YBI Newsletter

Shoes

Women purchase more shoes than any other item in their wardrobe! We have an, do I dare say it, obsession with shoes. As a result designers are going to give us lots of choices and retailers are going to allow prime floor space for display. In any season we can find: Sandals, slingbacks, slides, mules, sneakers, flip-flops, clogs, pumps, loafers, and boots. Heels are low, high, chunk, wedge, stiletto, open, closed and flats. Toes are pointed, square, rounded, open or closed. Shoes are made of cloth, leather, plastic, glass, sequins, beads, macramé and mesh. With all these options how can one ever make the right choice?

What's Right For the Office

Current fashions are very revealing to say the least; this includes the current shoe styles. It is difficult to keep it professional when strappy sandals, slides, and toe cleavage are the current trends. In general, treat your feet with the same rule as the rest of your body, the more skin showing, the less professional it is.

Conservative Office

Do - Closed toe is required. Leather is preferred in basic colors. The shoe should have a heel with 1/2 inch minimum, 2 1/2 inch maximum height. Pumps, slingbacks or flats with a small heel will work best.

Don't - No slides, sandals, mules or sneakers allowed. Toe cleavage is not acceptable.

Moderately Casual Office

Do - Slingbacks or mules are acceptable. The toe must still be closed but the heel may be open. A wider variety of colors and construction materials are acceptable.

Don't - Limit extremes, such as very high heels, no heels or chunky soles. No sneakers, sandals or slides.

Casual Office

Do - Open toes are acceptable in the casual office. Slides and sandals in moderation are suitable. Low heels are preferred.

Don't - This is still the office, so "anything" does NOT go. Just because your office is casual doesn't mean you can show up looking like you are going on a picnic. No sneakers or flip-flops please. If you can hear the shoe flapping along when you walk, it's distracting to others in your office and not appropriate.

What To Wear With What

It’s all about balance, proportion, figure type, and fabric compatibility. Comfort is also an issue, although high fashion is rarely comfortable.

Shoes should blend and harmonize with the look, not be the focal point. You want others looking at your face not you feet. Color, style and fabric all play a part. Refined professionalism requires refined construction in the show; funky casual attire can carry a more whimsical shoe.

Dressy Dress

Do – A simple sandal, pump, slingback or slide will work. A heel is important. Embellishment such as beading is a fun way to dress up the look.

Don't - Wear chunky, heavy shoes or boots that overpower the dress.

Suit

Do – A suit typically calls for a dress shoe or sandal in leather. The color should harmonize with the hemline of the suit.

Don't – Wear anything with no heel at all. Casual fabrics and construction will not blend well.

Casual Slacks

Do – Wear lower chunkier heels. Casual fabrics are often bulkier and less refined; they can “handle” more volume in the shoe. A variety of styles and construction materials are appropriate.

Don't – Wear dressy pumps or strappy sandals.

Jeans

Do – Now is the time to wear the sneakers, flip-flops, etc. Jeans are very casual and should be worn with casual shoes or boots.

Don't – Wear dressy pumps or strappy sandals. This look may be very sexy and the heel may give you the height but the compatibility is so off that you will look like you are ready to fall over. The difference in refinement between the shoe fabric of a dressy shoe and the jean fabric will make legs and buttocks look larger.

The Old Rules

Pantyhose and Stockings

Have you noticed, women are not wearing pantyhose or stockings with anything! This may be comfortable but not always appropriate.

When to wear stockings – Always in a conservative office environment and when wearing pumps; if your legs need support; if your legs have veins, marks, scars or not attractive.

When can you shed the stockings? - In most casual environments. When wearing casual sandals or slides.

White Shoes

What is the old rule, “Never before Memorial Day, never after Labor Day”? A better rule is, never, unless you are wearing a white hemline. The bright color of white will send the eye right to your feet; we want to keep the attention on our face. If you are wearing white slacks, skirt or dress, white will blend nicely. In general, white is not a good investment shoe color, it soils easily, is hard to maintain and gives you one more thing to think about, is it “After Memorial Day but before Memorial Day”?