Posted originally by by JeffB on the board on June 2, 2001, 10:31:48
1) Gauge the atmosphere at your place of employment. Is the dress code flexible or stringent? Observe what female co-workers wear. You don't have to copy what women wear, you only want to get ideas.
2) Start out slow. No four inch stilletos on the first day out. Ease your way in with one or two inchers. Gauge how well that goes over that goes with co-workers.
3) Wear black. This is just my opinion mind you, but since 99% of men wear black shoes, your chances of acceptance is greater in this color than anything lighter in shade.
4) Coordinate your clothing. Don't dress like a slob, even if you're not in heels. Go with tasteful dress shirts and tailored slacks. In my opinion, you can never go wrong in that kind of ensemble.
5) No spike heels....PERIOD! Again, this is just me, but I don't think spikes just don't look good with slacks, opt for thicker heels.
6) While on that subject, don't be prejudiced against block heels. They're good to wear because the width provides more stability when walking or standing.
7) Set limits on heel heights. My rule of thumb is nothing over three inches. You don't want to call unnecessary attention to yourself, especially in a serious work environment.
8) If possible, look for heels with squared toes. This style is not only roomier and more comfortable for day to day wear than the traditional pointed toe variety, their mannish appearance will aid in acceptance. Case in point: when I first wore a pair of three inch block heeled loafers with squared toes, co-workers actually thought those were MEN'S shoes!
9) Don't be extravagant with flashy colors or outrageous styles like strappy sandals, mules or stilletos. Remember, you're in a work environment, and that sort of thing just wouldn't go over very well.
10) Be calm, don't be nervous when wearing your heels for the first time at work. If you act as if it's no big deal, then you won't draw attention to yourself and make people wonder what's wrong with you.
11) Be prepared for a variety of opinions from co-workers when they see your heels. While I've had nothing but compliments (even good natured kidding about my added height), my case is unique. There's no way to know if you'll be accepted in your workplace. That's why you should start out with a low height.
12) Respect your co-workers. Don't force others to look at your shoes. No one else does that, why should you? If someone asks about your shoes however, then you can show them off, but do so with pride, never be ashamed about what you choose to wear.