What footwear do I wear to work? Elegance and comfort for women

It doesn’t matter if your office is on the 30th floor of a skyscraper or if your day is divided up among creative meetings, visits to customers, we all face the same dilemma every morning: what footwear do I choose to be comfortable without losing that touch of style that we like so much?

Because, we can conquer the world with our heels, and also with a pair of loafers, sneakers or those irresistible flat boots that make us feel just as elegant. So, if you are looking for some inspiration to combine elegance and comfort at work, carry on reading. We promise that you will find the perfect pair for each occasion!

Choosing footwear to go to work

Elegance is not only about high heels or a good design; it is also about knowing how to choose the right footwear for each context. It is not the same being in a corporate office, as in a creative environment or in a job where your feet don’t stop all day long. And because we understand that each working environment has its own requirements, we are going to tell you about the options that adapt to you, always keeping that perfect balance between comfort and style. Get ready to find the footwear that adapts to your daily routine the best!

Corporate environments: Style and Formality

When you work in a corporate environment, formality and style are essential. Although we do know that it doesn’t have to be this way, what is true is that the image you convey can say a lot about you and about your professionalism, which is why the footwear plays a key role. But, who said that smart had to be uncomfortable? Here are a few ideas to being elegant without compromising your well-being.

• Low heels or kitten heels: If you are someone who enjoys adding a little bit of height, but you prefer not to wear heels that give you vertigo, the kitten heels are your best allies. Having a height of between 4 and 6 cm, they are elegant enough for any important meeting, but also comfortable for a busy day.
• Loafers: They are the revamped classics that never go out of fashion. They are ideal for anyone who wants a sophisticated and minimalist style, and they give you the comfort that you need for those long days sitting in front of the computer or running from one meeting room to another. You can find them in soft leather or patent leather, to add an elegant touch to your outfit.
• Leather ankle boots with a square heel: For the coldest times of the year, ankle boots are the perfect option. The plain leather or suede models with a square heel combine style and comfort. They are usually more stable and, what is more, they add that elegant touch that is always welcome in formal settings. Don’t hesitate to combine them with a trouser or skirt suit!
• Flat leather boots: If you prefer to avoid heels and you want something more comfortable, flat leather boots in neutral tones (such as black or brown) are perfect for an elegant and sober look. They go very well with midi dresses or pleated trousers, and they add a modern touch to a smart outfit. What is more, they are an excellent option in the coldest months of the year, preserving sophistication without having to sacrifice comfort.

Remember, the key in these environments is to maintain an elegant and classic line, choosing neutral colours such as black, beige or maroon. This is how you can look professional and be comfortable all day long.

Creative jobs or in Agencies: Innovation with a Professional Touch

If your office is a creative agency or a place where innovation is the daily routine, you are in luck because you can play around with your style and be a bit more daring. Here, the key is to combine comfort with a touch of originality, always maintaining a professional air, but without being scared of standing out in the crowd. The rules are more flexible, and you can see that in the footwear!

• Minimalist sneakers: Sports shoes are no longer exclusively worn in the gym. A pair of minimalist sneakers in neutral tones or with metal trim might be the perfect option for those days when you know that you will have to be in constant movement, but you want to look chic. They are great with a pair of skinny jeans or even with a midi dress. And the best: comfort is guaranteed.
• Flat ankle boots or boots with original trim: In a creative environment, a pair of flat boots with unique trim, such as decorative buckles, visible zips or eye-catching materials such as patent leather, might be the perfect choice. These boots add a touch of personality and originality, and they are still comfortable enough to be worn all day long. Ideal for anyone who wants to excel with their style without compromising practicality.
• Mules with a low heel: Mules are perfect for an environment where fashion and comfort come together. Choose a pair with a small heel to add a dash of height without compromising your comfort. Mules with flashy details, such as prints or bright colours, can add that touch of originality that goes down so well in a creative setting.

The flexibility in these jobs enables you to explore combinations and play around with styles, but it is important to find the balance between the bold and the professional. Think about versatile pieces that let you express your personality, without losing the sophistication.

Work moving around: Practical and Functional

If your job involves being in constant movement, whether it is helping customers in retail, in sales or paying visits outside the office, the number one priority is comfort. However, that does not mean that you must sacrifice your style. There is a wide variety of options that combine practicality with an elegant touch, so that you feel comfortable and professional all day.

• Ballet pumps with padded insoles: Ballet pumps are a classic for those who are always on the move and want to look elegant. Make sure that you choose models that come with padded insoles and flexible outsoles so that your feet don’t get tired at the end of the day. You can also choose designs with trim such as buckles, bows, or textures that add a touch of sophistication without compromising comfort. They are perfect to go with midi skirts or slim fit trousers.
• Flat chunky sole ankle boots or boots: At the coldest time of the year, ankle boots and boots are a must in any shoe closet. Choose models with chunky soles that not only protect you from the cold and slippery surfaces, they also add a modern touch to your look. Choose durable materials such as leather or suede, which are sturdy enough to withstand a long busy day. This type of footwear is a versatile option that you can combine with jeans, smart trousers or even a knit dress.
• Smart sneakers: If you enjoy the comfort of sneakers but you need something a bit more structured to look professional, go for leather or chamois leather models. Smart sneakers provide the comfort of a sports shoe with an elegant finish that is required in the work environment. Choose neutral tones such as black, grey or beige so that they go with any outfit easily. Perfect for days at work where you are constantly moving around and style is still important.

The key in these jobs is finding footwear that lets you move around freely without losing your style.  Give priority to quality materials, comfortable insoles and outsoles that support the impact of each step well. In this way, not only will you be comfortable, you will also convey a professional image in each step that you take.

Casual settings: Relaxation and Versatility

Working in a more relaxed environment, such as in start-ups, co-workings or companies with a flexible organisational culture, gives you the chance to play around more with your style and choose footwear options that mix comfort and coolness, without losing that touch of sophistication. In these settings, versatility is the key, and the best of all is that you can show off your personality through your footwear while you stay comfortable all day long.

• Chelsea boots: Chelsea boots are a classic that never fails. Their minimalist design and the ease of putting them on and taking them off make them perfect for an informal but stylish look. They are ideal to go with tight fitting jeans or midi skirts, and thanks to their flat design, you can move around in them in total comfort. For an extra touch of style, you can choose models in neutral tones or be daring with textures like patent leather or suede.
• Platform sandals: In the hottest months of the year, platform sandals become your best friends. They add height without sacrificing comfort, and they are super versatile. You can combine them with summer dresses or cropped trousers for a carefree, but chic look. The platforms also help you create an informal style that has a young modern touch to it.
• Slip-on shoes: If there is one type of footwear that stands for the combination of a relaxed and practical style to perfection, it is the slip-on shoes. This type of slip-on sneaker without laces is perfect for anyone who is constantly moving around and wants an easy option to put on and take off. They are ideal for casual looks; they go perfectly with jeans, skirts and even two piece suits in a more relaxed atmosphere. You can choose plain designs or play around with prints to add a personal touch to your outfit.

In these settings, fashion is more flexible, so your footwear can be an extension of your personal style. Choose comfortable options, but don’t forget that touch of elegance and versatility that will help you be ready for any occasion, whether it is an unexpected meeting or an after work gathering with your workmates.

Extra Tips to Choose the Best Footwear

Choosing the right footwear for work is not always simple, especially when you want a balance between comfort and style. However, there are some key points that can make your decision easier and guarantee that each step you take is as comfortable as it is elegant. Here are a few extra tips to ensure you make the right choice:

• Make comfort a priority: However pretty a pair of shoes might be, if they are not comfortable, you will end up suffering the whole day long. Make sure that the footwear you choose has padded insoles and non-slip outsoles, especially if you have to be on your feet all day moving around from one place to another. Comfort does not have to be compromised due to the style, and nowadays there are many options that provide both.
• Versatility above all: Investing in versatile footwear is an excellent strategy, especially if you are looking for pieces that you can use in different contexts at work. A pair of elegant ankle boots or a pair of minimalist sneakers can adapt to a day at the office, a meeting outside or an informal dinner. Choose models in neutral colours such as black, grey or beige, which easily go with any outfit.
• Quality over quantity: Sometimes it is better to have fewer pairs of quality shoes than many pairs that do not last. Invest in durable materials such as leather, suede, which not only add a touch of sophistication, they also last longer and adapt to the foot better over time. Furthermore, the quality in the finishes and the details is clear, which adds points on to your professional image.
• Adapt the footwear to each season: Not all shoes are right to wear all year round. Boots and ankle boots are perfect for the winter, while sandals and mules work better in hotter months. Bearing in mind the climate and the season will help you choose the most appropriate footwear for each moment, without having to compromise your style or your comfort.
• Play with the details: Sometimes, what makes all the difference in a look is that tiny detail that adds personality to your footwear. Buckles, bows, textures or even a touch of colour in a neutral shoe might enhance your outfit effortlessly. Be bold and incorporate tiny details that convey your personal style, but without losing the elegance required in your work environment.