NH Etiquette: Shoe Etiquette for Professional Women

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[media-credit name=”Source: Morefashionable.com” align=”aligncenter” width=”578″][/media-credit]If you have an important business meeting, do you know the right shoe to wear? When you’re a professional woman, shoe intelligence cannot be overemphasized. Etiquette expert, Diane Gottsman (dianegottsman.com) has a lot to say on the matter. According to her:

While tennis shoes and canvas slip-ons were great for your trips to class and the market, your needs and your income have suddenly been altered (hopefully for the better) and it’s time to update your shoe wardrobe.

Building a shoe wardrobe takes time, thought, and effort and the selection will rest on comfort, style and appropriateness, not necessarily in that order. The type of shoe you select depends on your particular job, work environment, and the corporate culture of your company.

So how do you know just what shoe is appropriate for your work environment or for the meeting you will be attending? She gives a few really useful and practical tips.

• Conservative environments such as law firms, accounting firms and financial institutions frown on overly trendy footwear.  While your strappy, between-the-toe sandals with clear acrylic heels would be great for an evening cocktail party; the corner office is not the place to strut your stuff.  Stay away from anything that sparkles or hints of “Sex Kitten”.  Focus on a traditional pump or sling back with a 2 to 3 inch heel in black, brown or cordovan (A bit boring, I know, but also very safe for a conservative workplace). The ultimate goal is to stand out on your business merit, rather than your choice of shoes.
• A creative work environment gives you a bit more freedom, especially if you work in the fashion industry and are selling the season’s “hot” shoe item.  Marketing firms, ad agencies, event planners, and travel agents are expected to portray an upbeat persona and their clothing and shoes, along with their enthusiastic demeanor, are part of their overall image.
• Peep toed shoes are acceptable in many offices. They are particularly attractive with a beautifully tailored pantsuit or a skirt suit that hits just below the knee.  By the way, if your toes are showing they must also be impeccably groomed.  My personal favorite is a Jimmy Choo peep toe with a significantly higher heel than 2 inches, but who’s counting when worn under a long, tailored pair of dress slacks?

There are more tips to help you navigate your way in the world of corporate showwear and you can get them right on her blog. Click here to read more.

Next time you are tempted to slip your feet into whatever shoe is available, pause and ask yourself if it fits your work environment and more importantly, the image you are trying to portray.

 

 

 

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