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Anonymous

02/25/20 at 10:20PM UTC

Style & Beauty

Work appropriate heels

I struggle finding shoes that are work appropriate and professional. I currently work in an office of a male dominant construction type of industry. The office has a very relaxed dress code but still the owners definitely take note of the employees that dress for the job they want kind of thing. My struggle is finding shoes that look professional. I am 5'9" and tend to attract a lot of attention when I wear any type of heel. Part of me has learned to ignore the "haters" but part of me wishes I could find a happy medium of professional without looking like I'm super overdressed. Any suggestions?

Join the conversation...

Michelle Delanty

Human Resources | T & D | Outplacement

03/28/20 at 9:57PM UTC

Try Talbots....comfortable and professional shoes.

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675

757

I am an expert in all things visual.

03/04/20 at 7:48PM UTC

I've had a great time looking up shoes online because I've neer heard of some of these brands! Please let us know what you come up with, because there are lots of great suggestions.

Jennifer Gascoigne

03/03/20 at 2:10AM UTC

Everlane Day Heels are the best! They’re comfy and come in 2” or 3” heights. I’m 5’9”and feel perfectly comfortable in both varieties. Their claim is true, you really can walk “All. Damn. Day” in these.

StellaK

772

Let's do this

04/10/20 at 5:07PM UTC

I love Everlane!

Peg Bittner

620

retired auditor now into volunteering

03/02/20 at 10:39PM UTC

I have gone against the norm by a fine thread my entire 67 years of life, so please keep that in mind when I suggest this. Just don't wear sneakers, flip flops, sandals that tie up your leg, stacked heels that are 5-9 inches. Good leather flats, pumps, and 2 inch heels that have just a few decorations on them will work fine. If the management is that concerned about what employees wear on their feet, then they can supply the perfect shoes. If I was there I would find the dressiest looking black tied athletic shoe or work shoe i could afford. A work shoe like a gas station employee would wear. But that is me.

Anonymous

03/02/20 at 7:51PM UTC

Also 5'9" and in a very tech-bro environment, don't wear heels daily but do wear them regularly for client meetings, internal meetings, and whenever I want to intimidate someone ;) I've found platforms (Sorel booties mostly) and block heels (harder to find but LOVE; Isola is a great brand) to be nice alternatives--less prissy than a true stiletto, but still give you the height and swagger that comes with heels.

Karen Spence

230

03/02/20 at 7:05PM UTC

I find wearing flat pointed toed type pumps looks very professional and are very comfortable. Otherwise, if you feel you must have a heel, choose kitten heels.

AnnFennerSpiegel

03/03/20 at 9:27AM UTC

Pointed toes often bad for foot health long-term-ingrown toenails and bunions

Karen Spence

230

03/10/20 at 2:29PM UTC (Edited)

I don't mean the kind that crush your toes and give you bunions. I have the type of feet that are prone to bunions. My sister has bunions. But despite I always wear this type of shoe, I don't have bunions. Go to 6 PM and search for pointed toe flats. You'll see what I mean.

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675

757

I am an expert in all things visual.

03/04/20 at 7:45PM UTC

not if they are well made. I love kitten heels!

Siobhan Stephan

228

Product Owner in California

03/02/20 at 5:23PM UTC

You can't go wrong with a nice leather shoe. Since you are tall, I would stay under 4 inches. When I wanted a comfortable leather shoe, I shopped with Naturalizer. But, now my go to store is DSW. You can donate shoes and earn reward points. And the more you shop, the more points you earn. Win, Win! Lastly, since you are in a construction industry, I'd suggest you keep a nice pair of boots at your desk just in case you have to go "in the field".

Redhd7

03/02/20 at 4:34PM UTC

I am 5'9 and proudly wear my 3 inch heels. They make me feel more confident, put together. I stand straighter. I wouldn't worry about "Haters" or anyone else. Wear what makes you feel good. No one else in my office dresses as professionally as me. They all prefer to dress more casually. I just feel like I am more present in my job when I dress for it., I do payroll and benefits and meet with employees and vendors. I might wear some flats when I know I am not meeting anyone or it's super cold or wet. Otherwise I have a closet full of heels from 1.5 to 3 inch, some boots, booties, classic, 60's style. Do what you want. I always get round toe pumps as they are more comfortable for me and long days.

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675

757

I am an expert in all things visual.

03/04/20 at 7:44PM UTC

Good for you! My kind of confident woman!

StellaK

772

Let's do this

04/10/20 at 5:07PM UTC

That's great!

lisajae

03/02/20 at 4:30PM UTC (Edited)

Classic pumps in black, blue, nude will never go out of style. Keep your heels to 3-4 inches high. Jessica Simpson, Edlemam, Michael Kor's and shoes made my Nine West offer a good look and quality. Nordstrom Rack's has a great selection. Check the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale for good deals. Definitely stick with good quality and classic pumps. Oh the Half yearly sale will start around the end of May and like the person said above me do not shrink yourself to fit in. Let your 5'9 beauty shine in heels.