Business casual dress codes give you plenty of flexibility, but picking the right footwear can still take some careful consideration. While classics like loafers, flats, and heels are always a safe choice, women’s sandals can also work in many office settings.

Whether sandals are a good fit depends on your company’s culture, industry norms, and the sandals’ style. Factors like design, support, and overall presentation play a big role in making sandals office-appropriate. A well-made pair with a sleek, professional design can look just as polished as traditional business casual shoes—and will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Ready to expand your business casual wardrobe? Continue reading for tips on how to wear sandals in the office in a way that keeps your work wardrobe both comfortable and professional.

Understanding Business Casual: Where Do Sandals Fit In?

Business casual strikes a balance between professional and relaxed attire, offering employees flexibility while maintaining a polished appearance. Though the definition of business casual can vary between workplaces, it generally includes slacks, blouses, button-down shirts, and closed-toe shoes.

Footwear is a key component of a business casual dress code; the right pair of shoes can elevate an outfit and ensure a refined, office-ready look. Classic women’s business casual shoe options include:

• Loafers
• Oxfords
• Ballet flats 
• Heels

Walking sneakers and overly casual sandals may not align with office attire expectations. However, some employers allow certain types of sandals, provided that they’re professional and well-made. In relaxed settings, sandals with supportive soles and sophisticated designs may be appropriate, though corporate offices often encourage more traditional footwear choices to align with their business casual dress code.

Key Factors That Determine If Sandals Are Office-Appropriate

So, are sandals business casual? That likely depends on your workplace and its company culture. The appropriateness of sandals in the workplace can also depend on the shoes themselves—including their style, material, and structure.

Ultimately, the key to wearing sandals in a business casual office is selecting designs that are structured, high-quality, and aligned with workplace expectations. Here’s a look at some of the key factors to keep in mind when considering whether to wear sandals to the office:

Style and Design

Not all sandals convey a professional appearance. Sleek, minimalistic styles, such as Vionic’s Chardonnay Heeled Sandal, are generally more suitable for office wear. Slingbacks or structured peep-toes are other elegant, office-appropriate options.

Additionally, choosing a closed-toe sandal style or a more polished silhouette can help maintain a professional look.

Material and Structure

A sandal’s material plays a significant role in determining its workplace appropriateness. High-quality leather, suede, or structured fabric sandals are more likely to be accepted in a business casual environment. Well-constructed sandals with sturdy soles and supportive straps also contribute to a more polished appearance.

On the other hand, rubber, plastic, or overly embellished styles can make an outfit look too informal for a professional setting. Leave your plastic flip flops and strappy sandals for the beach or the boardwalk.

Industry Norms and Company Culture

Dress codes vary across industries, and what is acceptable in a creative agency might not be suitable for a corporate law firm.

Some workplaces embrace a more relaxed dress code, allowing stylish sandals, while others prefer traditional footwear. Observing what colleagues wear and reviewing company guidelines can help determine whether sandals align with your office’s business casual setting.

How to Choose the Right Sandals for a Professional Look

To select the right sandals for a business casual office, you must balance style, sophistication, and professionalism. Here are the best practices to follow when choosing office-appropriate sandals:

Focus on Polished Appearance

When choosing sandals for the office, aim for a style that looks intentional and refined rather than overly casual. Sandals with clean lines, minimal embellishments, and a structured silhouette help maintain a professional image.

If you’re trying to figure out how to choose comfortable heels for everyday wear, consider opting for wedge sandals that offer the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. A slight heel or sturdy wedge sole, like Vionic’s Calera Wedge sandal, helps to elevate everyday sandals, making it look like you’re on your way to work—not the beach. Instead of slip-on sandals or flip-flop styles that resemble beachwear, look for styles with secure straps, buckle closures, or a closed heel for added sophistication.

Stick to Neutral Colors and Classic Designs

Color choice is just as important as style when selecting business-appropriate sandals. Neutral tones offer versatility and professionalism, including:

• Black
• White
• Beige
• Navy blue
• Taupe
• Sage green

These shades are timeless and easy to match with various outfits, allowing you to create a cohesive, coordinated look that feels appropriate for the workplace. Neutral colors add balance to a business casual outfit, ensuring your sandals don’t stand out but still complement your overall appearance.

Additionally, classic designs such as simple straps, a low heel, or a closed-toe shoe option can further elevate a look, ensuring that your sandals align with business casual expectations.

By sticking to these foundational colors and designs, you avoid drawing too much attention to your footwear, allowing the focus to remain on your entire ensemble. Even better, these sandal styles can easily transition from day to night, making them a great investment for office attire.

Ensure a Proper Fit for Comfort and Professionalism

A well-fitting sandal not only looks more polished but also provides all-day comfort. Ill-fitting shoes may not look as flattering and may even cause discomfort or foot strain.

Look for sandals with proper arch support, cushioned soles, and secure straps to ensure a comfortable fit. If you have naturally broader feet, you may want to opt for sandals with a wider sole and footbed.

Styling Sandals for the Workplace: Outfit Tips and Tricks

Wearing sandals in the office can be a refreshing alternative to closed-toe shoes, but styling them in a way that suits your work environment is key. Consider these tips on what to wear to work to make sure your sandals pair well with your office attire:

Pair with Tailored Pants or Dresses

A simple and effective way to incorporate sandals into workwear is to pair them with tailored dress pants, skirts, or dresses. Slim or straight-leg trousers work especially well with structured sandals, creating a neat, balanced look.

For dresses and skirts, choose simple, midi-length, or knee-length options to ensure they’re office-appropriate. The clean lines of your clothing can complement the clean lines of your sandals, seamlessly bringing together the overall look.

Match with a Chic Top or Blouse

Balance out the casual vibe of sandals by pairing them with more structured tops, such as:

• Button-down blouses
• Fitted sweaters
• Blazers

These pieces add a layer of style and elegance that can elevate an entire outfit. A tucked-in blouse or a top with a slightly tailored silhouette can help keep your look neat and sophisticated. For a more refined look, consider choosing a blouse with subtle details, like a pleated or ruffled design, to add visual interest while still maintaining professionalism.

Fitted sweaters, especially in neutral tones, can make your ensemble both cozy and office-appropriate. Blazers, whether in a classic cut or a more relaxed style, can further balance the casualness of sandals, giving your outfit a tailored and purposeful look.

Stick to Neutral or Simple Accessories

When wearing sandals, consider minimizing your other accessories or opt for neutral pieces.

A simple leather bag, a structured briefcase, or understated jewelry like stud earrings or a sleek watch can complement your look when you’re heading into the office. Avoid overly chunky or loud accessories that may clash with the elegance of your sandals.

Sandals to Avoid: Styles That Don’t Work for the Office

While sandals can be a great addition to your work wardrobe, some styles are best worn on the weekend. Here are a few to avoid for the office:

• Flip flops – Flip flops are the epitome of casual footwear, making them unsuitable for most office environments. The casual nature of flip-flops’ thong design can make your outfit look too laid-back, potentially giving the impression that you’re not taking your professional setting seriously.

• Intricate and strappy sandals – Sandals with excessive straps or those that reveal too much of the foot often appear too informal for the workplace. Opt for more structured styles with fewer straps that offer a simpler, neater appearance.

• Unprofessional materials – Rubber or plastic sandals can be too casual for the office. These materials often look more suited for beach or poolside settings rather than a professional environment. Stick to leather, faux leather, or high-quality suede for a more work-appropriate look.

Choosing the right sandals will help you maintain a comfortable yet appropriate appearance at the office. By selecting well-made sandals with clean lines, neutral colors, and structured designs, you can confidently incorporate them into your business casual wardrobe.

Find the Perfect Fit for the Office with Vionic

Style, comfort, and professionalism—Vionic offers some of the most comfortable shoes to wear to work. Known for our supportive designs and chic styles, we craft every sandal with orthotic Vio Motion technology, making them ideal for long hours at the office and midday coffee runs.

From structured, closed-toe sandals to sleek and minimalist options, you’ll find shoe styles that blend seamlessly with your outfit, whether you’re headed to brunch or the boardroom. Explore our collection to discover the perfect fit for your work wardrobe.

Sources: 

Indeed. What Is Business Casual Attire? (With Examples and Tips). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-casual-attire

Ladders. Work dress codes: Business casual women examples. https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/work-dress-codes-business-casual-women-examples