The Evolution of Heels in Office Fashion
Initially, I always preferred flat shoes, favoring loafers, ballet flats, sandals, Mary Janes, and various boots. Heels were reserved for the most formal events, and even then, I leaned towards kitten heels, keeping my feet firmly grounded. My preference was for delicate, slender, flat designs, often lacking substantial arch support. However, my perception has recently undergone a significant change. Images of everyday outfits elegantly completed with fashionable high heels have increasingly occupied my thoughts, captivating my imagination. The inspiration for this shift originates directly from my workplace; my colleagues are undeniably my primary muses.
At the office, Brooke Bobb, Bazaar's fashion news director, frequently opts for heels over flats, showcasing vintage square-toe Prada pumps, contemporary Chanel cap-toe slingbacks, and shimmering gold heeled sandals. Lynette Nylander, our executive digital director, makes a statement with her printed Dario Versace pumps or Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia wedges. Just recently, our editor-in-chief, Samira Nasr, caught my attention in her kitten-heeled Phoebe Philo Tide sandals. And each time our commerce editor, Michella Ore, wears her metallic Nomasei heeled sandals, I find myself asking her, yet again, about their origin.
Fashion editors are renowned for their affinity for elevated footwear, a characteristic so pronounced that the term "clackers" was used in "The Devil Wears Prada" to describe magazine staff, referencing the sound their stilettos made on marble floors. One of our directors recalled that a standard office uniform well into the 2010s included 90mm, and sometimes even 105mm, Manolo Blahnik BB pumps. This particular environment serves as an exaggerated illustration of the broader public's relationship with shoes. A decade ago, as fashion embraced simplicity with normcore, even these editors exchanged their stilettos for New Balance sneakers and Birkenstock sandals, even if they were part of a Proenza Schouler collaboration.
Currently, fashion embraces a wide spectrum of choices, whether one works at a fashion magazine or not. Sneakers, open-toe designs, and platform shoes are all acceptable in the Bazaar office in 2026. On our floor, I've observed a variety of footwear, including Vibram FiveFingers, leopard-print Birkenstocks, heeled flip-flops, regular flip-flops, and many others. In this landscape of endless possibilities, wearing heels to work has evolved from an obligation to a deliberate stylistic decision. The key now lies in the manner in which they are incorporated into an ensemble, which adds an intriguing dimension to personal style.
The addition of a heel imparts a touch of elegance and a polished appearance to an outfit, granting freedom to adopt a more unconventional approach with the remaining attire. Over the past year, I've witnessed heels paired with sports jerseys, cargo pants, sweatpants, lace capris, basketball shorts, and rugby shirts. Recently, our editor-in-chief combined her kitten-heeled sandals with wide-leg denim, a T-shirt, and a blazer. Our fashion news director complements her Chanel pumps with army-green barrel-leg trousers and vibrant knitwear. Our executive digital director pairs her Versace heels with a matching pencil skirt and a graphic tee. Everyone achieves a compelling equilibrium between sophistication and casualness, individuality and accessibility. Their outfits appear authentic and effortlessly chic, inspiring me to try similar creative combinations.
This exploration into the versatility of heels underscores a contemporary fashion narrative where personal expression takes precedence over rigid dress codes. The workplace, particularly in the fashion industry, has become a canvas for innovative pairings, demonstrating that high heels can seamlessly integrate into diverse wardrobes, offering both confidence and style without compromising individuality. This shift celebrates a more fluid and inclusive approach to professional attire, encouraging a playful yet elegant fusion of different fashion elements.
