This fall promises to be a season of transition — not only in terms of the weather forecast but also in terms of a (possible) hybrid WFH/in-office plan. With that in mind, you'll likely need a refresher in the work shoe department. After all, your feet have had an 18-month break from business casual. (No one knows you're wearing bunny slippers on Zoom.)
If you're on the hunt for a new pair of work shoes that may catch an IRL compliment or two, look no further. For this edition of Hype Machine, we sourced several of the highest-rated office-friendly shoes on the internet. Read on to hear more about them from actual customers who were in search of chic and comfortable footwear for their respective workplaces — and lived to tell all about their "sole"-mates.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Booties
Best Chelsea Boot
With a sensible 1.5" heel, pull-on style, and a chic pointed toe, this versatile bootie will pull together any kind of work outfit you're assembling. The Yale also comes in a few suede browns and white or tan leather.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 48 reviews on bloomingdales.com
What They're Saying: "I love these boots so much, I just bought a second pair!!! The first pair is still in great shape but I wanted to make sure I'd have a backup pair. They have become my go-to for casual, chic, dress-up or down. Perfect for travel—very comfortable, slip-on and off. Great quality!" – rtevents, aerosoles.com reviewer
Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Booties, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85
Best High Heel Pumps
Stilettos typically aren't classified as "comfortable," but 339 reviewers of this heel beg to differ. With built-in arch support and 6mm of cushy footbed padding, this professional pump is a fan fave of the working set.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 339 reviews on sarahflint.com
What They're Saying: "The best pump I have ever tried. I am completely hooked and I can’t wait to get more pairs in every color!
Truly a genius design and the comfort level is unparalleled when compared to my other pumps." – Isabel, sarahflint.com reviewer
Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85, $, available at Sarah Flint
Aerosoles East Side
Best Loafer
Wanna talk comfort? This work loafer is made with Aerosoles' impact-absorbing soles, memory foam footbeds, and padded insoles. Take note, however: Though over 400 reviewers give this style a thumbs up, they do recommend sizing up.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 413 reviews on aerosoles.com
What They're Saying: "The bone color loafer surprisingly ended up being my favorite! I get compliments every time I wear this color. These shoes are so comfortable. I bought all three colors for work and I do not regret it! These will be a staple in my closet, especially with fall quickly approaching." – Brianna, aerosoles.com reviewer
Situated comfortably between the ankle bootie and the knee-high, this lace-up mid-calf option has a grippy lugsole, sturdy 3.25" block heel, and a side zip for easy on-off wear.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 318 reviews on amazon.com
What They're Saying: "Finally bought these because I trust the brand Naturalizer to be comfortable. They fit perfectly and, true to the reputation of the brand, they are so comfortable. Indeed this is a beautifully made boot. I am very pleased and happy to find them." – amazon.com reviewer
Naturalizer Callie Mid Shaft Calf Boot, $, available at Amazon
Soft Style Angel II
Best Low Heel Pumps
Grandma chic in the best way possible, this lightweight vegan leather pump has a modest 1.25" heel and a padded insole for all-day comfort. And it comes in many colors and finishes!
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 1,222 reviews on zappos.com
What They're Saying: "This is a classic shoe, should be in every professional woman's closet, a well fitted and feminine comfortable shoe. I have wide feet and they fit like a glove, not too tight, and unlike some flats/low heels, they do not rub and are not stiff, nor do they gap at midfoot when walking. I bought two other pairs, but I made the mistake of buying them a half size shorter than usual. These really do fit true to size for wide widths. Wish you had more wide sizes in the croc colors, I'd buy them all!" – Cathron, zappos.com reviewer
Soft Style Soft Style Angel II, $, available at Zappos
Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
Best Oxford Shoes
Hefty and made to last a long time, these Docs are more work-appropriate than the OG lace-up combat boots. Reviewers of this style range from young to old, with the latter raving about how these oxfords are as comfy and supportive as their very first pair of Docs from decades earlier.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 918 reviews on drmartens.com
What They're Saying: "I have been wearing Dr. Martens since I was in high school. This is my first pair of oxfords. I am a chef and on my feet long hours. These are great shoes for my job." – Devin, drmartens.com reviewer
Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens
LEATHERWORLDDesigns Heeled Clogs
Best Heeled Clog
A heeled clog is sure to be a secret weapon when it comes to work shoes because they're not only super stylish and forever trendy, they're also unbelievably comfortable. This Etsy clog shop is currently tracking at 21,594 sales, and this particular style, with a rubberized sole and chunky platform, is a high-ranked bestseller.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 3,483 reviews on etsy.com
What They're Saying: "I now own six pairs of these AMAZING clogs, between low and high heeled. Yes, six pairs because they are that amazing. Not only do I get nonstop compliments on each and every one of them, they are just so comfortable. I have knee issues, and plantar fasciitis and it is the very first heel I've been able to wear comfortably with no swelling and no pain." – BrownMelo, etsy.com reviewer
LEATHERWORLDDesigns Heeled Wooden Clogs, $, available at Etsy
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove
Best Ballet Flat
This sturdy flat comes in seven neutral colors and (at the moment) two limited-edition colors.
The Hype: 4.56 out of 5 stars and 6,308 reviews on everlane.com
What They're Saying: "Amazingly simple and chic. These flats are incredible. Perfectly made for a comfortable fit with a few air holes to help keep the air flowing while you go about your day. The colors are great. Perfect for a casual, work or vacation vibe. Will definitely be buying in more colors." – sfmama, everlane.com reviewer
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove, $, available at Everlane
Franco Sarto Gardenia Boot
Best Knee-High Boot
Don't let the height (of either the boot or heel) deter you — this skyscraper style has received a firm stamp of approval from comfort-seeking shoe wearers. Bonus: This Gardenia — available in black and burgundy leather — is currently on sale!
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 193 reviews on dsw.com
What They're Saying: "Surprisingly comfy for this tall heel. Fits snug in the calf - goes to just under the knee. And they look great!" – MomOf1, dsw.com reviewer
Customers love this shoe as a dupe for the (much) more expensive Gucci horsebit mule — and, right now, this style is on major sale across all colors and patterns.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 101 reviews on samedelman.com
What They're Saying: "I've been looking for a white mule that fits, looks high quality, and is affordable for a while. I ordered the Sam Edelman Linnie Bit Mule as soon as I discovered it and it's exceeded my expectation. This shoe is extremely comfortable and versatile. I love that I can wear them to work, out to brunch, or to church and during every season in Texas! They also put a grippy texture at the ball of the foot so your feet don't slip out when you walk or get sweaty - genius! I can't say enough good things about this Mule." – Tayfro, samedelman.com reviewer
Sam Edelman LINNIE BIT MULE, $, available at Sam Edelman
Cole Haan GrandPrø Rally Court Sneaker
Best White Sneaker
If you're looking for a commuter sneaker or if your workplace is casual enough for kicks, these sleek tennis shoes are polished and neutral enough to go with any office outfit.
The Hype: 4.68 out of 5 stars and 340 reviews on colehaan.com
What They're Saying: "Fun to wear, fashionable shoe, that is lightweight with a little bit of structure. If you're looking for a shoe to wear during the day while running errands, this shoe is perfect for that." – Jge2469, colehaan.com reviewer
Working 9-to-5 comes with enough challenges. Finding work-appropriate clothes that fit plus-size folks well shouldn't be one of them. With the prospect of going into the office becoming a not-so-distant reality, you may be realizing your work-friendly wardrobe needs a refresh. But you also don't want to don a new button-up only to realize mid-race-for-the-subway that your boobs have caused the buttons to pop open.
Forget the nightmare of unflattering stretch material and gaping button-ups. With the growth of plus-size clothing options, it actually isn’t completely impossible to find a great work outfit that’s equally cute and functional. From blazers to button-ups to comfy professional dresses, these workwear picks are exactly what you need to beef up your professional wardrobe. They'll keep you looking cute even on days when your 9-to-5 is more like an 8-to-7-or-later.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Universal Standard Eco Rio Blazer
This black blazer from Universal Standard is the only one you'll ever need. It's a classic that can be dressed up and down. And its not surprising: The brand is very good for elevated basics like these that you'll wear over and over again.
Target is known for killing the casual clothing game with impressive designer collabs. That means you can snag sophisticated pair of paper bag pants for less than $50.
Mango Double-breasted gilet, $, available at Mango
Eloquii Rib Collar Sweater Dress
Knits are having a moment! This killer collared number from Eloquii is just a taste of the amazing lineup of dresses they have that can go from work to happy hour drinks.
Eloquii Rib Collar Sweater Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Eloquii Kady Fit Double-Weave Pant
The Kady pant is one of Eloquii's most popular styles. It's available in tall, short, and regular inseams. If you need a little more room in the stomach or hips than regular fitting styles call for, the Kady pant comes in the Genna and Viola fit to accommodate all body types.
ASOS DESIGN Curve ASOS DESIGN Curve jersey slim kick flare suit pant, $, available at ASOS
Madewell Plus Tie-Waist Military Jumpsuit
A pair of coveralls in a natural color like these are a versatile wardrobe staple — and can totally be worn to work. Cuff the legs, throw on a cute pair of pumps, and slide on a small neck scarf to really make this outfit work for you.
When Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wore a lime green belt cinched high around her upper abdomen with a low-waisted tropical-print skirt, a pink midriff-baring button-down, and a tumbleweed-inspired headpiece in Sex and the City (Season 4, Episode 15), viewers’ brows furrowed. Even for Carrie — whose best-known outfits include a Kermit green mini skirt with a bustle and a bandeau bra paired with a cowboy hat — wearing something as utilitarian as a belt in a way that serves zero physical purpose is questionable at best.
Even SATC costume designer Patricia Field was thrown off by the look — and she created it. “The show ran for six years and there were about 24 episodes a season, so that’s a lot of outfits, but I only have one where I look at it and say, ‘Eh,'” she told Repeller in 2018. “She was wearing a skirt and a crop top, and I threw a belt around her… waist.”
What’s more puzzling about the look, though, is the fact that 20 years after Carrie’s choice of waist accessory left millions scratching their heads, people are now seemingly warming up to the idea of wearing belts, not to keep their pants up, but rather as a device to make their outfit look pretty or otherwise eye-catching. For one reason or another, unnecessary belts are indeed a trend in 2021.
In July, Olivia Rodrigo headed to the White House to convince her fellow members of Gen Z that the vaccine is “Good 4 U.” For the occasion, she wore a pink plaid skirt suit from Chanel’s spring ‘95 collection, paired with white Giuseppe Zanotti platforms and a silver Chanel chain belt that was attached to nothing at all. In the days following her national TV appearance, global fashion shopping platform Lyst reported a 121% week-over-week surge in searches for look-alike waist ornaments.
According to Dr. Carolyn Mair, a cognitive psychologist who specializes in fashion, we’re currently experiencing a similar zeitgeist to the early aughts, which was marked by fear of unknown advances in tech, global economic and political problems, and terrorism. Those fears remain present today, but with the added stressors of a pandemic. “With fear comes excitement — fear agitates,” Mair tells Refinery29. She says that in such instances, there are three reactions: stay and fight, run away, or simply stay the same, ignoring the realities in front of you. “Fashion doesn’t stay the same, and fashion followers have decided to fight: to be seen and to go for every opportunity to be seen that comes their way.” In turn, stylish individuals during this time of upheaval have turned to over-the-top fashion — flashy belts included — even if their justification for wearing it is purely based on style.
Today, we’re “fighting” for something a bit different than we were in March 2020. Then, we dressed for our personal safety, wearing clothing that could protect us: masks, of course, but also stay-away-from-me shoulders and cumbersome boots that looked ready for the apocalypse. We carried big bags and our clothes featured even bigger pockets so that we had all possible necessities on us at any given time. Now, we’re pursuing the freedoms we got a taste of after lockdown restrictions ended in the U.S. and vaccines became readily available. Those freedoms include the liberty to wear whatever we please, without the need to consider safety when getting dressed.
“Some people are dressing more frivolously and in a more fun way as an expression of freedom and excitement at their newfound ability to socialize as they wish.”
Dr. Dawnn Karen, fashion psychologist and the author of Dress Your Best Life: How to Use Fashion Psychology to Take Your Look — and Your Life — to the Next Level, believes that unnecessary belts are directly tied to this. According to her, belts that only function as decor symbolize the freedom to wear things that 365-plus days ago, we couldn’t — or at least had no use for. Mair agrees: “Some people are dressing more frivolously and in a more fun way as an expression of freedom and excitement at their newfound ability to socialize as they wish.”
“We spent over a year never hearing a compliment,” she says, “of no one saying, ‘Oh, I love your blouse,’ or ‘Cute dress.’” Now that we’ve been able to experience those types of external affirmations again, it will be difficult to return to solitude. For that reason, Karen says that many are loading up on accessories, whether they serve a purpose or not, because, as scary as it sounds, “the clock is ticking.”
But while we can blame the trend cycle for most of the aforementioned Y2K trends, there’s something more bewildering about an item as utilitarian and practical as a belt being worn for decorative purposes only. Then again, with the fear of another lockdown looming, maybe we should spend a little less time worrying about things as inconsequential as an aesthetically pleasing belt, and a little more time enacting whatever sartorial chaos makes getting dressed more enjoyable.
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No promo code is required, you can get these steep discounts for a super limited time only. We're letting you know about this super sale now so you can catch the best drops and snatch them up before they're all gone. But because we know how hard weeding through all those sales can be, we've curated our top choices from this layering-heaven of a sale.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
J. Crew 8" toothpick jean in Vista wash, $, available at J. Crew
J. Crew Essential wide-sleeve T-shirt, $, available at J. Crew
J. Crew Silk cotton voile pintuck top in blooming floral, $, available at J. Crew
J. Crew New Remi pant in bi-stretch cotton, $, available at J. Crew
J. Crew Weekender Montauk tote, $, available at J. Crew
J. Crew Mariner cloth tank top, $, available at J. Crew
Though we love Girlfriend Collective’ssustainable apparel for working out, its activewear basics are good for way more than that. Its super flex leggings, sports bras, and workout apparel made from recycled plastic bottles are good-looking enough we’ve given them the designation of “athleisure.” GC pieces are so stylish and quick-drying that we’ll unabashedly keep them on all day, from the studio to the streets.
Lucky for us leggings-as-pants fans, Girlfriend Collective’s latest drop, The New Essentials, consists of soft, sturdy pieces specifically made for working and hanging out. Ideal for low- to medium-impact exercises, the New Essentials unveils brand-new styles in sizes XXS through 6XL. The High Neck Longline Bra, the Compressive Cami Top, and the Barre Unitard all come in the brand’s signature compressive fabric. Additionally, the collection includes pieces from the fan-fabric ripstop fabric, including shorts, a windbreaker, and pants. The New Essentials is offered in the brand’s core colors of Ivory, Black, Moss, and Earth, an effortless palette for mixing and matching.
Scroll on to learn more about every style in this collection, available to shop now.
The newest bra to emerge from the Girlfriend family, this style has an additional mesh layer which makes it compressive enough to support boobs throughout activities like spinning and tennis.
This is a shorter-length version of the Scoop Unitard, but with thinner straps and a slight V-neck. It may be called the Barre Unitard, but we have a million other ideas for this wear-with-everything layering piece.
These woven ripstop jackets are perfect for transitional weather. Slightly cropped and with a hood, this jacket is the lightweight outerwear of our dreams.
With a slightly longer silhouette than the Track Jacket, the Peregrine Windbreaker (with a hideable hood) is designed to take on whatever outdoor activity is on your list, from hiking to walking your dog.
Unlike the Gazelle Short above, the Trail Short has a fluttery cut at the front, a small zip pocket in the back, and built-in compression bike shorts underneath.
Super cute, super flirty, and super supportive, this exercise skort with built-in compression shorts can handle the deepest squats and the chillest of laying-around sessions.
This windbreaker is similar to the men’s version on the site but has a cuter crop length. Plus, it comes with all the usual functionalities: a half-zip front, zip pockets, adjustable hem, and a hideable hood.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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