Ditch the Flip-Flops—Well-Dressed Women Wear These Office-Appropriate Sandals to Work Instead
From heeled mules to sleek slides.


I’m a firm believer that flip-flops aren’t meant for corporate settings. Yes, they're ideal for a beachfront getaway. But a high-stakes board meeting or power lunch? Flip-flops are still way too casual (even if they're by The Row). That said, I’m not against wearing open-toed shoes to work. In fact, I own plenty of office-appropriate sandals that strike the perfect balance between practical and polished.
When I’m trying to meet the office dress code, I’ll often style fisherman sandals or flat slides alongside simple separates including button-down shirts and tailored trousers. For a more sophisticated work outfit, I’ll team a pair of heeled mules or strappy sandals with elevated essentials like wrap dresses and linen suit sets. These heat-wave outfit formulas have kept me nice and cool, even during the most sweltering summer days.
Bottom line? There are countless office-friendly sandals that will get the job done. So, I’ve gone ahead and curated a list of 15 styles that will effortlessly ground your workwear wardrobe. Consider your corporate sandal collection complete.
Stop by Marie Claire’s office this summer, and I guarantee you’ll see me wearing Nordstrom’s Babette slide sandals. Designed with a memory foam-cushioned footbed, these shoes mitigate the hassle of running between meetings.
Fisherman sandals are making quite a splash this summer, and I’m diving into the trend with Zara’s version. This style feels undeniably elegant, thanks to its shimmering gold buckle and delicately woven upper.
If you need a break from your sky-high heels, consider Reformation's flat slingbacks. With a low-to-the-ground silhouette, they prioritize comfort without sacrificing style.
I’m a sucker for a heeled mule, which is why Mango’s sculptural stilettos have landed a top spot on my wish list. They’ll take me from my desk to a post-work happy hour with ease.
While others might be craving the butter yellow color trend, I’m falling for sky blue. Spotted on the Spring 2025 runways of top-tier brands like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Miu Miu, this endearing shade has since trickled down into the mainstream market. I’ll be leaning into the look with Sam Edelman’s Bay slides.
Everlane puts a twist on the standard sandal style with a dynamic criss-cross design. Slip into these open-toed shoes and expect to receive endless compliments from your co-workers.
Open Edit’s Jamie sandal has earned a top spot in my closet because of its textured heel and strappy construction. I’m partial toward the chocolate brown hue, but the style is also offered in black, white, tan, and gold.
As a J.Crew enthusiast, it’s no surprise that these kitten heels have found a place in my shopping cart. They’ll work well for the office, but I can also see myself wearing them with wedding guest dresses and going-out outfits.
Steve Madden’s Soleil sandals exude summer energy with a woven raffia design. Pair them with a gauzy work dress for an easygoing warm-weather look.
Made in Italy, Banana Republic’s fisherman sandals champion quality craftsmanship with sumptuous leather. Invest in these shoes and expect them to last for the long haul.
Boho-inspired wedges are so back. Zara is giving the retro trend a modern treatment with a minimalist thong silhouette and a sleek leather base.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.