What clothing you wear to work is only half the battle. Your shoe game is a key piece to the way you style yourself nine to five. The perfect shoe has to be cute AND comfortable which is sometimes hard to find. The good news is that there are a lots of heel lengths that you can wear to work to best suit your needs and job that will put the finishing touches on any outfit this summer.

The traditional pump

Best for: Any office environment

No shoe closet is quite complete without a classic pair of pumps. They are the quintessential shoes for any working woman and they add an instant boost to any outfit. Whether you wear jeans and a blazer or a suit to work, adding a pair of pumps to your outfit ups its cool factor in a big way. The key with your pump is to find one you can actually walk in. Nothing ruins a look like an awkward and uncomfortable walk. There is no need to choose a 5” heel. A simple 3” heel does the same tricks and will ease the strain on your feet.

Laboutin Pigalle 100 Leather Pumps, $675, Available at Christian Louboutin

The funky platform

Best for: A creative office environment

Nothing says more about your personality than a wild shoe and if done correctly, an amazing platform can take you from day to night. The key with a platform shoe is balance. Pairing a platform with a mini skirt can come off as cheesy but with a long, classic pencil skirt a platform looks perfectly styled and work-appropriate. When choosing a platform, opt for a cool fabric or texture but stay away from anything that will make it look too sexy. Studs, lace and feathers are probably add-ons that you want to stay away from if you want to wear your platforms to the office.

Prada Platform Sandal, $395, Available at Neiman Marcus

The block-heeled

Best for: A traditional office environment

Get the height without compromising on comfort. What’s really crucial about this shoe trend is wearing it with the right outfits to keep it from looking dowdy or outdated. Avoid wearing this shoe with a full piece skirt suit and blouse to keep from looking like an actual grandma. This shoe is best paired with a retro inspired outfit (think an a-line dress or full skirt) or with a masculine silhouette (like a non traditional pants suit.) This is a great shoe to buy in a fun color like a rich pastel or metallic.

River Island Block Heel Ballet Shoe, $62, Available at ASOS

Flats

Best for: A casual office environment

If you can’t stomach the thought of throwing on a heel every day for work, a flat is perfect for you. Flats have gone from boring and tacky to amazing and totally wearable. Lace up flats have a dance-inspired elegance to them and add the right amount of interest to your outfit. Try wearing a lace-up flat with a midi skirt to really showcase the details of the shoe.

Stuart Weitzman Tyler Wraparound Lace Flat,  $250, Available at Nordstom

By: Jordana Handler, Toronto