16 Business Casual Shoes That Work Just as Well Outside the Office (2024)

FAQs

What is appropriate footwear for business casual? ›

In terms of footwear, there are a few options that are suitable for business casual. The most popular choice is dress shoes. These shoes can be made from a variety of materials such as leather or suede, and they come in different styles, including oxfords, loafers, and brogues.

Contrary to popular belief, it is absolutely possible to create a business casual outfit with sneakers. In fact, you can already see most people doing that today.

Simple is Always Safe

If you're unsure of how far to push the boundaries of office attire when wearing sneakers, start by matching your sneakers to a simple look. Try slacks and a one-color button-down shirt with neutral leather sneakers for a look that's trendy and office appropriate.

In all business formal and many business casual environments, closed-toe shoes are a must. Even in smart casual offices, this is usually true for men year round. For women, there are some more casual offices where it is acceptable to wear peep toes or nice leather sandals in the warmer months.

Flats are always a best option to wear for interviews as they reflect the overall personality of a women. For business casual interview, its preferred to wear black or brown closed toe flats or low heels.

Absolutely! Women can wear jeans as part of a business casual ensemble, provided they are well-fitted, in good condition, and of a darker wash.

The "Dress for Success" advice from the University of Toronto sums up business casual as "a classic, clean cut, and put together look where a full suit is not required," which means slacks, khakis, or skirts; blouses, polo shirts, or shirts with collar but no necktie; some sweaters; and closed-toe shoes.

Elevate your business casual look with the perfect pair of Converse shoes. Discover stylish outfit ideas that strike the perfect balance between professionalism and comfort.

Is it OK to work out in running shoes? ›

Running shoes are a popular choice, but they're not made for strength training, with their materials and shape not optimized for strength-based workouts. Unlike running, training requires stability, as your feet are the foundation for your strength.

Not only does wearing your trainers for everything under the sun wear them down faster, but it may also lead to injury depending on what activity you are participating in. “Running shoes are made for forward motion, not lateral motion,” says Bob Dyer, co-owner of a St. Louis shoe store called Running Niche.

To put it short - business casual is the idea of looking smart and professional, without having to wear a tie and a suit. There are a great deal of shoes that could fit into that category, such as oxfords, loafers, derby, monk strap, chelsea, chukka and certain dress boots.

Flowy dresses, loose tops, and wide-leg pants are great options for maintaining airflow. Light Colors: Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, helping to keep you cooler than dark colours that absorb heat. Choose pastels or neutral shades like white, beige, light blue, or soft pink to minimize heat absorption.

Still, there are no official rules about shoes in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no official policy about wearing sandals in an office environment, a fact that has spawned its own advocacy group, Barefoot is Legal.

Business casual includes trousers, pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, sweaters and sports coats. Accessories may include simple jewelry, belts or ties. Business casual shoes include loafers, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), mules, flats, Oxfords, boots and heels.

While sandals can be a great addition to your business casual wardrobe, there are some clothing items you should avoid pairing with them. These include overly casual attire like graphic t-shirts, shorts, or ripped jeans.

Business casual ideas

Slacks or business dress pants, khakis, chinos, knee-length skirts, dark jeans without holes. Button-down shirts, sweaters, blouses, henleys or polo shirts. Knee-length or maxi dresses. Optional cardigans, blazers or sport coats (especially for the colder months)

Yes, depending on the style and fit. Stick to well-tailored, crisp jeans—think classic slim or straight fits, skinny jeans, and boot cuts, avoiding baggy boyfriend fits or loose, stretched out jeans. Steer clear of denim with rips, frays, raw hems, or distressing.