An alt-girl’s guide to office shoes that don’t scream “corporate slave”

If your soul dies a little every time you hear the words “corporate attire,” you’re not alone. Modern offices may have chilled out (a little) about dress codes, but footwear is still where the battle between personal style and “please don’t fire me” gets real. And here’s the good news: women who orbit the alt-girl universe, or who simply live even slightly left of the mainstream, have already cracked the code. 

They’ve mastered the art of shoes that look polished enough to avoid a passive-aggressive email, yet still deliver full main-character energy. Think chunky silhouettes, unexpected textures, metal hardware, bold toes, and shapes that whisper “I have taste” while letting you file expense reports in peace.

This guide is for the girl who shows up to work with a coffee in one hand, attitude in the other, and absolutely no intention of wearing nude ballet flats ever again.

Because “neutral pumps” are not a personality

Let’s be honest: most office-footwear advice today assumes you want to disappear into the beige carpet. But if you’d rather keep a shred of identity while pretending to care about Monday meetings, you’re in the right place. We’re talking chunky loafers that say “I read theory for fun,” edgy Mary Janes that look innocent until you see the studs, sleek (almost lethally sharp) mules that whisper “I’m too good for this place,” and square-toed boots that deliver just the right amount of menace for 9 a.m. briefings. Basically, every shoe here works for the dress code but still tells the world you’re not here to be anyone’s corporate décor.

The Cosmo edit: your 9-to-5 alt-girl office shoe edit

Onitsuka Tiger’s MEXICO 66™ TGRS Holiday Collection, ₹13,500

Theater Harrison Gone Troppo, ₹2,394

Aldo Demogorgon-In Women's Brown Dress Sandals, ₹14,999

Kilchu Bauhaus - 04 Asymmetric, ₹4,400

Steve Madden Olyvia-Rin Dark Cherry Ballerinas, ₹4,799

Twirl and Tote Twilora Ballerinas, ₹2,499

Oroh Pumps Marsala, ₹6,290

M&S Suede Chunky Block Heel Ankle Boots, ₹6,499

The White Pole Studded Platform Mary Jane in Black, ₹3,999 

Vanilla Moon Davinci Asymmetric Two-tone Slim Heels, ₹6,990

Comet x Farak Alter Zameen - Shoe Limited Edition, ₹6,499

Lead image: Pexels

Inside images: The brands 

Also read: The chicest 9-to-5 handbags that can double up as your date night companion

Also read: Chic outfits that take you from desk to disco without missing a beat