Wearing high heels at the office depends greatly upon dress code. Many offices require more than just sitting, so high heels worn should always be something one can walk in swiftly, and frequently. If a shoe is so high that it is merely for decorative purpose and will have one limping in an hour, it is generally considered not office wear.
The most conservative offices tend to have strict codes about types of shoes worn. They may not limit one’s access to high heels, but may require shoes that are close-toed, but dressy. One still needs to think about the degree to which one will be walking, and probably most appropriate is high heels no higher than 2-3 inches (5.08-7.62 cm).
High heels in either conservative or even business casual offices should forgo embellishments and should be in conservative colors, such as black, brown or navy. It may be all right to match heels of a different color with a suit of the same color, such as dark green heels matched with a dark green suit.
High heels that are white really should not be worn after Labor Day, though many now forgo this traditional ban. Red heels are considered inappropriate for office wear, as they connote a less than professional appearance. Further, shoes should be of good quality and make. Forgo man made fabrics and stick to leathers and suedes. If one objects to the harvesting of leather, microfibers are acceptable.
In some offices, the need to move quickly and often may mean forgoing heels altogether, or wearing a considerably lower heel. In all cases one should avoid heels that are actually platform shoes. The actual width of the heel may vary, depending upon the season’s fashion, but generally huge chunky heels are not apropos. Shoes with very little heel should still not be opened-toed or sandal-like in appearance as this is less than business casual or conservative business attire.
In some offices of an eclectic nature, eclectic shoes may be welcomed. Heels of any type may be worn as long as they don’t inhibit movement. Since today’s job market can change rapidly, keep a pair of 2-3 inch plain pumps, should one suddenly have to job search or visit a career fair. Also, even the most eclectic office staff may need to dress more formally when visiting another office, thus keeping a plain pair of shoes nearby is always a sensible idea.
