by cody18

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: March 23, 2009

Shoes are fabulous accessories that can make a very simple outfit look classy, fun or sexy. But what shoe styles are appropriate for the office?

What is appropriate largely depends on your office setting. First, check your office rules. Many offices have a dress code they expect their employees to ahere to. Depending on your office setting you could have rules such as no open toed shoes, no sandles, no tennis shoes etc ... Once you know what the limitations are consider what type of activities you do on a daily basis. Do you work in an office and sit at a desk most of the day? Do you have to walk a lot? Are you inside or outside most of the day? Do your feet need to be protected? These question will help you determine what will work best.

If your office does not have specific guidelines on shoes consider your office environment. If you are in a conservative, corporate America setting your best bet is to go with something simple. Stick with standard neutral colors. You do not want to show up in hot pink heels. Keep your heels to a modest height. Do not show up in stilettos. Open toed shoes are generally frowned upon as well. Stick to full front coverage and go for a sling back if you simply can nott stand the idea of your full foot being encased in a shoe.

If you are in a casual dress office you likely can get away with more. However, this should not be a license for you to wear whatever you want. You do not want to be known as the girl with the crazy shoes. Also, because you can get away with more this does not mean you should wear ratty tennis shoes or flip flops to the office. People do judge you by your appearance. You can experiment with colors and styles, but do not go crazy. Remember you are at work and you want people to take you seriously. Keep heels to a modest height and do not wear flashy shoes that will totally distract people from your work.

No matter what your office environment there are several shoe no-nos:

* No flip flops! Unless you are a lifeguard this shoe style is way too casual for an office environment.

* No stilleto heels. You are not going to a club you are going to work.

* No shoes with holes. No matter what style of shoe you are wearing if they have a hole in them (even if you think other people can not see the hole) get rid of the shoes!

* No socks with sandels. This look is just not attracitve and it looks goofy.

You can have fun with your shoes, but be careful to not go overboard at work. Remember you are in a professional environment. Save your really sexy, high-heeled shoes for going out to dinner.

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