Want to know what types of shoes you should wear with business casual outfits? This guide has everything you need to know.

Business casual has been the single most popular dress code for the past two decades, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Sure, offices have gotten even more casual lately, but they still use “business casual” as the official dress code.

In our business casual guide, we talked about the history of this iconic dress code and how it’s interpreted in the modern workplace.

We also discussed some outfit ideas and touched on what types of shoes to wear to work.

In this article, we’re going deeper into that very topic. After all, your shoes are one of the most important parts of your outfit, which means they can make or break your look (especially at the office).

Table of Contents

Keep in mind: even though all of these shoes work with business casual attire, they vary in formality.

For most offices, the any form of sneaker should be reserved for casual Fridays, as they’re technically not formal enough for this dress code.

Let’s look at each style more closely…

#1: Oxford

Formality Level: Very formal, great for formal business settings and events (weddings, interviews, funerals, etc.)

Defining Characteristics: Closed lacing construction

The main thing that makes an Oxford an Oxford is its closed lacing system. The eyelets are sewn in under the vamp, which gives the shoe a clean, formal appearance.

Aside from velvet slippers or patent leather wholecuts, Oxfords are the dressiest “dress shoes” you can buy.

Of course, not all Oxfords are created equal. There’s a big different between plain toe leather Oxfords, for example, and cap toe suede Oxfords with broguing and other decoration.

The good news is, if you need a business casual shoe, almost any Oxford will work.