Yes! You Can Wear Sneakers to Work—Here’s How
Gone are the days when office attire meant stiff dress shoes and uncomfortable heels. Today, there’s a shift towards more comfortable yet stylish footwear in office settings, and sneakers are leading the way. Whether you're navigating a business casual environment or working in a more creative space, incorporating sneakers into your work wardrobe is not only acceptable but also fashionable.
The key to rocking sneakers at work lies in balancing casual and formal elements. Such as pairing white sneakers with a tailored blazer and black pants for a polished yet relaxed look. Or think about wearing a sleek pair of low-top sneakers with a midi skirt and a button-down shirt. The right pair of sneakers can elevate your outfit while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Check out my Style in the Workplace blog series for more outfit inspiration and tips on navigating office dress codes with style.
Why Sneakers Work in 2024
In 2024, office dress codes are more flexible than ever. The trend is all about mixing casual and formal pieces to create outfits that are both stylish and functional. This evolution means that sneakers, once relegated to casual Fridays and gym sessions, are now a staple in many work wardrobes. Whether you prefer classic white leather sneakers, sporty designs, or dressy options, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
Top Picks for Office Sneakers:
White Sneakers
Timeless and versatile, they pair well with almost any outfit.
Cole Haan
Women’s Grand Crosscourt
Sneakers
$160.00
Black Sneakers
Sleek and sophisticated, perfect for a more formal look.
Tory Burch
T Monogram Ladybug Sneakers
$288
Dress Sneakers
These combine the comfort of sneakers with the style of dress shoes, offering the best of both worlds.
Dolce Vita
Zina Sneakers
$125
Outfit Ideas to Get You Started
Blazer + Tailored Trousers + White Sneakers
A crisp blazer paired with tailored trousers and white sneakers creates a smart casual look. This outfit strikes the perfect balance between professional and comfortable.
Styling Tip: Stick to neutral colors for a cohesive and professional outfit. Comfortable shoes like white sneakers add a touch of casual style to your work clothes, making them perfect for a casual office environment.
Vici Collection
Bolton Sleevless Blazer
$52.00
J.Crew
Wide-leg Essential Pant In Linen
$98.00
Dolce Vita
Zina Sneakers (WHITE BLACK LEATHER)
$125.00
Midi Dress + Blazer + White Sneakers
Combine a midi dress with the structure of a blazer and the comfort of white sneakers. This look is ideal for a casual Friday or any relaxed office day.
Styling Tip: Choose a dress with a subtle pattern and a solid-colored blazer for balance. This sneaker outfit works well with comfy sneakers that have clean designs.
Vici X Amber
Meadow Pleated Linen Midi Dress
$68
Tuckernuck
Black Miller Dickey Jacket
$695
Dolce Vita
Dolen Pearl Sneakers
$165
Pencil Skirt + Blouse + Minimalist Sneakers
A pencil skirt with a sophisticated blouse and minimalist sneakers is sleek and professional. It's the right outfit for maintaining a formal look with a hint of casual comfort.
Styling Tip: Match the color of the sneakers to the blouse for a cohesive outfit. Opt for smart casual sneakers to keep the look polished.
Old Navy
High-Waisted Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt
$34.99
HYACINTH HOUSE
Tan Smocked High Neck Nadine Blouse
$128
Dolce Vita
Jhenee Espadrille Sneakers
$140
A-Line Dress + Cardigan + Statement Sneakers
An A-line dress, a cozy cardigan, and bold statement sneakers add fun to your office look. Perfect for a creative environment where you can express your personal style.
Styling Tip: Keep accessories minimal to let the sneakers stand out. This outfit can be complemented with casual pieces like a work tote.
TUCKERNUCK
Chartreuse Colette Cardigan
$188
Tailored Jumpsuit + White Sneakers
A tailored jumpsuit with classic white sneakers is trendy and comfortable. This look is ideal for a casual work environment where comfort and style are key.
Styling Tip: Choose a jumpsuit with clean lines and avoid overly casual fabrics. Pairing with low-top sneakers ensures a sleek design.
Old Navy
Waist-Defined Puff-Sleeve Jumpsuit
$44.99
Kate Spade
Fez Sneaker
$139
Wide-Leg Pants + Turtleneck + White Sneakers
Wide-leg pants, a turtleneck, and white sneakers create a modern and comfortable look. This combination is perfect for colder months.
Styling Tip: Opt for high-waisted pants to elongate your legs and create a polished silhouette. Sneakers with a gum sole or platform sneaker can add a trendy touch.
VERONICA BEARD
Vintage Globetrotter Mia Wide Leg with Double Pleat
$328
TUCKERNUCK
Beachwood Cropped Americana Sweater
$298
