The Tamesis
The best work apartments excel in both form and function—and Of course, the same goes for fashion. Consider perfectly polished shoes that can take you from your early morning commute and midday coffee to your after-get off work schedule without missing a beat. As January is almost here, consider taking stock of your must-have footwear, as well as the most practical flats of the year: classic penny loafers, basic black ballet flats, and — if you’re feeling a little more adventurous — playful print options.
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Once your starting lineup is assembled, the next step is styling your shoes—and that’s where we come in. Workwear inspiration abounds Fashion Headquarters, where editors curate everyday looks, from business chic to casual chic. Made with workday ease and versatility in mind, the outfits assembled below are not only editor-approved, but made for any modern woman working a 9-to-5.
Whether you choose lace-up black flats to pair with a printed midi dress and a suede blazer, or go for zebra-print ballet pumps to add a youthful edge to gray trousers, consider them a shortcut to a streamlined office look and, yes, get envious looks from your coworkers. What follows are eight of the best flats for work, plus exactly how to wear them.
Fashionable slingback shoes
For an outfit that’s suitable for any office setting, pair a work-appropriate navy suit with Quince’s stylish off-white slingbacks, then top it off with a draped satin shirt from Róhe – a loose turtleneck that peeks out.
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black ballet flats
Few shoes are as classic or as durable as black ballet flats. For example, this pair from Mango looks elegant and understated without the designer price tag. Pair it with a funnel-neck leather jacket from Zara and a pleated khaki midi skirt from Róhe, and finish with a croc-embellished tote from Toteme for an outfit that’s suitable for everything from board meetings to cocktail parties.
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backless loafers
Just like your go-to penny loafers, only cooler. Gucci’s backless Princeton loafers are coveted for good reason: they’re versatile, comfortable and stylish. Pair with a leopard-print jacket from Toteme, dark-wash denim from Ossou and a bright blue button-up from Frame for an office-ready look and Exceed. Yes, jeans are definitely great for work, especially styles like this.
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Classic Penny loafers
Some pieces are best borrowed from the boys—Aeyde’s floppy-toe penny loafers prove that, and then some. Give them a touch of femininity by pairing them with Kallmeyer’s button-down women’s jacket and Zara’s gray heathered knit midi skirt, then style them with Johnstons of Elgin’s camel cashmere socks for a chic preppy feel.
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Fun options
Who says Style Tuesday in late January has to be boring? Embrace your inner minimalist in Loeffler Randall’s zebra-print ballet flats, a burgundy and white striped button-up from The Frankie Shop, and stylish gray track pants from Zara. The khaki tie adds a quirky feel and a subtle nod to menswear.
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derby
Add a welcome addition to your work wardrobe with a sturdy pair (or two) of derby shoes. From Miu Miu to Cos, this style dominated the Fall/Winter 2025 runways, and The Row’s burgundy lace-up shoes were a standout. Wear yours with & Daughter’s soft gray V-neck sweater, Buck Mason’s crisp white T-shirt and Veronica de Piante’s sleek leather midi skirt. Fashion alone is enough to get promoted.
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mary jane
Like black ballet flats, Mary Janes are a must-have for work. Sweet, smart and effortlessly chic, Malone Souliers’ lace-up shoes exude subtle charm. Paired with a modern midi dress from Proenza Schouler and a suede blazer from Nour Hammour, paired with The Row’s topstitched Park tote, it’s roomy, sophisticated and perfect for office hours.
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glove shoes
Some shoes are timeless; Others feel entirely in the moment. At the end of winter 2026, glove shoes will become the first choice for the coolest item in the fashion industry——Fashion Including editing. Try Khaite’s casual black paired with Loulou de Saison’s satin pencil skirt, Comme Si’s button-down top paired with the perfect pop of red, and J.Crew’s sheer white turtleneck for added dimension. Finish it off with a perfectly distressed leather jacket—think Nour Hammour or Aflalo—to take it to the next level.
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