5 Must-Have Shoes for Your Return to the Office: Combine Style and Comfort in 2024
In these more informal post-Covid days, the world has changed - and in some ways, it’s changed for the better. The days of power-dressing and big shoulders have been consigned to the dustbin of history and are unlikely to make a return any time soon. This leaves us with a bit of a style dilemma. As we work from home more, meet in cafes and enjoy a more casual lifestyle, women are coming to terms with what that means for them. As the style rules for “office-appropriate” fashion change with the times, it becomes harder and harder to understand exactly what’s appropriate and what isn’t. So, what are the rules for going back to the office now that summer's drawing to a close? Well the main one is that smart casual is back in style.
We’ve selected five crossover espadrille styles that we think can help the modern woman make an easy transition from casual work and home style to smart office style without sacrificing comfort or professionalism. So, here's a selection of “must-have” office espadrilles for women to help you with your return to work, combining style, comfort and natural materials. From formal wedges to versatile business casual espadrilles, these are the shoes that bridge the gap between work and home. The shoes that don’t sacrifice style for comfort. The shoes that will elevate your professional wardrobe to a new paradigm of style and comfort. Welcome to the world of comfortable espadrilles for work.
What are the best shoes for returning to the office?
The answer to this question will depend on the type of work you do and where you’re most likely to do it. These days, as we embrace more informal concepts such as working from home, the old rules have mostly gone out of the window. If you’re working in a formal environment or one where it’s important to look fashionable and cutting edge at all times, you might want more stylish, business-like shoes such as leather loafers. But, if you’re more of a hybrid worker who meets up for the occasional face-to-face meeting, you’ll want something with comfort at its core. And that’s where you might be looking for office shoes that deliver a better balance between style and comfort. Luckily, Viscata has a beautiful range of comfortable espadrilles for work that will keep you on top of this year’s footwear trends for women (and one step ahead of women’s fashion 2024) looking cool, casual and confident for anything that comes your way.
Can espadrilles be worn in a professional setting?
Yes. And luckily, espadrilles come in all shapes and sizes. Viscata has everything from beach shoes to office appropriate footwear. Viscata shoes are versatile enough for you to easily crossover from one style to another. But, as always, it’s situation-specific. If the dress code in your company is less formal, then office espadrilles for women are a fantastically flexible option for those days at work where a more casual vibe is required. Viscata’s range of office appropriate espadrilles offers options for all occasions including block heels, traditional wedges and espadrille flats. We also have business casual espadrilles in a range of different fabrics including suede, leather and traditional canvas. But of course, all of this may also depend on your individual office/company policy, so if in any doubt just check your company policy so you can step out in confidence. We recommend avoiding really bright or unusual color palettes when choosing office attire. Stay sensible with neutral colors such as beige, black or even white to avoid any office-based fashion faux-pas.
How do I choose between style and comfort in office footwear?
The good news is that you don’t have to. For example, if you look at Viscata’s latest Back to office collection, you’ll find everything from block heels to keep up with the latest catwalk vibes through to formal black suede espadrille wedges for those more serious office meetings where a more impactful presence is required. The holy grail of office dressing is to look smart while feeling comfortable. So this is not just about style, but it’s about the shape and build of the individual shoe you choose. Espadrilles are ideal for bridging this gap. Look for shoes that feature breathable cotton canvas, strong support, fashion flexibility and comfortable cushioning.
What are the top shoe trends for women in 2024?
This summer, a number of different shoe styles have caught the attention of the glossy fashion mags. Everything from confident block heels to fun ballet flats and from sandals with spaghetti straps to shoes that think they’re jewellery. But the one shoe style that comes up time after time and which never goes out of style is the traditional espadrille. And this year is no exception. These versatile shoes are still just as comfortable on the beach as they are in your home office. And these days, we have espadrilles in shapes and styles that you’ve never really expected before. From delicate slingback heels to tall statement wedges and from fabulously comfortable flats to more formal suede shoes in office-suitable colors such as beige, olive and black.
What shoes do you recommend to make the crossover?
With hundreds of different shoe styles, Viscata has curated some of its favorite flexible friends into its latest Back to work collection. This features dozens of models to help you to make the transition. We've chosen five of our favorites to save you some of the effort and we think we have all the bases covered if you're looking for comfortable espadrilles with a bit of extra power.
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Roses canvas V Cut Navy Blue
- make an impression with these Navy Blue stunners for a touch of classic style.Pair them with your favorite white long dress for a chic yet stylish look that's perfect for the office and beyond. These V-cut espadrille wedges with their medium wedge, closed pointed toe and comfortable insole are the perfect shoes if you’re looking for a little extra height without sacrificing comfort. If you're going to be on your feet all day, these shoes will envelop your feet in a soft embrace that will keep you looking good and feeling good all day long. Also available in beige and ash grey.
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Montroig Canvas Beige
- these gorgeously feminine shoes will make an impact wherever you go. Low wedge espadrille flats with a gentle heel and a beautiful pointed toe, these are the perfect way to transition from work to play. Equally comfortable in a team meeting or a cocktail bar, these comfortable shoes will keep you smiling wherever you are. Consider pairing them with a casual black dress for a more polished and professional office look. And with their low 1.5” natural jute wedge and delicate ankle strap, you’ll be elegance personified. Also available in Navy Blue and Black.
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Verona Suede Camel
- Inspired by the romance of Italy, these Verona Suede Wedges showcase Italian style and Spanish craftsmanship. Make an instant impact with these solid 2.5” suede wedges and allow their closed pointed toe design to add a touch of elegance to any outfit. And don’t forget, we’ve wrapped these beauties in premium suede and gave them flexible sides so that they’ll be the perfect match whatever your foot shape is. They’d look great with a plain oversized t-shirt and white jeans. The light colors create a fresh and modern vibe, making it a stylish yet relaxed choice for a casual office setting. Also available in Ash Grey and Black.
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Milan Suede Black
- our Milan leather heels are shoes for the city. With a low block heel, these slip-on shoes offer contemporary style with Italian flare. Comfortable enough for all day wearing, they feature a reinforced forefoot insole and soft cushioning in the heel area. Pair them with a tailored blazer and sleek straight pants for a look that says you mean business. We’ve also used a turned stitching technique to prevent chafing and discomfort. And of course, every pair is handmade in Spain by our artisans using years of experience to get it just right. Also available in Whiskey.
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Rubina Canvas Olive
- these stunning Rubina Limited Edition canvas espadrille flats are as comfortable as it gets. With a closed, pointed toe and a minimal heel, they sit on a traditional jute base for a simple look and a comfortable all-day experience. And of course, they’re wrapped in our 100% organic natural canvas and handmade in Spain by our skilled artisans. Beautiful shoes to set you apart from the crowd, we think they’d pair beautifully with a soft olive blouse and crisp white pants, creating a fresh and sophisticated palette that's effortlessly chic. Also available in White, Brown, Pink, Sky Blue and Garnet.
Are block heels comfortable for all-day wear?
Well here’s something interesting. Not only are block heels in fashion this year but they’re actually extremely comfortable. And they feel like the perfect answer for anybody wanting to make that crossover between home and office. Our Milan suede espadrilles feature attractive block heels and are inspired by the fashion capital of the world. But they also capture some of that urban energy that drives us along. Smart enough for a business meeting yet sophisticated enough for dinner afterwards, these shoes are sleek, elegant and bold enough to make a statement with every step. And because these are medium wedge shoes, they’re really easy to walk in. If comfort is your thing, then these business casual shoes have a reinforced forefoot insole and extra soft cushioning in the heel for added luxury, comfort and well-being. With a minimal 1.5” low block heel and flexible sides, these comfortable work shoes will give you all the comfort you need for those long business meetings and will adapt to all shapes and sizes of feet. An elegant, pointed toe, turned stitching and artisan craftsmanship make these the shoes you need to add to your wardrobe this year for versatility, comfort and style all year round.
