What's your corporate shoe statement?

Women, before you leave home for work don't only double check your hair, make up or your clothes. Remember to double check your shoes......

There are two important questions that women should ask themselves. 

1. Is the shoe I am wearing appropriate for the office?

2. Is this pair of shoes matching my outfit?

In the corporate world making a statement is the main motto but we must be mindful of what statement we make with our attire and this includes the type of shoes worn. The style, height and color of your shoes says a lot about you, especially in the corporate environment. 

The only statement that should be made is 'Chic, Classy and Professional.'

It can be debated that someone should not be judged based on their attire however, let's be real guys when it comes to the corporate world there are just some shoes that are not suitable for office attire. We would review some of the shoes that appropriate and inappropriate for the office. 

PUMPS 

No matter what the occasion, pumps makes a woman look and feel fabulous, You cannot go wrong with simple pumps for the office however, be mindful of the style and height of the heels. Heels worn at the office should not be higher that 4 inches.  The thick heeled style has returned and is suitable for the office. It has an old school but classy look and gives you back support especially if you are on your feet most of the day. Don't be afraid to use colors as colored pumps add some zest to your outfit. 

Corporate doesn't need to be boring. 

Inappropriate corporate shoes

However,be mindful neon colors, studded and spiked pumps and 6 inch stilettos are not appropriate. for work.

OPEN TOE

Wearing shoes with your toes exposed? Ladies please ensure that your toes and feet are moisturized and neatly groomed. Long toe nails are disgusting and unprofessional. 

Most shoes where both heel and toes are exposed are normally flashy sandals but there are some acceptable sling backs that can be worn at the office.  Heels with an open toe and back enclosed are even more appropriate for office attire.

FLATS

A debatable corporate attire, acceptable by some organisations and others its not. Personally, I believe flats are suited for 'dress down Fridays' or used for commuting. Don't think your manager or supervisor will appreciate you wearing ballet flats while attending an important meeting unless you have an injury.

Ladies....what's your views on 'Corporate Flats'  are they office appropriate?

Remember ladies, Make your statement - 'Corporate statement'

Casual - What should I wear ?

Office Functions - Outdoors

Many organizations appreciate their staff annually. This may be done in different settings and forums. such as dinners, parties, BBQs, a day down the islands, Toco, Tobago or an eco nature centre.  

Casual outdoor settings seems to be the trend for 2016.

Here are some dress code tips for casual functions.

Clothing  -  Always look clean and tidy. 

Men a clean pair of jeans with a t-shirt (polo or regular is acceptable). Don't need to over impress by wearing a shirt as you may seem out of place. Even some 3/4 pants will be appropriate for casual

events. Casual vests are allowed however keep it professional. Please no bare back. Tattoos avoid exposing

Women avoid showing cleavage, exposed tummy, wearing too short garments. Remember you are still in a corporate function and the wrong message do not want to be sent.  A pair of jeans with a lady Tee, vest or casual top. 

Crop tops and shorts are a definite NO

Sundresses, capris, long tights skirts can be considered.

Casual Shoes 

Men casual loafers and non flashy sneakers are acceptable. Remember it's still corporate, however no need to over impress with dress shoes. Keep it casual and sharp.

Women - Flat sandals, sneakers or wedges are comfortable and chic. Heels for this forum is surely NOO.

Remember you can dress to impress even if its a casual corporate function, 

Office Accessorizing Part I - Chains, Necklaces & Earrings

Jewelry accentuates your outfit however, like all the previous blogs we must be mindful of the jewelry worn at the office.

What exactly is appropriate or inappropriate jewelry for the office? Office jewelry should not be excessive and should be kept simple.  

While most businesses in Trinidad & Tobago provide uniforms for both male and female staff members jewelry worn are normally personalized options which should conform with the organizations dress code policy. These policies may state what are required for staff members and this should be complied and maintained in keeping with the organization’s professional image.

Here are some tips for corporate jewelry

Chains and Necklaces

Simple men gold chains

Men, once dressed appropriately i e. with shirt and tie, there is no need to wear a chain or necklace this should not be seen. If a chain and pendant must be worn ensure its flat and simple however, remember it should be worn under your shirt. Avoid wearing a chain over your tie as this looks untidy and unprofessional. 

Casually dressed for the office or attending a corporate function where a tie is not required, a simple gold or silver chain is acceptable.Please refrain from wearing big, chunky chains and pendants.

Female chains and necklaces

Ladies simple is always elegant and professional. Too Chunky, loud chains and necklaces are sometimes too bold especially if paired with bangles and other loud jewelry.  

Don't be afraid thou to give your outfit a little pop with a colored necklace necklace. 

Pearls are always classy and not distracting however, you still have to mindful there are some pearl sets which may not be suited for the office. 

Earrings

 

In the corporate environment, most business in Trinidad & Tobago the male staff are not allowed to wear earnings. A taboo yet to be unbroken throughout the corporate world. Men, if you are allowed to wear earrings in the office, please ensure its not extreme, this can cause discomfort among peers and customers. Again corporate is simple - a stud or small hoop can be acceptable.

Simple but not office appropriate

Women - we know piercings are a big fad today, and you make have several ear piercings however, no more than two earnings should be worn on each ear when it comes to office attire.

Earrings that can be worn at the office

Avoid lavish, big hoops and overly long hanging earrings.

Remember corporate attire is looking simple, chic and professional no matter your age or gender. 

Stay posted for Part II - Office Accessorizing which will focus on rings, hand bands and watches.  

#womensfashion #accessories #corporatefashionistatt

Don'ts for Corporate Shoes

Men your shoes make a statement !!!!!

It's style 

It's colour 

Most men believe their shoes does not matter at the office. Guys think again ......

Shoes transform your body language & attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally 

Christian Louboutin

While some young men have changed their style of shoes worn at the office, there are still many who seem to be very casual, overly fashionable or wear old and untidy shoes. 

Although there are limited options for men there are appropriate shoes for the office that are sleek and classically corporate. Men! while we know comfort is also important to you some shoes are totally inappropriate for the office. 

SLIPPERS/FLIP FLOPS 

Although we live in a tropical island working in office and wearing slippers or FLIP FLOPS are a definite NO. Guys please save them for the beach or a casual house lime.

SANDALS

Closed toe, open toe sandals, men any type of sandals are also a definite inappropriate footwear for the office, Would you consider wearing these to an interview or an important meeting? NO!!!! please refrain if you get the urge to wear them at work, even if its casual or dress down Fridays.

SNEAKERS 

While some jobs sneakers are required to be worn, most jobs at the office do not allow sneakers unless otherwise specified.  While sneakers maybe comfortable, guys save the Jordans, Nike, Adidas save these for the gym or partying. 

Casual Fridays at the office - instead of sneakers wear some modern casual loafers. Loafers are more classy and still keep the business casual look corporate.

Men we looked at some of the don'ts of Corporate shoes. Make a statement in the Corporate world.

Look out for the next article  on appropriate footwear for the office. 

Have a great week guys.......