Are bare feet slovenly or casual? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are bare feet slovenly or casual?

banananutmuffin

I was thinking about wearing a casual cotton dress to Thanksgiving, where there will be 20+ family members (Hubby's family) there. They are a very casual bunch. I will likely be the only one in a dress, and I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

Rather than wearing my standard black knee-high boot with the dress, I thought maybe I'd just don a pair of slip-on shoes that I remove as soon as I arrive (and spend the day barefoot, which is actually how I usually am in the house).

Or is that just way too slovenly?

Should I just bite the bullet and wear jeans?

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Queen Mum

Veteran

is this a "no shoe policy" home? I can't imagine spending Thanksgiving dinner barefoot. For one thing, my feet would be cold, for another, alot of time spent in the kitchen where inevitably there will be food droppings. I'd atleast bring socks along to wear inside.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Is the dinner at your house or your husband's family's house? And is there a rule against wearing shoes indoors? If there is no rule against wearing shoes indoors, then I'd wear ballet flats or other slip on shoes and keep them on the whole time. If there is a rule against wearing shoes indoors and you're at someone else's house, then I think you can go barefoot because you'd be respecting the hosts' wishes. But if there is some way to keep your shoes on, personally, I probably would (given the occasion).

banananutmuffin

There's no "no shoe" rule, but they're just very casual. (It's my MIL's house.) It's not uncommon for people to wear flip flops to summer gatherings and just slip 'em off. Admittedly, that's a little more casual of an occasion.

I never wear shoes in my own home (just prefer to be barefoot, I find it more comfortable), so cold floors and food droppings don't bother me. (I have a toddler and pretty much spend all day with cheerios embedded in my feet.)

I am mostly worried that I'll look slopping in a casual dress without shoes. I don't mind looking super duper casual, but I don't want to look like an idiot.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think context is everything here. My first reaction is, barefeet and dining don't mix, but of course I do it all the time in my own house! If no one is likely to bat an eye, why not, assuming you are totally comfortable with the idea. I would feel kinda weird personally, but that's just me.

Anonymous

Wear your flats and then see how it goes. (Bossy, aren't I?) Where I live, it's so warm that people often slip off their shoes in someone's home, especially if they are "hard" shoes that make noise on the tile. I often slip off a shoe to tuck my foot under me on the sofa. If you opt for flats instead of boots, it will be easy to put them back on quickly for family photos and such.

afterism

Just try some cute flats for the evening instead of boots. Much more casual, but still wearing shoes.

Where I live shoes off inside seems to be the norm.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

What about dark stockings? They sort of look like footware and they will keep your toes warm and are definitely casual.

I definitely putter around in dress and footed-tights!

Joy

Veteran

Thanksgiving dinner just sort of calls for something on your feet no matter how casual the situation, don't you think? Maybe nude colored peds if you don't want to wear shoes?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Some of our advice is bound to be climate related. I cannot imagine bare feet in the house at this time of year. No way! BRRRRR!!!!

Personally, i vote for flats or a simple mary jane that you can slip off easily to curl up on the couch.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar quandry, since Thanksgiving is at our place, and WE have a no-shoe rule. How to look presentable?

It sounds like your family would not think twice about it. If your casual dress is already more dressed up than the rest of the bunch, then the bare feet would be a fine balance, and you said you'd be most comfy that way. Claire's idea to wear flats and reserve the option to go one way or another is great, too!

kimlee

Veteran

I am having Thanksgiving dinner at my in-law's home. The gathering will be very casual, so I am going to wear dark wash jeans, a simple top, and flats. I will likely keep the flats on while preparing the meal, but will sleep them off afterwards when the family gathers for coffee and conversation in the living room.

I think Claire had the best suggestion. Wear your flats, and then play things by ear.

Anonymous

How about bringing along a cute pair of house shoes or slippers if it's very casual?

Dashrashi

Veteran

I don't think I would ever plan on going to someone else's house and taking off my shoes (as part of my outfit strategy or otherwise) unless it were explicitly a no-shoes house.

DragonflyJane

My parents have a no-shoe rule as they have lovely cream carpets. I usually wear tights or socks there but my hubbie & the rest of the family will take slippers to wear so I was thinking along the lines of Sammi's suggestion.

rute

Veteran

I vote for flats!!!

Anonymous

I usually bring my house only thin-soled ballet flats in homes where no-shoe rules exist. ( And at holidays gatherings) Since they are practically slippers ( never worn outside) black and unobtrusive they go well with almost anything. And I can tuck them in my bag.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I would only go barefoot in someone else's home if it's a no-shoes household or if the hosts remove their shoes over the course of the visit.

That said, the gatherings we host at our house are typically very casual and often end up with shoes kicked off later in the visit, hanging around the fireplace or watching a movie. But I believe in generally following the lead of the homeowner/host.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

If it's family only over, we always wear slippers. Sure there can be a disconnect between a pretty dress and your cozy slippers, but I want to be a considerate guest and not make my family do extra clean-up.

I think bare feet is only slovenly if the feet in question are dirty with ragged toenails. Just bare feet? Eh, casual. Oooh, it's an opportunity for a pedicure!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ballet flats are a better idea than bare feet.