
ROGER VIVIER
Trompette Patent-Leather Pumps
There’s something so classic about this pair.
Bibi Lou
Bibi Lou Heeled Leather Ballet Pumps
The ballet flat hype continues.
Reformation
Melissa Mary Jane Flat
Carry these into the weekend, too.
Jimmy Choo
Diamond Tilda Sling Back 45
3. Minimal Loafers
Style Notes: Stepping into the office in loafers is the ultimate power move. They’re classic, comfortable and suit everything from wide-leg trousers to ribbed midi dresses. This season, the more pared-back the better.
Shop the Style:
M&S Collection
Wide Fit Leather Flat Loafers
The squared-off toe makes these extra chic.
Chocolate brown will work with all of your tailoring.
The Row
Flynn Leather Loafers
I love how streamlined these are.
Gucci
Jordaan Leather Loafer
The loafer to rule all loafers.
The White Company
Shiny Leather Ruched Loafers
Why not opt for a brighter pair for spring?
4. Mary Janes
Style Notes: With how we currently feel about Mary Janes, it’s hard to imagine we’ll ever tire of this dainty shoe style. Whether you choose a three-strap or one-strap iteration, it’ll add a playful spin to your office look.
Shop the Style:
Russell & Bromley
Jane Low Block Heel Mary Jane
Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flats
These look comfy enough to wear day in, day out.
Carel
Carel Peche Mary Jane Slingback Pumps
Carel is the go-to for timeless Mary Jane shoes—Alexa Chung is a known fan.
M&S Collection
Patent Strappy Block Heel Court Shoes
The block heel is essential if comfort is your priority.
Le Monde Beryl
Square-Toe Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Add socks for now, then go without in the warmer months.
5. Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Notes: Pointed-toe flats, for whatever reason, look far more elevated than round-toe iterations. There’s a directional feel to this season’s leading pairs, which feature an ultra-sharp point that makes every outfit more sophisticated.
Shop the Style:
Saint Laurent
Nour Collapsible-Heel Satin Slippers
The exaggerated point is so on-trend.
TOTEME
+ NET SUSTAIN The Asymmetric Ballerina Leather Point-Toe Flats
You won’t run out of ways to style these.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale Suede Point-Toe Flats
The perfect spring shade of green.
Chanel vibes, but for a fraction of the price.
