Fabulous Footwear – Where Trendy and Business Trendy Clash

As a heel lover, I find it very hard to separate my business kicks and my personal kicks. But as the trends become more and more extravagant, I have found myself asking, “Is this pair, Business Trendy or Business Risqué?”  So with much debate, here are a few thoughts to help ferret this out.   

1) First, heels size… anything over 4" = Business Risqué.  Sorry my short ladies, those 5” heels are just not work appropriate. 



Business Risqué



 2) Next, on to platforms.  I feel guilty weighing in on this trend as I’m biased... anything over .5” of platform = Business Risqué.



Business Risqué

3) Lastly, the question of “branding.”  Not too long ago, I bought my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes with the beautiful red bottoms. And now, more and more I’m seeing them geared towards the work environment, e.g., Sandra Bullock in the proposal.

Considerations:

3.1) Are they client appropriate? E.g. do you work in the service industry, like consulting where you have to give off an image in front of your client? Verdict... Business Risqué.   

3.2) Does it make a difference if they are pumps vs. flats?  Answer – Yes.  The flats may fall under Business Trendy, but once you get into the 5” heel arena, they fall under Rule 1 – Height.

3.3) Does it matter who you are?  While I thought Sandra looked adorable in the shoes, realistically, in a corporate setting they can come off flashy, which can often border on Business Risqué.  Now with that said, if you work in high fashion in NYC, "Louboutin away" or if you are a C-Level executive, you can probably get away with flashy, but for us ascending the corporate ladder, high end shoes won’t see the office anytime soon.

4) Business Trendy.  With all the Business Risqué masquerading around the office, how can your shoes be Business Trendy?  My vote for this season is with color and pattern.  Nothing is cuter than a pump with a splash of color.  Since it is summer, a peep toe or round toe is a nice touch. Jessica Simpson’s line does a nice job of bringing some fun to the shoes.  

Business Trendy

Thoughts?



Sources:



Business Risqué:  Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

Business Trendy:  Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5