Shoes For Work?

Fiona Vurnum

I don't believe there should be such a thing as a 'work shoe'!
Think about it. Why should there have to be a particular style,
colour or design that only suits work? The work shoe is a look
that has been created by office professionals, companies and
society. It's a shoe that fits into an image and that image is
plain, dark and not at all flattering!

I've done it myself. For the office, whether you agree or not,
you need to look professional and smart. Personally, I think you
need to be comfortable. What do you look for when you choose a
shoe? Maybe a heel but it will always be pretty plain and
probably dark.

What about colours? Now I know you maybe can't go to the office
looking smart with a bright orange or turquoise pair of shoes
shouting from the bottom of your legs. But you can, choose shoes
that not only make you look fabulous but still fit into the
smart professional look.

Before I go any further, always try to choose leather or suede
shoes. This is particularly important for work because synthetic
materials will make your feet sweat more. Canvas or other fabric
just won't work with smarter clothes, keep them for the casual
look.

Here's some ideas on colours to choose:- Red looks fantastic
worn with cream or black coloured clothes. Green is the most
soothing, calming and easy on the eye colour, of any colour in
the spectrum. But do be careful with the outfit you choose to
match. Everyone should own at least one pair of black shoes.
Black works with everything you wear. Black does not have to be
boring. Black shoes with diamantes, studs, buckles or beads can
add a hint of glamour. Brown or earthy tones look good with
similar coloured clothes. Pink. Maybe you think it's not
suitable for work? Maybe not hot pink, but a delicate rose or
baby pink works well with a matching shirt or blouse and a dark
suit. Blue - never wear blue with black. You will take yourself
back to 1980 and although retro is quite in fashion, this combo
doesn't work well. Navy is just navy. It works best only with
white. White - during Spring and Summer white works well with
just about any colour. Try not to mix too many colours at once
though!

Now you have an idea on colour think about styles. Heels are
always a good option because they give you so many benefits. A
little height, great posture. Remember though, you are likely to
be wearing them all day so you're probably better off opting for
only a couple of inches in height, at most. Wedge heels are an
absolute must for this summer. They are very fashionable, have
all the advantages of a heel but are far easier to walk in and
far more comfortable. They come in many colours and fabrics, so
you'll be sure to match some with something.

Round or open-toed shoes with a wedge heel and ankle strap look
fabulous with a knee length skirt. Pointed toes lengthen your
overall look whether worn with trousers or a skirt, therefore
give the illusion of greater height. Kitten heels are great to
wear for work because they only have a 1 or 2 inch heel. They
are comfortable, but look chic and stylish. Choose a different
colour with perhaps a buckle or strap detail across the front,
to add interest. Always choose a kitten heeled shoe with a
pointed toe. This particular style teams well with a skirt or
trousers. If you want to wear a knee high boot, always allow
yourself a little expense. There is nothing worse than cheap
knee high boots. A well made leather pair of knee high boots
will cost you from around £60 upwards. It's worth spending that
little more to get good quality. Cheap knee high boots will make
you look like you are ready to get the whip out and you
certainly don't want to pull that kind of look off whilst you
are at work. If not made of leather, you'll find them sticking
to your legs when you want to get them off! There are times when
its just too hot to wear closed shoes or boots, even in England!
Leather flip flops or flat sandals look really smart and chic
with flared linen trousers. Make sure you've booked that
pedicure! If you are wearing an ankle length skirt, flat
shoes/sandals for summer will work well. If you have a knee
length or shorter skirt go for a wedge or kitten heel.

Avoid teetering high heels with shorter skirts at all costs. You
might have drop dead gorgeous legs, but you'll be terribly
uncomfortable and if you want the smart chic professional look,
this just isn't it. Less is not always more!

Slingback shoes or mules are a good option for warmer weather.
They allow your feet to breathe, team well with trousers or
skirts and they're smart.

Remember, experiment with colour and go for an unusual style or
design. If your outfit is plain an understated, let the world
know you mean business with a stylish pair of shoes!