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What Shoes Will Work at Your Work?

The days are getting hotter. For the next few months, even at the office, we just naturally want to wear clothes that are a lighter weight. Footwear that is dark and heavy and clunky stays tucked at the back of our closets in favour of something lighter on the foot. If your office dress code is shirt-and-tie-equivalent (no jeans allowed), what constitutes office appropriate footwear for the summer?

Types of Shoes to Consider

• Slingbacks, heeled or flat. Definitely a summer shoe. Classic and simple, yet versatile.

Marc Fisher LTD // J. Renee

         

Topshop // Hispanitas

• Cut-outs. Most likely, a shoe with cutouts would not be one you would wear in fall or winter. That makes it a perfect choice for the warmer months of the year.

       

Vince Camuto // Sudini

        

Born // Via Spiga

• Loafers (without socks). Summer is not the time to have your socks showing above your shoe. Buy some of those sock-ettes that give extra comfort but sit below the top edge of your shoe.

        

Calvin Klein // Vince Camuto

         

G.H. Bass // Kate Spade New York

• D’Orsay, pump or low heel. This style of shoe has an open instep, offering less foot coverage. Your toes are covered, but your foot still gets some breathing room.

MICHAEL Michael Kors // Paul Green

Sam Edelman // Marc Fisher LTD

Shoe Fabrication Possibilities

• Paler colours and citrus brights

        

Louise et Cie // AGL

• Floral print

       

Sole Society // Shoes of Prey

• Woven

        

        Kate Spade New York // Trotters

• Fabric instead of leather

     

Calvin Klein // Stuart Weitzman

Some Guidelines

1. Keep your toes covered. Sandals are a direct path to all-too-casual or just simply showing too much for the office. Of course, flat sandals work for beach-side strolls. Sandals with high heels are ideal for evening or even Saturday afternoon with a summer dress. The only shoe where your toes might go uncovered is a classic peep toe pump. These may be office appropriate depending on your work culture. Tread carefully (pun intended), for if the peep toe is acceptable at your work, it must be unembellished and without a platform sole.
2. Avoid lucite heels. On occasion, a slightly tacky shoe can do wonders for a straight-laced outfit. But not at your office.
3. Speaking of laced, avoid any shoe that hints of bondage at the office. So, no lacing up your leg, and no fishnet-filled panels. Stay away from shoes with spikes. Does this go without saying?
4. Keep any beach-friendly shoe away from your professional office. Avoid shoes made with soles of raffia, such as an espadrille. Cork wedges, even if they have a closed toe, are not office appropriate.

The Joy of Style

As personal stylists, we have embraced the art of shoe shopping with great gusto. If you want us to help you find the pairs to keep your HR department happy, contact us about our personal shopping services that will make your feet happy too.

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