{"id":37628,"date":"2011-02-08T14:00:35","date_gmt":"2011-02-08T20:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=37628"},"modified":"2025-10-18T09:30:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T15:30:37","slug":"work-shoes-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/work-shoes-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Work shoes: What to wear and what not to"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Ready for a low-down on work shoes? This is a no-nonsense guide on which shoes will help you get that promotion (without breaking the budget of course) — and which shoes won’t.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Below are four shoe styles you’ll want for your work wardrobe<\/a>, followed by a list of shoes to leave at home when you’re headed to the office.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Close-up<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. The goes-with-everything work shoe<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The basic black pump is the work-horse of office shoes, and for good reason. But I\u2019d suggest a more versatile option: the nude pump. I dare you to find an outfit in your professional wardrobe that doesn\u2019t go with with pretty neutral pump.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you only buy one pair of work shoes this year, you’ll want them to be nude pumps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. The Lady-like flat<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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You may not want to wear heals on the daily, but your flat days don’t have to involve flip flops or Crocs. A classy ballet flat is an office-appropriate choice that can give your arches and calves a break on occasion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Not every ballet flat works for the office, though. A good question to ask when shopping is this: Would Audrey Hepburn wear these? The iconic actress loved flats, but hers were lady-like, not child-like. You wouldn’t find Audrey in shoes with wild embellishments, cheap construction, or crazy colors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. The office bootie<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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A sleek bootie can work with skirts, dresses, and slacks. Look for options with minimal styling and quality leather (real or faux).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. The heeled oxford<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Oxford shoes<\/a> are a trend-turned-classic. As flats, stilettos or wedges, they make any outfit look chic and are the perfect compliment to a pencil skirt, a sheath dress or a pair of slacks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. Chunky loafer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The chunky loafer is a newer addition to the work wear shoe catalog — and it’s a good one. Wear this edge style with skirts or ankle-length pants. If you work in a creative environment, you could even try them with a pair of cute ankle socks. See more tips in: How to wear chunky loafers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Office shoes: What not to wear<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Platform heels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Platform heels have their place, but that place is not your office. Keep your heels under 4 inches tall to spare your feet unneeded stress and look more professional at the same time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Sandals<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you can wear a pair of shoes to a beach party, those shoes aren’t good for the office. Steer clear of strappy sandals, flat or heeled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Party heels<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Not all pumps are created equal. Lacy, sparkly, ruffly, fringed, or tassled heels are for parties, not meetings. If you\u2019d wear them to a nightclub, don\u2019t wear them to work.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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More on what to wear to work<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For more workwear advice, see these topics in our workwear guide:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n