Women's Casual Shoe Guide: Top 15 Must-Have Shoes (2024)

Did someone say, casual? While casual dress codes create plenty of freedom to choose, it helps to have a guide. If you’ve ever received an invitation that’s led you into the world of wardrobe unknowns, we’ve got your back.

There’s a reason why casual picnic attire varies from casual café meet-up to that of a casual fourth date outfit. So where are these fine lines and who defines them?

Shoes and clothes send a message and we’re here to help you communicate well. In this women’s casual shoe guide, we’ll cover the top 15 casual shoes for every woman’s wardrobe and where you may want to wear them.

Let’s get into it!

As times change, fashion changes. So while it may seem easy on screen to identify what’s hot or not, it’s not as easy to know this for ourselves. At the end of the day, the goal is to find what feels best while honoring appropriate dress codes.

You may be familiar with certain fashion mores, like:

- No shoes, no shirt, no service
- No flip-flops at black tie events
- Jeans aren’t formal

At the end of the day, we can define what’s considered to be appropriate wardrobe by three distinct categories:

- Formal
- Casual
- Informal

Casual lands in that Goldilocks middle ground—not fancy, not informal. When it comes to shoes, having a casual shoe guide for women is imperative. Ready to learn your wardrobe musts?

In a sea of seemingly infinite shoe options, it can be daunting for anyone to know how to dress. While there are hundreds of shoe brands out there, it helps to identify basic shoe styles first.

Here are some common shoe types to keep in your closet.

- Flats
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Boots
- Heels
- Wedges

From these categories, you’ll find tons of specific variations, like flat boots, ballerina flats, and stiletto heels. In this casual shoe guide for women, we’ll specify the top 15 shoe types that will guarantee you a fashion-forward life.

Everyone loves (and needs) a reliable pair of flats. Flats are no or low-heeled shoes that vary in style. Typically made from leather or satin, flats always have a closed toe, though some may have an open back.

Note that brands vary in their expressions, so one flat may be more or less casual than another. Use your best judgment and know that generally, closed-heel shoes are more formal than open-heeled shoes.

Perfect places to wear casual flats?
- Picnics
- Patios
- Business meetings
- Café date

Suggested types of flats?
- Ballet flats
- D’Orsay flats
- Flat mules

Not sure where to start?
- Leather Naturalizer - Modern Gold LAUREN Ralph Lauren - Prosecco M.M. LaFleur

Sandals are a comfortable open-heeled shoe with straps across the front. Typically known for beach wear, sandals can have open or closed toes.

Perfect places to wear casual sandals?
- Beaches or vacations
- Parks
- Summer brunches
- Date nights
- Family ice cream runs

Suggested types of sandals?
- Huarache sandals
- Rope sandals
- Chaco sandals
- Wedge sandals

Not sure where to start?
- Adjustable Light Tan FitFlop - Taupe Metallic Synthetic Clarks - Radiant Gold Leather Naot Radiant gold leather Naot

Believe it or not, sneakers and athletic shoes aren’t synonymous! Sneakers are more versatile for everyday use than athletic shoes. Plus, they’re durable, strong, supportive, and stylish.

Perfect places to wear casual sneakers?
- Casual Fridays
- BBQs
- Outdoor birthday parties
- Book club
- Errands

Suggested types of sneakers?
- Slip-ons
- High-tops
- Lace-ups

Not sure where to start?- Black ECCO
- Chalk White AllSaints](https://www.zappos.com/p/allsaints-thea-sneakers-chalk-white/product/9890087/color/111794)
- Cognac Frye

It’s true that boots are made for walking, so you want to be sure yours fit right! Boots vary in length but notoriously cover the ankle. Depending on the height, they may also cover the calf and knee in some instances.

Boots have more support than a flip-flop and can be dressed up or down accordingly.

Perfect places to wear casual boots?
- Autumn strolls
- Winter nights out
- Dance floors
- Client meetings

Suggested types of boots?
- Combat boots
- Cowgirl boots
- Thigh-highs
- Knee-highs

Not sure where to start?
- Warp Red SOREL
- Black Lucky
- Olive Green Suede Nine West

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Heels are likely the least casual (or most formal) option for women’s shoes. Truthfully, this is circ*mstantial. Plus, casual heels are cute as heck.

Similar to boots, heel lengths vary, but lower-heeled shoes say casual best. Heels can be open or closed-toe depending.

Note that if you’re ever unsure whether a heel is too formal, you can dress it down with your outfit. Still, it’s smart to stray from the stilettos and bolder options on the shelf unless you’re ready to draw some eyes. Also consider the color, as black is notoriously dressier than a more casual brown or beige.

Perfect places to wear casual heels?
- Business meetings
- Networking events
- Dinners out
- Professional or family photoshoots

Suggested types of heels?- Kitten heels
- Platform heels
- Stilettos
- Ankle strap heels

- Cork heels
- Lace-ups

Not sure where to start?
- True Beige Schutz
- Tan Fine Suede Chinese Laundry
- Bourbon Brighton

Wedges are a charming add-on to any woman’s closet. They offer a wedge-shaped lift from the middle of the foot to the heel. Wedges can be open or closed toe as well as have an open or closed heel.

Perfect places to wear casual wedges?
- Parks
- Pools
- Rooftops
- Outdoor mixer event
- Work
- Wine nights
- Restaurants (depending)

Suggested types of wedges?
- Comfort wedges
- Dress wedges
- Wedge boots
- Wedge sneakers
- Cork wedges

Not sure where to start?
- Tan See by Chloe
- Midnight Pelle Moda
- Adobe Stuart Weitzman

Loafers can be casual or dressy depending on the style. They’re typically low to no-heeled shoes with closed ankles and toes. They expose the top part of the foot for optimal ease and comfort.

Perfect places to wear casual loafers?
- The office
- Professional dinners
- Boardrooms
- Casual dates

Suggested types of loafers?
- Loafer mules
- Slipper loafers
- Driving loafers
- Heeled loafers

Not sure where to start?
- Nude Patent Marc Joseph New York

- Maple COACH
- Melocoton PIKOLINOS

As the name suggests, dress shoes are, well, dressy. Still, dress shoes can be dressed down depending on the occasion.

Instead of defining them by their function, dress shoes are often defined by their fashion. In other words, dress shoes are the general term for shoes worn to casual and formal events alike.

Perfect places to wear casual dress shoes?
- Family reunions
- Big dinner parties
- Bar or bat mitzvahs
- Bridal showers
- Baby showers
- Birthdays
- Theater productions or similar entertainment

Suggested types of dress shoes?- Comfortable pumps
- Block heels
- Low heels
- Peep toes
- T-straps

Not sure where to start?
- Posy Green Joie
- Blush Soludos
- Almond Beige Vince Camuto

Espadrilles are a casual, low-heeled shoe with rope soles. They can have heels too, but the classic espadrille is for breezy everyday wear.

Perfect places to wear casual espadrilles?
- Parks
- Beaches or vacations
- Lunches and brunches
- The office (during warmer seasons)

Suggested types of espadrilles?
- Wedges
- Sandals
- Flats
- Mules
- Platforms

Not sure where to start?
- Ivory CASTANER
- Black Suede Toni Pons
- Mocha Journee Collection

Mary Janes are a timeless one-strapped shoe with closed fronts and backs. While this shoe is a type of flat, they can have lifted heels on occasion. Classically worn with high stockings or socks, these are a must for every woman's closet.

Perfect places to wear casual Mary Janes?
- Indoor meetings
- School
- Professional environments of all kinds (such as for retail, restaurant, sales, or medical industries)

Suggested types of Mary Janes?
- Flats Flats
- Heels
- Sneakers

Perhaps the most common shoe to have in one’s closet, there’s nothing more easy-going than a loyal pair of flip-flops. Flip-flops are likely the flattest type of sandal made with a “Y” strap to rest between the first two toes. The strap secures itself within the shoe while the remainder of the foot lives exposed.

Note that while flip-flops have their rightful place in the shoe world, they’re the most likely to be frowned upon in the wrong environment.

Perfect places to wear flip-flops?
- Boats (if permitted)
- Pools, beaches and vacations
- Casual daytime restaurants
- Getting to and from the house

Suggested types of flip-flops?
- Flats
- Platforms
- Arched

Not sure where to start?
- Aloe Cros
- Ivory Tory Burch
- Rose Gold Roxy

Like dress shoes, slip-ons are a more general shoe term as defined by their function: shoes that slip on. Slip-ons are generally low heeled but again, can have lifted heels depending. Laceless in nature, slip-ons are perfect to help you get up and go.

Perfect places to wear casual slip-ons?
- Casual offices
- Parks and picnics
- Stores
- Restaurants
- Café
- Casual dates

Suggested types of slip-ons?
- Loafers
- Sneakers
- Clogs
- Slippers
- Flip-flops
- Dress shoes

Not sure where to start?- White TOMS
- Navy SKECHERS Performance
- Pink Sperry

Slingbacks are a type of dress shoe that subtly hug the ankle with a thin strap, leaving space for classy side ankle exposure. This type of shoe varies in heel length and covers the toes for a polished yet casual look.

Perfect places to wear casual slingbacks?
- Work
- Dance floors
- Dinners out
- Friend trips
- Fancier dates

Suggested types of slingbacks?
- Flats
- Pumps
- Heels
- Sandals
- Square toe
- Adjustable strap
- Low heel

Not sure where to start?
- Macaroon VIONIC
- Black Calvin Klein
- Red Overflow Draper James

Mules are a form of slip-on shoe without any back support. They typically show a half crescent shape covering the toes, appearing as a more functional (and more formal) slipper. Some forms of mules will have a higher heel too.

Perfect places to wear casual mules?
- Indoor work environments
- Casual lunches
- Girls’ nights
- Meet and mingles

Suggested types of mules?
- Straps- Clogs- Sneakers - Low heels - Loafers - High heels

Not sure where to start?
- Bone Free People
- White Jacques Levine
- True Black Madewell

Last but not least, clogs
- Sandals
- Mules
- High heels
- Low heels

Not sure where to start?
- Navy SoftWalk
- Brown Full Grain Kork-Ease
- Brick Miz Mooz

Don’t you feel more stylish already? With this casual shoe guide for women, we have complete confidence you’re ready to stock your closet with the best of the best. And if you’re seeking a business casual shoe guide specifically, revisit this guide to see which shoes work best in professional environments.

Lean on your intuition and you won’t go wrong. For now, check out Zappos for the latest finds and get ready to receive compliments on your wardrobe wisdom! Enjoy!