The Workwear Edit: What Shoes to Wear to the Office?
Posted by Jones Bootmaker on
The boundaries of workplace dress codes have begun to blur thanks to the events of the recent past. Whether you’ve returned to the office full time, or your office has opted for the hybrid approach, it’s as vital as ever to make the right impression.
The final touch to every outfit, shoes seal the deal on the outward and inward impressions we leave. Ever donned a chunky sole to boost your confidence when a big meeting looms?
Despite change, one question remains: what shoes to wear to the office?
Seeing you stylishly from rush hour through to happy hour, Jones presents The Workwear Edit…
Rest assured, although we’ve coined this collection The Workwear Edit, every shoe in this capsule has life beyond the 9 to 5. As the boundaries of workwear blur, now more than ever we need well-crafted shoes to keep up with the momentum of modern life, not with the latest style memo.
From block-heeled boots for her to leather Oxford shoes for him, the Workwear Edit contains every foundational, comfortable, functional piece you need to build your own working collection.
Love Loafers
Sitting on opposite sides of the sole spectrum, Love’s larger-than-life sole is the counterpart to the softly spoken Carmela loafers.
Equally versatile loafers for work, both styles earn their place in this collection thanks to their meticulous construction and unique style power. Pick your pair according to your mood.
How to Style Loafers For Work
Clothes in clean cuts, such as ankle-grazing trousers and pleated midi skirts, make an ideal choice.
Love’s chunky sole excels when signed off with dainty socks, or tights as the nights grow longer. A style workhorse, the comfortable footbed is set to withstand the challenges of every 9 to 5 and 5 to 9 activity.
Especially adept for the time between seasons, the Carmela loafers in tan suit a neutral palette, but will brighten up outfits made of monotone shades.
PatenT Edition
Few styles carry smart credentials like patent shoes. Perfectly polished in appearance, the Workwear Edit highlights two patent staples for your weekly rotations.
Lotta Chunky Patent Loafers
The Lotta loafers are anything but ordinary. The more elusive style of loafer, Lotta is crafted in patent leather in a kiltie construction – note the fringed detail across the toes.
This high-shine pair is sure to turn heads at the office and offer support in every stride courtesy of a comfortable leather footbed.
Luciana take the mantel of the essential Mary Jane shoes for women in our Workwear Edit. A stand-out style if ever we saw one, they’re sculpted in a square toe silhouette with a single strap across the instep.
Traditional design combined with a sharp modern twist; Luciana are set upon a barely-there block heel for a uniquely timeless appeal.
Back to Block Heels
Dare we say donning block heels for work is as inevitable as Monday mornings?
Adept at handling every eventuality, both inside and outside of work, block-heeled boots are especially easy to style in line with even the strictest of dress codes.
Neptune Leather Heeled Ankle Boots
Returning favourites Neptune are our oh-so comfortable heels for work. Carved from smooth and saturated leather, they’re made with minimal seams for sleek appeal.
Stacked on a comfortable block heel, style Neptune with everything from midi skirts and tailored trousers for the working day, to jeans and flowing dresses come after-work drinks.
Boldly Brogue
The humble brogue. A hallmark shoe steeped in history, updated for modern office use.
FOR HER
Need flat shoes for work?
Lidia are our brogues for women, supple in construction and punctuated by traditional brogue detailing, from wing-tipped toes to heel. Set on a flexible sole, they’re fully lined with leather for a luxurious fit.
To style for the modern office, we recommend classic plaid or dogtooth prints to bring out Lidia’s traditional charm.
For Him
The handsome Colindale brogues also sport a classic wingtip and traditional punching design.
Handmade by master craftsmen in the heartland of Portugal, they could hardly be improved upon.
Constructed in a Derby shoe silhouette, this pair excels when paired with sharp tailored trousers and full suits, honouring their status as a Hollywood staple of the silver screen era.
Keep it Classic
No matter the season, occasion, or setting, black leather work shoes will rarely steer you wrong. Perfect when paired with quirky patterned socks.
Matthew Leather Oxford Shoes
Matthew are our quintessential Oxford crafted in leather with a classic toe cap and almond shape toe for sharp appeal.
Smooth linings and a padded tongue, plus a dual gripped sole, make Matthew the ultimate work partners. A true investment piece, they’ll style you through formal events too.
Nathaniel Double Monk Shoes
Nathaniel is perhaps a little more unusual -- though no less versatile than other formal styles.
Sporting a similar almond-toe shape, smooth leather, and toe cap design, the Nathaniel monk shoes are instead fastened courtesy of a dual buckle strap. Made for the discerning gentlemen, Nathaniel shines when paired with tailored cuts.
Business Class
About as comfortable as your at-home slippers, loafers are the style of choice if you’re reluctant to give up the WFH uniform.
HOW TO STYLE MEN'S LOAFERS FOR WORK
Starting life in Portugal, the handmade Chorleywood loafers mean business. Crafted in a chunky silhouette, they’re set upon a chunky studded rubber sole for added grip and lined with leather internals to keep things comfortable all day long.
Don’t be afraid to play with pattern and texture when styling this pair of men’s penny loafers, constructed in supple suede. Think subtly striped plaids and cable knits as the winter kicks in.
Cannon Street Handmade Loafers
Cannon Street are our men’s tasselled loafer, cut from exquisite leather and further detailed with an apron piped toe and traditional tassel and lace trim.
Cannon Street will see you from sunrise to sunset every weekday, without fail.
Easily slipped on with just about everything in your workwear wardrobe, let tailored cuts and chinos be your first point of call.
Whether you opt for socks and loafers or not, well…that’s entirely up to you.
Behind the Scenes
The future is forever informed by the past, and so is our footwear. Filmed at several locations across the historic city of York, The Workwear Edit displays the meeting point of heritage-inspired design, updated for the pace of modern-day life.
While capturing the collection in the digital medium, we also took the time to capture the process on film.
With thanks to:
Gallery:
