Ava Gilchrist
The past few months of balmy summer weather have made me question my outfit choices on every single outing, but the recent switch to warmer temperatures has raised a different style question. No longer able to style my favourite work-friendly shoes for fear of overheating, I've made it my mission to track down the best summer work shoes that I can wear to the office with confidence and still look polished.
With dress codes, changing temperatures and commuting to contend with, finding elegant and comfortable summer work shoes is no mean feat, but luckily for you, I've done the research. From pretty ballet flats to sleek slingbacks and the sandals du jour, read on to discover the best summer work shoes to wear to the office in 2025, as seen on fashion people who genuinely wear them to their 9-5.
6 Summer Work Shoes That Are Professional, Chic and Stylish
1. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Ballet flats—both with and without straps— are having a moment this season. Luckily for those who have already purchased a pair or two, they lend themselves well to office dressing. Style with a neat pencil skirt for an elegant finish or wear with capri trousers for a very 2025 silhouette.
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These elegant flats will go with just about everything.
Suede ballet flats are going to be everywhere this summer.
I love this chic gathered style.
This satin style would pair perfectly with any "glass slipper blue" pieces.
Like the Mary Jane trainer before it, these sporty ballerinas put the fun in function.
2. Slingback Heels
Style Notes: With an elegant slingback detail that offers light support and minimal coverage, these sleek shoes are an obvious choice for hot office days. Style with a suit set or wear with a flowing dress for guaranteed comfort, no matter the weather forecast.
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A pointed toe will always make you look more put together. There's just something about that razor sharp tip that screams "business".
This would also look great with slightly cropped shorts and straight-leg jeans.
The delicate bow detail is very French.
Like the croc leather spotted all over the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, this low-to-the-ground style will make you feel so on-trend.
The sweetest way to do the court shoe trend.
3. Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Notes: Instead of almond or square-toe shapes, a pointed-toe flat injects a sharp and crisp edge into your weekday styling. Look for a slingback style for a lighter take on the trend or opt for pointed-toe ballet flats for the extra coverage.
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Aeyde is a fashion insider's go-to brand. These demure flats also come in cream and beige.
These might not look any different to the above style, but those in the know will be aware that the raised heel and soft curve are giveaway signs that these are Loro Piana. It's these quite hallmarks that make the stealth wealth brand so desirable. When they're off-duty, these live on the feet of Zendaya and Meghan Markle.
Style with a minidress or wear peeking out of wide-leg trousers.
I adore the Western flavour of these metal-clasp suede flats.
A sleek Mary Jane is always a wise investment.
4. Slip-On Mules
Style Notes: A more elevated take on the slides trend that's ruled over the past few summers, closed-toe flat mules and slip-on loafers are taking over this season. From totally flat-footed styles to pairs with a slight elevation, high-street and designer brands are rife with office-friendly versions this season.
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The glossy off-white is so expensive-looking and easy to work into a capsule wardrobe.
I personally adore any form of ballet shoe, but this backless slipper style is particularly fit for scorching temperatures.
The warm weather answer to the woven ballet flat trend.
These can enhance any monochromatic look. I can picture myself wearing them with tailored black trousers and a cropped midnight-coloured top.
There's something nostalgic about these.
5. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: Deck and boat shoes emerged as the anti-loafer answer to transeasonal dressing in 2024. They've since stuck around and become more relevant than ever. Sleeker shapes, like the Reformation Kyle style seen here, make a more compelling case for a work shoe thanks to their more streamlined and sophisticated finish.
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This Sézane style comes French-girl approved.
Pair with longer bermuda shorts and a button-down to channel your inner Saxon Ratliff. (Once enlightened, of course.)
The leather material and slightly raised heel makes this style so premium.
You can always rely on Italian labels for chic footwear.
The editor-approved option.
6. T-Bar Sandals
Style Notes: There's something like being in an office that makes you want to dress for crossing your t's and dotting your i's, so lean into that effect with a chic pair of T-bar sandals. Arguably one of the most elegant summer sandals, making them perfect for work, this design regularly crops up in collections from Toteme, The Row and Khaite, but there are so many elegant options are an accessible price point, too.
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The rope motifs makes these a perfect pair for the office in the summer—when channelling your inner fisherman-core of course—or a coastal holiday.
Jil Sander is a brand you should shop if you love understated elegance with a twist.
This suede pair is at the top of every fashion editor's wishlist.
Love.
The silver is so cool.
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