In 2024, what does “business casual shoes for women” mean? GenZ is rocking a fabulous wardrobe of sneakers, millennials are alternating between classy pumps and sneakers, and some women are not sticking to any rules.
Find Your Perfect Pair of Shoes
Whatever your style, taste, or generation, your shoes are important because dressing for success is a confidence-building exercise for women. So, we have a list of the best business casual shoes for women. We can help you find trendy shoes that fit the business casual criteria. From expensive pairs to more affordable ones, we have the top recommendations for professional shoes for women. These shoes also work effortlessly with the best women’s work tops and blouses, making them a no-brainer.
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What Shoes Are Considered Business Casual For a Woman?
The most important question to address is, what shoes are considered business casual for women? These are shoes you would typically wear if your work has a business casual dress code.
Business casual is simply a dress code that mixes both business and casual elements. And shoes can be an important part of the puzzle – they can give a casual outfit a professional edge or they can make a glamorous outfit feel more casual and comfortable. It is how you pair your shoes that make all the difference.
You may only have one pair of tennis shoes and think, how can I give my outfits an extra dimension? Here is how we define business casual shoes for women.
The criteria for business casual shoes for women:
- Classic: These are not one-season wonders, but have a timeless element.
- Professional and Versatile: These shoes can be paired with most items of clothing and still feel business casual – from jeans to dresses and smart pants.
- Empowering: Lastly, these shoes will make you feel stylish and confident – how you feel in them is arguably the most important criterion.
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The 5 Best Business Casual Shoes for Women in 2024
1. The Sneaker
(Image credit: @anoukyve)
Our list starts with the most comfortable and versatile shoe, the sneaker. Sneakers were once taboo for women in the workplace but now you will find a lot of people in tech spaces or startups wearing trusted sneakers. They can help you feel dynamic and if you pick the right ones, they can also help you to feel agile and trendy. The trick is to choose sneakers that are not too sporty and have a classic silhouette.
What to Wear with Sneakers: Sneakers are slightly more casual so pair them with smart work pants or a sleek blazer. In this way, you will look and feel effortlessly chic. Plus, you will nail the business casual dress code.
Recommended Sneakers:
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2. Loafers
Loafers are another timeless classic that can give an edge to any outfit. These shoes often have a bulky and chic look which elevates a plain white Tee or straight-leg jeans. The best loafers are comfortable, and you can decide the heel, color, and chunkiness of this sensational shoe.
What to Wear with Loafers: Loafers are so versatile, which means they can be paired with anything. They can elevate jeans, complement tailored pants, and work effortlessly with blazers.
Recommended Loafers:
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3. Pointed Ankle Boots with a Heel
Ankle boots are similar to loafers in that they are classic, versatile, and can elevate just about any outfit. They have been thought of as one of the best business casual shoes for women, and that trend isn’t stopping. They are sleek (especially if they are pointed), comfortable, and classy. You can also easily choose a color that goes with your existing wardrobe.
What to Wear with Ankle Boots: Sleek ankle boots with a heel can be worn with multiple styles of jeans – from skinny jeans to straight-leg jeans and even wide-leg jeans. That is what makes them so versatile.
Recommended Ankle Boots:
4. Ballet Flats
Are you looking for comfy work shoes for women? You may have seen the new trend, delicate ballet flats, and thought is this a one-season wonder? This style and variations are here to stick, and it is a great business casual shoe for women. They are trendy, understated, and comfortable. Plus, they will make you feel feminine, on point (literally), and polished. You can choose a ballet shoe that fits your style – think of a ribbon, a strap, or a slightly pointed toe.
What to Wear with These Shoes: Ballet flats work well with most outfits and are very versatile. They work particularly well with flowy pants, dresses, and skirts. If you like wearing dresses or skirts to work, grab a pair of these business casual shoes for women.
Recommended Ballet Flats:
5. Bold Block Heel
Last but not least, a pair of heels. When you were younger, you always saw powerful businesswomen in heels with a cappuccino in hand. While business casual doesn’t always mean a fully glam look, we added heels to the list because they can help you feel poised, powerful, and ready for action. They can help you when delivering a speech or pitch and in other crucial moments.
We recommend a bold block heel with a pointed or rounded toe, as they are modern and timeless. Block heels are comfortable and could help you avoid any clumsy or awkward moments. Ultimately, these shoes should make you feel confident, so choose your height accordingly.
What to Wear with These Shoes: Bold Block Heels are versatile and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg pants, dresses, and skirts. You can go for a business casual look by pairing them with heels or a go-getter glam look by pairing them with a business suit.
Recommended Block Heels:
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What Are The Top-rated women’s work shoes?
When choosing a pair of shoes to add to your work wardrobe, you need to think about your style and if they are both practical and empowering. Based on these strict criteria, here are the 5 best business casual shoes for women in 2024 and 20245:
- Everlane The Modern Loafer
- Vivaia Round-Toe Chunky Heels
- Ecco sneakers
- Square-Toe Mary-Jane (Margot Mary-Jane) Flats
- Thursday Boot Co. Downtown
Business Casual Shoes for Women Dos and Don’ts
Now that you know where to start, you can step into your style. But before you excitedly make your first purchase, there are some Dos and Don’ts that you should consider.
Dos
- Do consider the colors and clothes you already own and how these shoes will complement your wardrobe, as this can help you decide what colors and styles to choose.
- Do think about your personal style and what will make you feel comfortable and powerful. Luckily, these business casual shoes for women are versatile so they can be adapted to suit you!
- Do ask about your company’s dress code and think about their company culture as this can guide you when buying a pair of shoes.
- Do consider your budget, and what you are willing to spend
Don’ts
- Don’t impulsively buy shoes that you won’t feel comfortable wearing for more than one season
Don’t shrug off what shoes to wear, they can be a confidence-building tool so step into your power
Step into Success
These trendy and professional shoes for women can elevate your confidence and help you on your path to success. From loafers to sneakers and heels, there is something for every woman here. These timeless business casual shoes could even help you confidently climb the corporate ladder – from a junior team member to a powerful female leader. So, get one of these business casual shoes for women and put your best foot forward. These shoes could even help you become one of the most successful women in business.
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FAQs – Business Casual Shoes for Women in 2024
Are sneakers business casual?
If you choose a classic-looking sneaker and pair it with smarter elements, most companies classify sneakers as business casual and give them the go-ahead for office settings.
What are the most comfortable business casual shoes for women?
If you are looking for comfort and class, opt for a pair of loafers, sneakers, or boots. Brands like Clarks, Madwell, and Ecco have high-quality and comfortable business casual shoes for women. We recommend choosing a pair of modern loaders, comfortable flats, or block heels as these shoes are all practical, trendy, and empowering.
Can women wear open-toed shoes for business casual?
Your office may have its own definition of business casual but when in doubt, opt for closed-toe shoes as they are more polished and professional.
