Question
Can You Wear Espadrilles to Work? Dress Codes Decoded
Closed-toe espadrilles can pass in a casual or smart-casual office; open-toe pairs and formal dress codes do not mix. Table and outfits.
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Yes, in a casual or smart-casual workplace, if you choose the right pair. The Outfit Trends guide draws the line clearly: closed-toe espadrilles read more polished and can work for casual office days, while open-toe styles belong to weekends and holidays. Espadrilles are not suited to formal business attire. Your employer's dress code always has the last word.
Dress code by dress code
| Workplace dress code | Espadrilles? | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Formal business (suit and tie, formal office) | no | leather shoes instead |
| Business casual | sometimes | closed toe, plain colour, leather or clean canvas, with tailoring |
| Smart casual | yes | closed toe, flat or wedge, with a blazer or shirt jacket |
| Casual, creative, summer Fridays | yes | most closed styles; keep open toes for the weekend |
| Standing or walking all day | think twice | see are espadrilles good for walking? |
Outfits that work at the office
For women
- A tailored blazer with straight-leg trousers or smart jeans and wedge espadrilles: Angarde's suggestion for a workday or lunch.
- A camel pleated midi skirt with a white button-down and nude platform espadrilles, which Outfit Trends presents for professional or social settings.
- A navy blazer, light-blue shirt and white jeans with brown leather espadrilles, Outfit Trends' business-casual example.
For men
- Lightweight summer trousers and a matching polo with neutral espadrilles, which Zalora describes as a polished option.
- A linen suit with cuffed trousers and pale espadrilles, as DMARGE suggests for summer outings, if your office is relaxed enough for linen.
- Chinos, a plain shirt and a blazer or shirt jacket: Zalora says espadrilles "truly shine" in smart-casual settings.
Five checks before you wear them to work
- Closed toe, not open.
- Clean: a stained jute sole looks careless. See how to clean jute soles.
- Plain colour: navy, black, tan or natural jute rather than loud stripes.
- Trousers that clear the shoe: DMARGE advises no break at the hem with linen trousers.
- Dry commute: if rain is forecast, keep a spare pair of shoes at work; jute does not like water (can espadrilles get wet?).
Socks at work
If your office is air-conditioned or you prefer some cover, no-show socks keep the look intact, and DMARGE accepts thin black socks with black espadrilles under a tailored suit. See espadrilles with socks.
For more outfit ideas outside the office, see what to wear with espadrilles.
Frequently asked questions
Are espadrilles business casual?
Closed-toe pairs in leather or plain canvas can be, with a blazer and smart trousers or smart jeans. They are not suited to formal business dress.
Are wedge espadrilles OK for the office?
In a relaxed office, yes. Angarde pairs wedge espadrilles with a fitted blazer and straight-leg trousers for a workday look.
Sources
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