by Will Kester

Created on: April 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 08, 2007

I'm old, and have a different sense of what is appropriate than the younger office employees, apparently. Remember, though, that management, who makes who makes decisions about your future may be my age. Dressing appropriately for the occasion is important at all times.

Notice what your superiors are wearing, if you want to move up, and copy their style of dress (unless they wear short sleeved shirts and clip-on ties), modified to fit your budget, and remember, you need to take care of your feet, too. If the Devil wears Prada, then wear something very fashionable, but don't out-dress them, or over-spend them.

For men, Conservative shoes are the best choice for most offices; wing tips were the rage when I was younger, but now, cap toes are very smart looking, sleek, and make a positive statement. Loafers are for casual Fridays, or weekends, not for professional offices. Brown shoes are okay if there are no special clients or events, but black, well-shined shoes are the professional man's choice for any important occasions.

If you can't afford any better shoes or only one pair of shoes, keep them shined and in good repair. Run over heels are a dead give-away that the employee is not top caliber and will be passed by for promotions.

For women, it's a more difficult decision. If the men got to choose, they would all wear five-inch stilettos, but women don't dress to please men in offices, they dress to please the women. That's probably a good thing.

Conservative shoes with lower heels make a statement, but not a great statement. medium heels that compliment the outfit will draw the proper amount of positive attention to the attire. it's not the attire that you are selling, it's you. Too conservative and no one notices, and too fashionable and bold, it makes a negative statement in a professional office.

Women love shoes, I know, and I have found that they can have fewer outfits, with a good selection of shoes. Wear the same black conservative suit three times in one week, with different matching bright-colored shoes, belt, coordinating scarf and purse; no one will notice that it was the same outfit, because they noticed the shoes.

If standing is a large part of the job, lower heels and good support are critical. Standing all day in high heels will not only make your feet hurt, but it makes you look stupid. I remember when I first saw professional women walking to lunch, wearing very professional suits and jogging shoes. It looked ridiculous and I commented on it. "What the...?"

"They wear the jogging shoes to walk to lunch, then change back into high heels," I was told. I don't know; what if someone sees you? I am not a woman, and won't ever criticize how they dress, but if I had walked to lunch, I would wear something that looked better than jogging shoes with my suit and hose, but what do I know? I told you I'm old.

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