Shoes in the Office: What You Can – and Cannot – Wear

You probably know the feeling: You start a new job or have bought a new office outfit – but you're still missing the right pair of shoes. We at Libeau are shoe experts: With us, you'll find exclusive designer products that make a perfect impression in any office. In our style guide, we'll explain which shoes are suitable for the office, what to look out for when choosing them, and what you'd better not wear to the office.

Women's office shoes: These classics are always the right choice

There are many office-appropriate shoes – nowadays, many companies' regulations are not as strict, and very explicit dress codes are only found sporadically and in certain industries. Here, we present a few shoe types with which you'll definitely make the right impression at the office.

Pumps for the office

Pumps are the classic women's office shoe. They have an elegant, not-too-high heel and are closed at the front – thus practically meeting all business dress codes. You can always rely on pumps: whether as shoes for a pantsuit, in combination with an elegant dress, or even with a more casual business casual outfit, they always look good.

We love the timeless elegance and versatility of pumps. With the models from our collection, you can bring a little variety to your office style. Be it with sequin-embroidered variants, stylish slingbacks, or refreshing color combinations.

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Ankle Boots for the Office

Elegant ankle boots with heels are also a safe choice for the office. Many of our customers rely on our high-quality leather models to add the finishing touch to their business look. Especially in the colder months, closed ankle boots are a great way to bring elegance to the office. When making your selection, pay attention to a fine silhouette – for example, pointed ankle boots with a thin heel are a great choice for the office, while round designs with a thicker heel are more suitable for everyday wear.

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Moccasins as flat shoes for the office

Chic flat shoes for the office are not always easy to find. But with a high-quality pair of moccasins, you're always on the safe side! These women's shoes for the office exude professionalism, yet are extremely comfortable. Perfect if you're on your feet a lot during your workday or if comfort is simply important to you. With these stylish yet classic models, you'll be comfortable yet tasteful on the go. Of course, we also have elegant designer moccasins in our range for you!

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More Modern Office Shoes – Beyond the Classic Dress Codes

If your employer is more traditional and values classic office outfits, then the shoes mentioned above are perfect for you. However, many companies do not have strict guidelines for their employees – here you can certainly come to work in office-appropriate sneakers. It's best to check for any possible guidelines before investing in a new model. Here are a few ideas for less traditional office shoes:

Sandals

Open-toed shoes used to be taboo in the office – fortunately, many companies see things differently today. With a chic pair of sandals, you are perfectly dressed for work, especially if they have a heel and are made of high-quality materials like leather. You can, of course, find such sandals in our shop! Elegant mules are also popular, whose shape resembles pumps – but show significantly more of the foot.

A must for open shoes in the office is, of course, well-groomed feet, preferably with a subtle nail polish. Alternatively, you can also wear tights if that matches your pair.

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Boots

In combination with a smart dress or a nice pencil skirt, high heel boots can also be a good choice for the office. Opt for elegant, pointed models, for example with a slim heel. Wider boots without a heel or with lacing are more suited for the street and are not the best choice for the office.

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Mary Janes

It's no coincidence that Mary Janes are popular flat shoes for the office. They are comfortable, yet have an elegant look and, above all, are closed at the toe. If you're looking for comfortable business shoes for women, then Mary Janes could be a great choice.

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Office-Appropriate Sneakers for Women

Sneakers used to be unthinkable in the office, but today they are an indispensable part of many workplaces. If you choose sneakers as your office shoes, you should definitely make sure they look very clean and well-maintained (which, of course, applies to all office shoes). In terms of color, you should opt for subtle models, such as white. Heavily branded and very colorful models can quickly appear unprofessional.

Checklist: Find Your Perfect Office Shoes

You now know which shoe styles are suitable for work. But what should you pay particular attention to when choosing your next pair? We have put together a small checklist to help you find the perfect office shoes:

  • Consider the dress code: First and foremost, you should find out about the dress code in your company. Some companies have specific guidelines on which shoes are allowed and which are not – for example, sneakers or open-toed shoes are still taboo in some offices.
  • Heel height: Think carefully about what heel height you can walk safely in. Nothing is more uncomfortable than stumbling in front of colleagues in shoes that are too high.
  • Comfort factor: How much time do you spend on your feet in the office and how important is comfort to you? If you are on the go a lot, moccasins, Mary Janes, or lower mules might be suitable.
  • Confidence boost: Don't underestimate how much confidence your new office shoes can give you – many of our customers feel particularly comfortable in high heels.
  • Office-appropriate colors & designs: In the office, restraint is generally advised. You can't go wrong with simple colors like black, brown, white, cream and nude tones, or other subtle shades. Too many playful details, glitter, or logos could also be perceived negatively. In the office, less is more.
  • Combination possibilities: You probably want to be able to combine your new women's office shoes with as many outfits as possible. Therefore, consider what you have in your wardrobe and what you regularly wear to work, and then choose suitable shoes.

Discover your office shoes at Libeau now

Did our guide to the perfect women's office shoes help you? Then start looking for the right pair for your job now! The best place to start is right here with us. In our online shop, you'll find exclusive designer women's shoes that are also ideal for the office. From pumps to mules and loafers, to chic sandals and high heels, we have everything your fashion heart desires. Feel free to browse our range and find your new favorite pair for everyday office wear!

Frequently asked questions about office shoes

Are there still unanswered questions? No problem – you're sure to find the right answer in our small FAQ section. Here we've summarized all the information about office shoes once again:

Are there office-appropriate sneakers for women?

Nowadays, sneakers are allowed in some offices. If you're looking for a suitable pair, pay attention to neutral colors – white sneakers are the best choice. They should also be rather simple, meaning no large logos or colorful designs. It's best to check before buying whether sneakers are part of your company's dress code.

What colors are suitable for business shoes?

For your office shoes, you should opt for subtle shades. Ideal colors include black, brown, beige, dark blue, or other stylish colors such as burgundy or dark green. Bright and vibrant colors are less suitable. You should completely avoid these in traditional companies, while in modern, young companies, it might be acceptable to add a bit more color to your outfit.

Which office shoes go well with dresses or skirts?

With the right combination, you can actually wear almost all shoe styles with dresses or skirts. For the office, classic pumps, slingbacks, or mules are a great choice, for example. These give your foot a beautiful shape and lengthen your leg. Elegant ankle boots can also be worn with dresses and skirts in the office. In principle, we recommend shoes with heels for combining with dresses and skirts.

Which shoes go with a pantsuit?

Pantsuits are very easy to combine – they go with almost all office shoes. We recommend combining them with pumps, loafers, or mules. You can also wear simple sneakers with a pantsuit.

Can you wear flat shoes to the office?

Yes, of course, you can also wear flat shoes to the office. Classic choices for this include loafers or high-quality Mary Janes. If sneakers are allowed in your office, that's also an option.

How important is the quality of office shoes?

You shouldn't skimp on your office shoes: poor quality is immediately visible! For your shoes, rather opt for high-quality materials such as leather. These models also last significantly longer – especially in the office, where they are generally not subjected to much stress. We, for example, only offer models made from high-quality leather that are particularly well-made. You can wear these shoes to the office for many years!