Beyond Basic: Leather Business Shoes that Aren’t Boring

No little kid dreams of growing up to sit in an office for eight or nine hours a day—why would they, when careers as exciting as Astronaut or Lion-Tamer exist? But just because you’ve become the person who gets up each morning to work in a sea of cubicles doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be boring.

Enter the leather business shoe. While you may not have the freedom to go awards-show-level crazy for your workplace attire, you can choose shoes that are spunky enough to keep your coworkers on their toes while being professional enough to keep you from getting fired. Here, we’ve outlined how to wear them for your nine to five.

Pleasing Pattern

Though solid-colored leather business shoes are the most common, don’t let yourself be limited. Pick up a pair of business shoes patterned with animal print, florals or geometric shapes to walk on the wild side.

Extravagantly Embellished

Update basic oxfords by picking alternative designs with studs, grommets or other shiny hardware. Paired with a simple black or white business shirt and dark suit pants, your look will hint ever-so-slightly of a rock concert in a way that’s sure to announce you’re the life of the party even when you’re working hard.

Two-Faced Two-Tone

To give your classic brogue a little retro-cool kick, get a two-toned version. Wear with a bow tie and suspenders for a throw-back look with a cool old-timey vibe, and don’t be surprised if you get a few looks from your coworkers—they’re just wondering how you managed to look so old-school and fashion-forward at the same time.

Impossible Sole

When you want a subtle alternative to the average business shoe, pick one with interesting detailing on the sole. Whether it’s a shot of orange piping or a blue foam block sole, these details will make the shoe easy to wear with your regular suit while adding an element of originality.

Step off the elevator with confidence in your leather business shoes knowing that you picked just the right pair to show off your personality.

Bring bold to the office with quirky leather business shoes.