Choosing Flats to Wear to the Office
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If your work attire normally requires pumps, most flats will be inappropriate for anything beyond casual Fridays. Two exceptions are the classic cap-toe flat, which always looks professional, and the solid color slip-on it looks like a pump, but doesn't have a heel).
If your job's dress code is less restrictive (and fortunately for most of us, that's more likely than not these days), you can select from the trendiest styles--slippers, slides, mules--which run the gamut from sporty to sexy.
The Rules for Flats at Work
Just keep these guidelines in mind when you choose shoes for work:
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Choose leather or suede (or fabric) instead of canvas, which is much sportier.
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Opt for a closed toe, which eliminates the suggestion of bare feet.
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Choose a slight heel--even a half-inch is better than a totally flat skimmer. (Mules especially need a bit of a heel, or else they tend to look like slippers--a look to avoid at work!)
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On that same note, avoid anything that looks too much like a slipper. You don't want to look like you're padding around the house while you're at work. Unless of course you work at home. In which case, why are you even reading this? <g>