Trending
You can be beautifully dressed, meticulously groomed, and well put together, however, when someone looks down at your feet and your shoes are scuffed, shabby, or stretched out; you have negated all your efforts toward making a professional statement.
Appearance sends a message.
Shoes are not just an accessory, they communicate intention – from boat shoes and Buster Browns to sandals and stilettos, the shoes we choose are revealing!
In 1580, five inch heels were the rage for men and women of the upper classes in France, a sign of wealth and social position. Height has always been equated with power, as well as the opportunity to literally “see and be seen.”
High heels have a serious physiological impact on bearing and movement. Pageant contestants wear very high heels at home to practice and ultimately appear fluid and elegant – a challenge, as high heels are not intended for “walking.”
Shoes also reveal the subtext of cultures – ask George W. Bush in 2008. Had the Iranian journalist who tossed his shoes done so two years earlier, he would have been beheaded (they had just changed the law!)
“Good shoes make you feel good and take you good places.” – Old Chinese proverb.
“Shoes are the soles of propriety!” – an original quote, moi.
Shoes do so much more than just protect your feet, if you know how to use them!
Men: the “Presidential” shoe – black is considered the most professional – with or without the cap toe; brown or cordovan take a back seat to black. You need to earn the right to wear the soft, supple, brown leather tassel loafers. Incidentally, the reason they are called Presidential is because presidents of the United States and companies, as well as senior executives, wear them. Johnston & Murphy has a shoe called the Reagan Presidential because Ronald Reagan bought his Presidential shoes here.
Women: Invest in shoes. The classic pump is “never wrong.” Patent and grosgrain in summer is fabulous . Suede (cooler months) is considered a notch above leather and no more expensive. Leave sling-backs, open toes, and stilettos for social events – they will not enhance your professional credibility at work. You want to be fashionable yet want the statement you make to be all about the professional you – not your fashion-forward/“look at me” shoes or accessory.
Note:
Tips: