Are these shoes work appropriate?

elpgal

Are these types of shoes with cross-crossed ankle straps appropriate with a wrap/sheath dress. I realize this is a tricky and nuanced question. Is a lower-contrast shoe color that matched my skin tone more acceptable?

Occasion: technical conferences, interviews

Dress color: black, navy or some non descript pattern

Legs: bare/micro fishnet hose

Heel-height: flat

Context: I went suit shopping and realized I am much happier in dresses. But shoes are a problem because of assorted feet issues.

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8 years ago

General

22 replies

Latest reply was from gradfashionista

gryffin

Veteran

I love them. Very elegant and appropriate. I would like a pair like that!!

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I might wear them to a conference but I wouldn't to an interview... I like a plainer look for interviews.

8 years ago

shopaholic77

Active Member

I like them

8 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I think they're great. I would wear them to work.

8 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I'd wear them to work. If you're in a conservative or more formal industry, they may not work as well for an interview.

8 years ago

binkle

Veteran

To me, they feel "business casual," edging on straight-out casual, but it depends on your work environment. Not for job interviews, I don't think. A little bit of heel helps - even an inch, especially with a skirt suit.

But they are very cute, guess it depends on the situation.

8 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Glad to see that criss-cross straps are not 'suggestive' as DH put it.
But I do see your point about them not working for interviews. Guess I'll have to invest in a pant-suit then for interviews because I can't seem to find strapless shoes that fit my feet.

8 years ago

jill58

Veteran

As Binkie mentioned, they're "cute" which isn't what I would want to project during an interview. With a wrap or sheath dress, I too would wear a bit of a heel.

8 years ago

brokeshopper2017

Member

I think they are. They can dress up a more plain outfit imo.

8 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Silly question, but how is the strap attached to the shoe? Is it threaded through a little 'tag / hook' of fabric?

Basically, what I'm asking is if there is any way you can just remove it for the interview, lol?

8 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I see a lot of the millenials wear these shoes. I like them but maybe on casual day.

8 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

I work at a pretty casual place, and these would be fine. Agree about the interview problem, but I think that's also industry-dependent.

8 years ago

Susie

Veteran

It depends on the industry and the location, but I'd have no issue with you wearing those shoes to an interview. I don't like the idea that a woman isn't properly dressed if she's not wearing heels. It seems old fashioned, as well as sexist.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I like them a lot. I would wear them to work.

I agree with every single word Susie wrote above. But they would not be my pick for a job interview. Yes. It is old fashioned. Yes. It is terribly sexist.

8 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

In my previous industry, even now they would indeed be viewed as your DH assessed. Cute, date shoes. At work, in that context, they would shout "admin assistant," and even then, a stereotyped category of assistant.

Sexist? Of course.
The hill I wanted to die on? When there are so many others?

IIRC, you're transitioning from bench science into industry. It might be worth spending the time and money to find a good-quality, well-fitting suit you're thoroughly comfortable in. Then you'll have somewhat more flexibility with footwear.

8 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

IA - they are attached to the shoe so no way to remove unfortunately.

Minimalist, Sterling and Susie- point taken. 'Cute' doesn't fit my persona at all and you are right about eliminating shoes from the equation when there are other important things.

8 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I think these would work for a business casual workplace, but for interviews, I would probably choose something a little more classic to prevent looking too "young."

8 years ago

Marina

Active Member

I also agree they would work well for a business casual environment, but not so much for a formal one - but I'm a traditionalist on this matter, I still think formal attire asks for classic shoes.
They are beautiful, by the way

8 years ago

xSallyx1234

Active Member

Your shoes look okay.

8 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think minimalist gave great advice. Find a suit (and shoes and other accessories) that you can wear to professional things. You'll know you've nailed that part, so when you need to pull it on for game day, you can focus on your strategy and moves on the field, not your jersey.

When you say "technical interview", do you mean that in a Silicon Valley kind of way? That's an industry where I'd seriously seek out examples and maybe feedback from successful women. The usual interviewing advice is that you don't want anyone to notice what you're wearing. That probably counts double in a field where jeans and the same graphic T shirt as yesterday count as professional attire. But you probably still need some kind of formal attire.

Good luck!

8 years ago

Anonymous

I don't think they're cute.
I think they're a good work shoe.

8 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I don't think they're suggestive thanks to the round toe and lack of heel.

8 years ago

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