Image credit: Alina Levkovich
Pre-pandemic I lived in high heels. I wore high-heeled boots to work all day and then changed into high-heel pumps to go out to dinner. I’d ignore any foot paint because, hey, the shoes looked good! But these days I seem to be coming up with more and more chic work outfit ideas that incorporate comfortable flats. And there are so many options that don’t sacrifice on style at all. Maybe it’s just a cycle in women’s fashion where sneakers, loafers and ballet flats are trending, but once you get a taste of comfort, it’s extremely hard to go back! What you really need are a roster of stylish work outfits with flats that you can reach for time and time again.
Here are the 6 types of stylish flat shoes to reach for instead of high heels:
BALLET FLATS
Ballet flats are the perfect shoe for the office because they always have a classic look and go back to pretty much anything. They also come in thousands of colors and fabrics so there is a wide variety to choose from. Wear them with a clean pair of jeans, a skirt or a suit to work.
LOAFERS
Loafers are some of the best flats for work. After all, they’ve been the menswear choice of professional shoes for years! From flat, suede driving shoes to mules in shiny leather, no matter what your own personal style is, there is a pair of loafers for you. Style them with socks and mini skirts for a more trend-forward look. Or with pleated trousers and sweaters for more classy work outfits.
SNEAKERS
If you are able to wear sneakers to work, it’s a great way to be comfortable all day long. And the good news is that sneakers aren’t just worn with casual outfits these days. They can be paired back to everything from black pants to mini skirts to maxi dresses. Here are the top sneakers for 2025 to incorporate into your work looks.
BOOTS
Looking for more casual work outfits? Flat boots are great office shoes and can help balance a look, giving it that extra cool yet slightly more casual factor. From ankle boots to knee-high boots, wear yours with a pair of jeans or maxi skirts.
SANDALS
In the summer months and sweltering heat, you can’t beat pairing a chic pair of flat sandals with your favorite outfit to work. From expensive options like Hermes popular Oran sandals to more affordable price points like Everlane’s Day Crossover Sandal, sandals are an excellent way to stay chic, cool and comfortable in the hotter temps and such an easy way to wear work outfits with flats.
KITTEN HEELS
If you don’t mind low heels, kitten heels of any kind (boots, sling backs, mules) are a great option for a slight lift without any of the discomfort of a pair of heels. And if you’re on the shorter side, you might like having a bit of extra height. Style kitten heels with a pencil skirt, pleated shorts or wide-legged pants for a chic, stylish office look.
