The Shoes for the Job

So I got a text the other day asking me what kind of shoes are appropriate for a job interview. Which reminded me that once in a while, situations pop up where it's not appropriate to wear 6-inch color blocked stilettos.

Sometimes, ladies, we have to look professional. Put together. Intelligent and capable. Powerful yet feminine.

Please note that professional IS NOT synonymous with frumpy.

Don't wear these ever.

Knowing how to present yourself well is never a bad thing, and don't feel like you have to lose your sense of style for the interview. You can look feminine, capable, and stylish without appearing overly-provocative or ditzy.

For instance, these would go on the "Never Wear to an Interview" list. They're just too sexy.

Super hot, but not great
for a professional environment.

Sexy is just never the first thing you want your potential employer to think when they see you. Unless you're interviewing for a job at the Pussycat Lounge, you should be emanating competence, maturity, and responsibility.

So, now that you know what not to wear, how about some advice on what to wear?

Flats: A flat shoe, or a shoe with a very low heel is a shoo-in winner for a job interview. Just be sure to keep colors more muted (blacks, grays, taupes, and deeper browns) - leather is always great, as long as its not dyed fuchsia.

That said, if you the rest of your outfit is pretty toned down, you can definitely go with a brighter shoe - just try to keep the number of colors to a minimum. Heavily patterned shoes (floral, animal print, or tribal) are usually more appropriate for a casual environment, although a little patterned embellishment may be ok (look below). Be careful with metallics - copper and gold are usually more professional than silver.

And no rhinestones anywhere, please.

Yes:

No:

Glitter is a definite NO

The flower print makes this
better suited for a beach

Boots: Boots are a good option, especially in fall/winter. When going with a boot, definitely keep the colors muted. A nice brown or black boot is great, so long as the leather is in good shape - not scratched, patchy, distressed, etc.

Nothing that goes past your knee should ever be worn to an interview, and as always, the heel should be on the low side - I'd say 1-2 inches max. Cowboy boots can sometimes give off a too-casual vibe, so be careful about those. And embellishments should, as always, be kept to a minimum. 

Oh, and Uggs are never OK.

Yes: 

No:

NO UGGS

This is adorable, but the leather is
distressed and the boot is too floral and
patterned to be professional.

Pumps: Close-toed or peep-toe, low-heeled pumps are OK especially if you are applying for an office job. I wouldn't stray far from the standard black, brown, or nude pump (no platforms anywhere). And the heel really shouldn't be too much over 3 inches.

Yes:

No:

Sandals: Sandals are iffy. I would personally stay away from them for a job interview. Definitely DO NOT wear flip-flops.

Tennis shoes: NO. Especially not these:

Shape-ups are
the bane of my existence.

Open-toed shoes:

• Open-toed flats are OK if it's the right season for them and they otherwise follow the guidelines above. Oh, and only wear them if your toes are perfectly pedicured and your toenail polish is NOT chipped. 
• Open-toed boots are never OK.

That's pretty much it people! I know this is probably the longest post ever, but I found so many fun examples of shoes that I just couldn't bear to cut it down! I hope you enjoy, and next time you're planning for an important job interview, please remember...

NO rhinestones. NO glitter. NO Uggs. No sneakers. No open-toed boots. NO flip-flops. 

Just go for the opposite of this look and you'll do just fine.