We Need to Talk About Flip Flops at Work

Why I'm Choosing Flats Over Sandals This Summer

Although our first impulse might be to reach for a sandal in the summer, not every workplace, or occasion, calls for that kind of ventilation.

Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating toward ballet flats in almost every variation: pointed toes, jelly styles, and the classic rounded pair with a bow. Working in a law office every day, I need shoes that strike the right balance between professional and personal. My office is more relaxed than most (probably because it’s made up of about 95% women), and personal style is definitely encouraged. But at any moment I might be headed to court, standing before a judge, asking them to hear my argument. Even from behind the bench, they can see my shoes. I want them to say, take me seriously.

That said, I did spot someone wearing flip-flops to the office the other day, and my inner millennial immediately came out. I was genuinely horrified. Who told Gen Z they could wear flip-flops to work? Am I too old-fashioned? Have my years in big law ruined my ability to adapt to work-place shoe evolution?

I digress.

Outside the office, summer is filled with dinners, drinks, long walks, and seeing friends as often as possible while the days stretch on. I want shoes that feel polished without feeling stuffy, something that can take me from work straight into the evening without a second thought.

For me, that’s where a great flat comes in. Comfortable enough to wear all day, polished enough for the office, and fun enough to pair with just about everything else on my summer calendar.

On an especially hot day, I wore one of my favorite dresses from No. 6 Store to work. I was a little nervous about wearing such a bold print to the office, but I think my Margaux Parra pointed flats added just the right amount of sophistication to balance it out.

The overall look still felt office-appropriate: a high neckline, a midi-length silhouette, and sleek black pointed-toe flats. I chose this dress because I had a brand dinner that evening and wanted something that could transition from work to after-hours. Before heading out, I swapped in my sparkly Merlette bag and added a bold bangle, both tucked into my work bag, to make the look feel a little more evening-ready.

This outfit reminded me that “office-appropriate” doesn’t have to mean black, navy, or beige. I loved playing with color here. Butter yellow Doen pants (similar) and bright blue Olga Joan top. For the office, I layered on an Almina button-down (my favorite button down btw). It instantly made the outfit feel polished enough for the work day.

After work, I headed straight to book club. So I swapped the button-down for the tank top and tucked it into my tote. The white Margaux Sofia Sling micro heels tied both looks together.

It’s become one of my favorite summer formulas: a sophisticated shoe, a great pair of trousers, and a simple layer you can add or remove depending on where the day takes you.

This past Friday, I wore a Susie Kondi skirt with an Almina Concept cardigan and my Margaux Demi flats. After work, I met friends for drinks at Lonnie’s in Boerum Hill and, of course, took the long way there so I could stop along Atlantic Avenue to browse two of my favorite shops—Outline and the newly opened Seven Wonders Collective. It was one of those perfect Brooklyn summer evenings where you end up walking far more than you planned, and I was grateful to be in flats.

The Margaux Demi is one of those tried-and-true classics that I never have to think twice about. This is actually my second pair. I got my first in bright red nearly four years ago, and they were one of the very first pieces I was ever gifted by a brand. So getting to partner with Margaux on this post feels incredibly full circle.

Their shoes have remained a constant in my wardrobe because they’re timeless, beautifully made, and designed to be worn. They’re the kind of investment pieces that quietly earn their place in your closet, season after season, and I’m always happy to recommend them.

---

Thanks Margaux for sponsoring this post!