From Runway to Real Life: How Office Style Has Evolved Since The Devil Wears Prada

When The Devil Wears Prada first hit screens, it didn’t just give us unforgettable one-liners and iconic characters - it defined an entire era of office fashion. Sharp tailoring, sky-high stilettos, and the unspoken rule that style often came at the expense of comfort.

Now, with the buzz around the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on just how much workplace style has transformed.

Then: Style Meant Sacrifice

Back in the mid-2000s, office wear was all about polish and power. Think structured blazers, pencil skirts, and shoes that looked incredible - but felt like a long day waiting to happen.

Comfort wasn’t part of the conversation. If your feet hurt by lunchtime? That was just the price of looking the part.

There was also a clear divide: “practical” shoes were often uninspiring, while stylish options rarely supported real, everyday wear - especially for those needing a wider fit.

Now: Style Meets Real Life

Fast forward to today, and the rules have changed completely.

Modern office style is more fluid, more personal, and - finally - more comfortable. Hybrid working, evolving dress codes, and a greater focus on wellbeing have reshaped what we expect from our wardrobes.

Today’s professionals want it all:

• Shoes that look refined enough for meetings
• Comfort that lasts from commute to after-work plans
• Inclusive sizing that actually fits real feet

And the best part? This isn’t wishful thinking - it’s a real option for women everywhere.

The Rise of Inclusive Fashion

One of the biggest shifts since the original film’s release is a broader expectation of inclusivity in fashion.

Wide fit shoes are no longer an afterthought - they’re considered from the very beginning. Silhouettes, materials, and construction are being reimagined so comfort and style go hand in hand.

Because great style shouldn’t be limited by fit.

What Would Andy Wear Today?

If, originally, The Devil Wears Prada was set in 2026, Andy’s transformation might look a little different.

Yes, she’d still embrace fashion - but she wouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort to do it. Her wardrobe would feature:

• Tailored pieces with movement and ease
• Versatile staples that transition across settings
• And shoes that balance elegance and all-day comfort, designed to move with her through every moment in the city.

Because today, confidence comes from feeling as good as you look.

The Future of Office Style

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the future of workwear is defined by balance.

Style and comfort are no longer at odds - they move together.

And just as we’ve seen from The Devil Wears Prada to its highly anticipated sequel, fashion continues to evolve - becoming more inclusive, more wearable, and more aligned with real life.

Here's our personal edit of footwear that delivers on every front:

The Classic Court

An office favourite, the court shoe is no stranger to a busy 9 to 5. Wide-fit courts, reimagined with comfort at their core, are designed to reduce pressure on the forefoot - often associated with wearing heels. Underfoot cushioning and smooth, soothing panels help enhance comfort, making the styles suitable even for women with foot concerns such as bunions.

Even Miranda Priestly would have to approve of this level of polish!

A Stylish Flat

Flat shoes have come a long way since the early 2000s and are now a staple in today’s offices. But just because the heel is low doesn’t mean style takes a back seat.

Our range of wide fit flats is designed to be meeting-ready - polished, versatile, and effortlessly refined. Paired with a fashion-forward outfit, they make a strong case for modern workwear.

We think Andy would be all over a pair like these for her work endeavours in 2026.

A Sophisticated Sandal

Wide-fit sandals bring an effortless ease to office dressing, combining breathable design with considered support. Polished enough for the workplace yet comfortable enough for all-day wear, they’re made for long days that don’t slow down.

We can easily imagine Emily stepping into 2026 in a pair like these - still ambitious, still on the move, but finally comfortable getting there.

The days of choosing between style and comfort are over. And honestly? That’s a trend worth keeping.

VIEW OUR STYLISH COLLECTION OF WIDE FIT SHOES FOR THE OFFICE HERE