Sandal Scandal.

purple8

I've discovered my job is ok with sandal-type shoes (as long as it isn't overly casual like a rubber flip flip or tevas). Some styles I've seen on women at work seem to look fine with business casual wear, others look out of place. I can't really nail down why some look ok and not others.

So what do you think? What makes a sandal look ok/not ok at work?

11 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sandals have levels of dressiness or refinement, just like any other shoe or boot. You already understand this, as your post implies. Match the shoe to the clothing and you are fine.

I'd put sandals on a continuum. Dressiest would be high heeled, thin straps, patent leather or sparkles, etc. Those would be for evenings.

Then there are refined low heels or wedges -- no big platform, just a delicate wedge or self coloured heel. Leather in neutrals or burnished metallics. This kind of sandals could go to a business casual office where sandals are allowed.

Then there are more casual platforms or espadrilles -- best left for weekends.

Flat sandals can also go either way, but are typically more casual in feel.

11 years ago

always trying

Veteran

Yeh what Suz said--casual sandals tend to have cork, wood grain, or such wedges or heels, and dressier ones are the same color or leather as the rest of the shoe. some sandals can go either way-like the ones you would feel Ok wearing with jeans or shorts and with a dress other than something like a cotton sundress.

11 years ago

purple8

Active Member

Ah, I think it's the cork and wood grain that's saying "too casual" to me (aside from the obvious stripper-looking stuff). Thanks.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I'd also add that to my eye work sandals almost never have embellishment of any sort, the look is often very minimalist.

11 years ago

kkards

Veteran

i think its also do to how much of the sandal is visible, as well as the rest of the outfit. a wedge sandal with midi or maxi skirt gives off a different vibe than the same sandal with a mini skirt. i find that often, that for me, context is the deciding factor.

11 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Well cared for feet is important as well. I feel naked without polished tootsies though I know there are others who go au naturel!

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think flat, thong sandals always seem too casual to me for work. A little bit of heel is necessary for me for a work sandal.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

To me, a big indicator is fabrication. Leather just looks dressier to my eye than the fabric on tevas or rubber of crocs.

And well cared for feet help a great deal. Polish isn't required, but they should still be appropriately cared for and neat.

11 years ago

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