Is there such thing as a business casual sandal? - YouLookFab Forum

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Is there such thing as a business casual sandal?

Liz A.

Veteran

I am not a person who likes to have my feet exposed in the office. However, I do have a few light colored spring work dresses that don't seem to look quite right with a pump.

Is there such thing as a business casual sandal? Flat or low wedge preferred. What would you wear with something like the dresses below (not my exact dresses but similar)?

Dress 1

Dress 2

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Kristin L

Veteran

I think there are. Maybe something like these?

http://www.zappos.com/nina-keegan-ivory

http://www.zappos.com/calvin-k.....ent-lizard

http://www.zappos.com/bandolin.....ink-patent

Thistle

Veteran

I wear sandals to a business casual environment all summer long. I suppose it depends on your Company's version of business casual and if you are willing to commit to keeping your toes office appropriate.

Isabel

Veteran

What cute dresses ! Do you like peep toe shoes ? Do other women at work wear sandals ?

Personally, I have never liked strappy sandals in a business evironment and it was frowned upon where I worked ( before becoming a SAHM ). But here are some examples of the type of shoe that I think would look good with your dresses and still have a little business vibe.

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cciele

Veteran

Does your company have a policy about open toes?

If it's ok, what about something like this (maybe not these exact pairs--they are pricey ):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ma.....sultback=0
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ji.....ltback=111

or maybe
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ni.....ltback=888

Liz A.

Veteran

Me neither, Isabel! I like the look of those pink and green sandals that Kristin linked above, but I'm unsure whether I'd feel comfortable wearing them to the office.

I work for the federal government. Unfortunately, I don't work with a ton of women, but the styles I see kind of run the gamut. Most of the true sandals are what I would consider dowdy. I do like those last pair of peep toes you linked as well.

Isabel

Veteran

Hmmm. The government can be a little dowdy, from a sartorial point of view. I can totally picture the dowdy sandals. Yes, the Bandolinos with a little wedge heel are really cute. I do agree that they may be a little too strappy, IMO. But if you feel that they could be appropriate for your office, you might feel comfortable after wearing them a few times.

Glory

Veteran

Clarks has quite a few great options with a cork style wedge. Here are some pics of ones that might work for you

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Liz A.

Veteran

Cciele, those shoes are gorgeous! Why am I not rich?!

Sylvie

Veteran

I think sandals can be business casual but it is very dependent on the level of polish.

My sandals and feet tend to be scuffed up. I think for business casual sandals need to be free of scuffs, marks and embellishments and feet need to look like they've just been pedicured.

unfrumped

Veteran

Well, there's what you can get away with in your particular office, and there's what you want your style to be, whether that's more or less.

I've given up on knowing what business casual is, as it seems to have become just--casual!
I'm on the team that seems to need to adjust my clothing to what shoes I can and will wear, rather than vice versa.

I have become a huge fan of "nude" or variations on pale neutrals for footwear with dresses because it makes any shoe look lighter and you can get away with more closed look, or more structure, that would look heavy in black, or have such high contrast with pale leg and summer colors. So you might look especially for nude peep toe or a slingback pump--wedges included--that give you coverage but less than a full pump. Those are items I'm really on the lookout for--more coverage or support than a casual sandal but somehow giving a lighter look.
Also don't rule out summer flats or summer oxfords, especially the "more refined" styles, with dresses.

Liz A.

Veteran

I think you are right, unfrumped. I need to decide whether I am comfortable wearing such an open shoe to work, regardless of whether it's technically acceptable. Maybe I just need to try one and see. I am open to more insight.

kkards

Veteran

I don't typically wear strapy sandals to work either, but I do like open toes, perforated, and open side shoes for summer.
What about these? They are a pump but the perforation makes them feel lighter.
http://www.anntaylor.com/perfe.....umps.shtml

I also like this pair from banana, again not wide open, but they read light and sunshiny
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=325028012

Liz A.

Veteran

i absolutely LOVE those ann taylor pumps.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How about a slingback? A closed toe with an open heel. Or a sandal with a closed toe and ankle strap.

Anonymous

My general rule of thumb is that my feet should remain more covered than exposed. I still wear sandals a lot but proceed with extreme caution in appearing too bare. Otherwise, things start looking more beachy than business-y.

Day Vies

Veteran

Because I was in HR in my former life I can tell you many work places even if they are business casual really don't want to bear the liability of people having their toes smashed while at work. From that stand point I say a business casual sandal does not exist.

For environments that are a little less vigilant I say any refined sandal with at least a 1 inch heel is always my favorite go-to when wearing day dresses like the ones you've posted.

Liz A.

Veteran

I think I've come to the realization that a business casual sandal does not exist at least for me. I can't get my head around all that bare skin... plus I'm always cold at the office anyways. And I don't do slingbacks either. I wobble too much when I wear them. I will have to keep my sandals at home and start savings for those Ann Taylor pumps.

Susie

Veteran

I am wearing this pair today. My office is casual but I prefer to not wear a sandal with a lot of my foot exposed so this is a good compromise for me.

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lyn67

Veteran

For big heat my suggestions is peep toe sling backs. Even I like summer sandals a lot, I don't like to show much of my toes in the office, either -so never go with a toe post, or so. Maximum a T strap gladiator sandal, an those I've already mentioned.

Isabel

Veteran

Wow, those AT pumps are to diiiieeee for. I also love what Susie is wearing.

It looks as if you have some nice choices Liz. Good luck !