Black pumps for interview - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Black pumps for interview

Tanya

Veteran

I am going to start having interviews soon, so I need to assemble my outfit. I have a classic Theory pantsuit, this exact one but in black:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....at14770736

It needs some minor tailoring, but I need to bring the shoes I will be wearing it with to the tailor and I do not have those yet. I need a simple classic black pump that would be fairly comfortable, and timeless enough to wear it for years.
I am planning on getting a pair from Cole Haan Nike Air line, beacuse real heels are not very comfy for me and I feel wedges are too informal. Anyway, I have narrowed it down to these two pairs and can't decide:

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7326649/c/10174.html

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7367039/c/124025.html

What do you think? In general I prefer pointy over squared toes, but the second pair looks maybe too pointy and the first one more comfy, so I just can't decide.

Also, not for the interview, but the future job, we discussed my future style, especially the androgynous aspect of it and many of you suggested oxfords. I have stumbled upon these and think they might be perfect, but wanted to double check with you. I would order them together with the Cole Haan pair to save on the shipping charges.

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7421605/c/72.html

Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from Ariadne

bella

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the second pair Tanya. They have a more timeless look, if that's what you're after.
I don't like the Oxfords, something about the wedges is off. The plastic seems a bit cheap, perhaps. Sorry!

Julia

Tanya, I love the second pair of pumps you posted. I don't think it's too pointy. I bought a pair from Nordstrom several years ago looking just like that. It is classic and appropriate for interviews or other professional events.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you for you input ladies.

Bella, to further clarify my view on those oxford wedges. I can sort of see what you mean about the wedge heel, although it doesn't rally bother me. The actual wedge would always be covered by the leg of bootcut/flare pants/jeans that would be the only type of bottom worn with these shoes. YLf ladies suggested oxford shoes to me and I like the idea. But, I am not able to pull off the flat ones beacuse I have short legs ( and most of my pants are hemmed for heels anyway), while the real high heels would not be comfortable enough to work all day in them , hence wedges. But obviously, if everyone thinks that these particular ones are ugly I will be looking for another pair, but there are not that many out there.

Maya

Veteran

I don't think I can comment on the interview shoes because I just don't like very pointy toes, either from a comfort or an aesthetic standpoint. I'm too biased.

I actually think the wedge oxfords would look cute as part of an outfit. They do look a bit strange on their own at first, but once I looked at them for a while and imagined them under pants or bootcut jeans, I liked them a lot more. I think they could look very cute and funky but at the same time still casual enough.

Inge

(website)

That's a marvellous suit Tanya. Fantastic that you already have this hanging in your closet!

About the pumps: I realize this is very much personal preference AND that many of you will probably think exactly the opposite of what I'm about to say here, but I'm just going to come right out and say it anyway. I've just never been very fond of the classic pointy heel pump in all its forms (regardless of the colour). Of course they don't call it a 'classic' for nothing and it will always be 'in' and appropriate, but to me a pump with a stacked, and a little chunkier, heel looks so much more modern and unique. I consider them classics as well, but I'm sure lots of you will disagree with me there too. And that's fine;-)

A few examples (they have round toes though, not sure if you like that Tanya?):

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/34109772/c/89.html
(this is one of my personal favourites and I would buy it now if I was a size 6)

http://www.zappos.com/product/7347907/color/46894

http://www.zappos.com/product/7439980/color/89

I know you want to keep your outfit low-profile, but I was wondering if for footwear a buckle or some texture would be allowed. (I've stayed away from patent):

http://www.bettyemuller.com/fall2007/31.html
(in black)

http://www.zappos.com/product/7443509/color/183092

http://www.zappos.com/product/7410587/color/3
(the ankle strap wouldn't be visible under your trousers)

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3.....52385.html

http://tinyurl.com/cc57tt

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I like the second pair better than the first. I also like the current look of round toed pumps with a chunkier heel but think that the pointy toe ones are also lovely.
I do not care for the oxford wedges. I think that is is an odd combination. It seems too trendy and a bit forced.
Let us know what you decide.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you for the input everyone. It seems that most of you prefer the pointy toed.

Inge, all of the shoes you have posted are lovely and I would wear almost all of them in my private time ( I generally like rounded toes). But they are really not appropriate for my future work interview environment. The first few are patent and the second half are really chunky and sculptural . I need a simple modern classic pump, not trendy at all, that I would wear for years to come with the black suit for interviews/conferences/presentations without looking dated. Because of that, I need them to be really well made and from a nicer brand and more comfy than typical pumps. If I could afford them I would get these

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....cat3400731

Btw, I absolutely adore the first pair you posted and wish I could get them to wear now.

Maya

Veteran

For what it's worth Inge, I agree with you. This statement is not in reference to Tanya's dilemma, as I'm not entirely sure how to address it, but I just want to let you know you're not the only one who does not find this style appealing. I know disliking pointy toes is a sin in the fashion world, but it's one look that no matter how much I see it, I just can't adjust to it.

Tanya, would a plain round toe pump with a chunky heel in a matte black leather really be too trendy for you? Does a classic shoe need to have a skinny heel? I'm just looking for some clarification of what makes a shoe classic to you. I'm guessing these won't work because of the ornamentation and the heel but I don't really find them terribly out there or trendy because of either of these elements:

http://www.smartbargains.com/g.....8;t=Search...prod.1

Personally when I go for interviews, I just wear flats on the way and change into my interview shoes when I get there (before I enter the office of course). So if you can do that I wouldn't worry too much about comfort.

anne

Veteran

Tanya - I am with Inge and Maya - and just said what I was about to re "plain round toe pump". I think this would be less dating than a pointed toe.

Tanya

Veteran

Interesting points ladies. While I personally adore chunky heeled pumps, I find them much more trend influenced - they are either in or out. With a pointy toed pump with thin heel, I find that even when it is not in (right now) it's never really out . And I find them more refined and feel that they give me more authority and a leaner line. I am curious what's Angie's view on this.

Sadly I won't be able to do the shoe changing thing you suggest Maya for two reasons. First, the pants of mu suit will be hemmed for heels, so wearing them with flats would ruin the hem. Second, in my field interviews are whole day affairs of walking around buildings, meeting and talking to bunch of people and giving presentations/talks. So the shoes have to be comfy for that. I would be driving to the venues anyway.

Maya

Veteran

I cannot endorse such a pointy shoe from a comfort standpoint. Even if I did not have fussy feet I don't think I could stand them. I don't care what Stacey and Clinton or anyone else says: They DO force your toes into an awkward position. That's why even when most comfort brands are willing to make 3"+ heels, they still refrain from pointy styles. I know I'm not going to change anyone's mind with this, but I can't stand the idea of women forcing their feet into awkward and unnatural shapes. It's so wrong to me.

I'm also interested to see what Angie's input is on the chunky vs. slim heel thing. I always found chunky heels to be in out of necessity--not all women can balance on a skinny heel. BTW when I say chunky, I don't necessarily mean a big block heel. I think the Biviel pumps and the Sofft shoes Inge posted are sturdier without being very trendy or over-the-top. Actually, the Sofft shoes (which do come in matte black) look perfect to me, and should be very comfy for a normal foot. The heel is neither very blocky nor very thin, the toe is rounded off but still elongating and not blunt. It's a very classic pump. They are also getting rave reviews, and I wonder if the CH shoes did as well considering they are tagged as "narrower than marked."

I know ultimately everyone is going to vote for those CH shoes and I also know you like them Tanya. I just wanted to give another perspective. If you really like them and feel comfortable in them, then you should go for it.

Tanya

Veteran

I appreciate your input Maya. I do not know how comfortable will those CH shoes be - I have never tried them on. I am afraid of the discomfort caused by pointy toed heels - that's why I am debating between them and the other CH pair that is more square toed. Those Sofft shoes are very pretty, I just don's find them sharp enough for this particular purpose, and I can't really tell why. It could be the sharp straight lines vs/. rounder lines thing.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Well, I'll give a shoutout for the pointy heels; I love the look and it would be great with that killer suit. I do think you need to try them on before making a final decision; not all pointy-toes are built the same, and their comfort will vary based on that.

And I think it's great you actually found wedge-heeled oxfords! They're so Tanya (and I mean that in a good way). I think they would work in a lab environment, and you wouldn't have to change your pants hems for them.

shana

Veteran

Tanya, I really think either one of them would suit your purposes - they both seem classic to me! The first pair seem to be more rounded than square - I can't really tell from the pics. Are your suit pants bootcut? I do love how a pointy heel looks sticking out of a pair of wider leg bottoms. I actually have a hard time walking in thin heels so my "interview" shoes look alot like those Sofft ones that Inge posted except mine has a rounded chunky heel. I have a pair of CH with Nike boots that I love and are very comfy so I think it's a great idea to invest in shoes that have comfort features as well given how much you might have to walk around in them.

Ariadne

Veteran

Tanya, have you seen these CH pumps?

http://www.colehaan.com/coleha.....oup=219996

I've tried them on when I was looking for interview shoes, and they look very sleek and professional. The heel is a bit lower than on the other shoes which makes them a LOT more wearable. They are very, very comfortable. You can't tell too well from the picture, but the heel is very slim and lovely while also being more stable than the ones you've posted. When I tried these on with suits they looked very authoritative and professional. Very thin-heeled pointy pumps look a little wobbly and cheesy to me, and also seem better-suited to skirts.

Kari

Veteran

Tanya, I think that both of the pumps are great for professional situations, but definitely make sure they are comfortable if you'll need to walk around in them.

Like Maya, I have trouble with pointy-toed shoes. My toes always end up slipping forward into the pointy part of the shoe and getting crunched, except when I'm wearing pointy-toed boots that have a snug fit and very low heel. I think part of this is because my toes are very long and come out to a mostly squared-off shape at the end of my foot; most people's toes slant at an angle from the big toe. I mostly wear round-toed shoes which may not be quite as fashionable, but the comfort factor is worth it to me.

Maybe an almond toe would be a nice middle ground if you find pointy toes uncomfortable?

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you all for your opinions, I truly appreciate them.

Brianna, I really like the ones you posted. I am actually seriously considering getting them instead of the ones I previously posted. I just wish the heel was half an inch higher (most of my pants are hemmed for 2.5' shoes and these are 2").

What does everyone think about them? Here's a better photo at Zappos:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7480257/color/72

Bri, since you have tried them on, how do the sizes run? I am normally 8, but sometimes need to size up to 8.5. I have a few pairs of CH Air shoes, and in flats I needed 8, and in high wedges 8.5.

Maya

Veteran

I really, REALLY like the ones Brianna posted. The "sideways" heel is so unique and a nice touch, and the toe is pointed but not nearly as severe like the first pair. I think part of the reason I don't like very elongated and sharp pointy toes is because they seem so unapproachable. They look more like a weapon than a shoe.

For the situations you have described, I think I would be very careful about comfort. Interviews and presentations are stressful enough without having to worry about concealing pain and discomfort due to your footwear.

I would suggest selecting a few pairs of pants that you already have hemmed for 2.5" and just hemming them 1/2" more. The amount of pants you choose will depend on how often you plan to wear these pumps. But out of everything that has been posted, they are my hands-down favorite. Now I kind of want them for interview shoes too! I love the nougat, red, and black patent. But I don't have the same restrictions as you so I have no excuse to indulge

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you for the validation Maya! I am more and more inclined to go ahead and order them. I'll wait for a few more opinions and also for Bri on the sizing matter.

shiny

Veteran

Not all pointy-toed pumps are uncomfortable. It all depends on how they are constructed. The comfortable ones extend the pointy part beyond your toe, and hold your foot in such a way your toes don't try to migrate down into the pointy area. That has been my experience, after decades of trial-and-error.

In fact, I have pointy toes that are more comfortable than my rounded toe pumps. Some rounded toes will squash the *top* of my toes.

It's all very individual what works for you, and it's hard to extrapolate from what works for others. I can say that I, personally, have never found Cole Haan pumps comfortable (their flats yes, but not their pumps). I have the best luck with Nine West, but even then it's a matter of trying them on because I have found comfy pumps in various brands.

But the best advice, for the health of your feet, is to minimize how long you are standing/walking in heels and alternate between shoes and shoe heights frequently. I went through a long period where I was forbidden by my PT to wear any heels whatsover and had to wear an orthotic. I have since cleared up those issues, and I have not had another problem in several years, because I am really judicious about how often and how long I wear my heels. If this is just for an interview, I think you are going to be fine.

Tanya, for the basic black pumps, I think you will be much happier if you find something that has *some* subtle interest to them. For example, these have a croco pattern:

http://www.ninewest.com/Oaks%2.....itemNum=76

... or a subtle buckle detail like this:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/26468640/c/89.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/26269359/c/3.html

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/45166931/c/90.html

Hmmmm.... these aren't classic or pointy, but they seem like good career shoes to me:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/4.....78228.html

For the oxfords, try Stuart Weitzman!!

http://www.footnotesonline.com.....OxfordHeel

... these are the ones I have, except I have them in the metallic:
http://www.jkleinbauer.com/sto.....tegory=207

The heel is not too high.

Elika

I really like the pair Brianna posted too! (especially in red patent, *drool*) Although I do appreciate pointy toed heels from time to time, I too don't see why they would be more appropriate than a more round, streamlined pump. Those are just as classic in my book!

Besides, the broader heel is indeed probably a LOT more wearable, which is very important as you'll have to actually walk in them, and the heelshape is lovely. Basically I second everything maya said, and she words it so much better than I could

BlondeAmbition

I have to wear black pumps all the time for work functions and I found these a few months ago. The patent leather is not severe or too shiny and they are extremely comfortable (coming from someone who's in discomfort with all heels). It's a little pointy but not too pointy.

http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=44457

Everyone has very concrete opinions about shoe styles! My own opinion is that you want a heel that is both classic and modern. Chunky flat heels appear very matronly to me and I wouldn't want to appear matronly even if I WAS matronly.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tanya, are you planning to get patent? I'd steer away from patent.

Tanya

Veteran

Not at all Angie. I am planning to get smooth black leather, currently have my eyes on these:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7480257/c/72.html

but all the different opinions here are giving me a headache and don't quite know what to do

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Excellent, Tanya. The ones that you have posted last are GREAT. Is there still a doubt in your mind? I hope to end your headache.

Tanya

Veteran

Thanks Angie! Your approval certainly makes my headache go away I will probably go ahead and order them ( maybe) tonight; as soon as I hear from Bri about the sizing, since she tried them on, and I am not sure if i should get my usual 8 or size up to 8.5 which sometimes I have to do with Cole Haan shoes.

Kari

Veteran

Wow, I didn't even notice the "sideways heel" feature until I read the comments more closely. That is so cool! Hope they work out, Tanya.

bella

(website)

Veteran

I think my first choice would be something like BlondeAmbition posted. It is a modern update on the classic pump. I tried these on at H&M (with black heels, not wood):
http://shop.hm.com/de/shopping.....shoptype=S

The link didn't work: Second page, second to last on the bottom row.

They had already sold out my size in black so I couldn't buy them but I definitely would.

Ariadne

Veteran

Yay Tanya, I'm glad you like them and hope they work for you. My foot size is right in between 7.5 and 8--I'm probably a "7 3/4"--and the 7.5 in these shoes was too small. The 8 was just a tad big, but with a thin insole, they were perfect. My foot also runs wide, so I'm not sure how much impact that had on the size issue. The 8 was a tiny bit snug but they would have stretched (or been stretchable) to the point of comfort so I don't think the shoes themselves run wide.

12