|
|
Post by arizonastamplover on Jul 15, 2016 23:07:08 GMT
Looking for advice on this. I've been in Arizona way too long, so even though I work in a Government environment, I never wear suits, and I am dressed equivalent to many of the women here, or maybe even a little nicer. I'm headed out on travel for a couple weeks traveling to Government locations in the DC area. I remember when I used to work there, it was all suits and high heels for women. I don't miss that at all, and it took me a couple years to transition away from this and I cringe at having to go back to that, even for just a couple weeks. I wear lots of dresses - nice looking shift type dresses, usually with a cardigan. I wear wedged sandals now, and I'm wondering if they are acceptable for me to wear during this trip. I'm having trouble giving up my comfy wedge sandals for the closed toe high heeled shoes that require pantyhose  Here is what I'd like to wear: www.amazon.com/dp/B0093JS4ES?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&showDetailTechData=1#technical-datawww.jambu.com/item/journey-too/wj14jny)Acceptable or not? If I'm asking the question, I guess I'm leaning towards not acceptable, but I so want the answer to be that it's ok...my toes don't want to be closed in  |
|
scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,524
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
|
Post by scorpeao on Jul 15, 2016 23:27:44 GMT
I work in a lab, so I have no clue what I'm talking about...but, I'm gonna say not acceptable. What you're describing sounds like what lawyers (I get called for jury duty a lot) wear. Those shoes are too casual.
|
|
|
|
Post by scraphollie27 on Jul 15, 2016 23:31:19 GMT
I always err on the side of more professional when I travel for work. I would rather be perceived as over-dressed than under-dressed.
|
|
|
|
Post by myshelly on Jul 15, 2016 23:33:57 GMT
I would wear closed toe heels. But I would not wear panty hose.
|
|
|
|
Post by lisacharlotte on Jul 15, 2016 23:35:18 GMT
I guess it would depend the type of department you work in, but DC is pretty much the suit and heels kinda place.
|
|
eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Jul 15, 2016 23:38:08 GMT
I work in DC in a Government office. I commute with women who work in DC with a high probability of being a Gov't office. You'll be fine. Both are acceptable unless you are going into a hospital environment. I see lots, and lots and lots of sandals. In my office I see a range from flip flops (almost all of us put them on to walk to lunch or in late afternoon), to stilettos. Lots of ballet flats and wedges.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Jul 15, 2016 23:50:59 GMT
Can't you bring both types of shoes and wear what you see when you get there?
|
|
|
|
Post by arizonastamplover on Jul 15, 2016 23:51:02 GMT
Thanks all. I'm out of my comfort zone since it's offices that I've never been to before, and I'll be with my Government boss (I'm a contractor). Not knowing how formal or informal they are (mix of military/civilian/contractor), I'm not sure what would be ok, and I would like to err on the side of caution.
|
|
|
|
Post by arizonastamplover on Jul 15, 2016 23:52:30 GMT
Can't you bring both types of shoes and wear what you see when you get there? Oh that's what I would normally do. For some reason I'm trying to pack light and sensibly, but I always overpack, so who knows why my brain wants me to pack light this time. |
|
|
|
Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 16, 2016 0:41:19 GMT
I personally think you could get away with wedge type shoes IF they were closed-toe. I don't ever wear heels-- for one thing, my orthotics don't fit-- but I do wear a nice loafer. Although I am also always in pants, so my shoes are probably less noticable.
|
|
|
|
Post by smokeynspike on Jul 16, 2016 0:59:22 GMT
I am going on a 2 week business trip in October to the east coast. I work in banking. We have been told that the east coast is more formal. We are business casual here. I bought more suit jackets for the trip and even though I hate hose, I will wear that too.
Melissa
|
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Jul 16, 2016 2:18:59 GMT
I don't think most people pay attention to shoes in general -- but I'm not a fan of those and I'd say not acceptable
|
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Jul 16, 2016 2:22:14 GMT
I have shoes like this -- they go with everything and are comfortable. Come Haan is the best.  |
|
|
|
Post by secondlife on Jul 16, 2016 2:28:42 GMT
If you're going to be working in a fed office I would go closed toe. Most of the fed environments I've worked in have specified closed toe shoes in the dress code.
It doesn't have to be high heels but most government offices are more conservative with attire. Your clothes sound more than fine but I would not wear the open toe sandals.
My experience is that contractors are often expected to dress even more conservatively than govies. I am no longer a contractor but my DH still is and has worked for all of the big firms. He says he wouldn't think poorly of a contractor wearing the shoes linked above but they wouldn't be conservative enough for his office. He did say it depends on what you're there to do - he wears jeans and tennis shoes when he is working a proposal offsite but shirt and tie when he is on site.
You can skip the pantyhose. You don't need them.
|
|
purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,955 
|
Post by purplebee on Jul 16, 2016 3:19:42 GMT
Have no idea of what is appropriate in DC, but dang, those are some cute shoes!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by annabella on Jul 16, 2016 3:21:40 GMT
Not a fan of the jamba shoes, they look too casual.
|
|
georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
|
Post by georgiapea on Jul 16, 2016 3:55:48 GMT
I'd get something basic with a fairly broad heel base, 2 to 2.5 inches high.
|
|
DEX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,438
|
Post by DEX on Jul 16, 2016 10:12:08 GMT
Just my $.02. I have been looking for a pair of wedges all summer. I have been stalking Nordstrom Rack and have tried on millions of shoes.  One thing I have found is that there are many styles of wedges with different quirks. Some are too heavy and would kill my feet and legs at the end of the day. Some have too high or too low of a heel. Some have too narrow a heel and would be dangerous to walk in. All this to say that I would be scared to buy new shoes without not having a chance to hold them in my hand, try them on or touch them prior to purchase. Also, do you really want to wear brand new shoes on a 2 week trip? What happens if they rub? What if they are uncomfortable? Good luck. I have bought lots of shoes on line without trying them on but wedges I have to feel and touch. |
|
RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,077
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
|
Post by RedSquirrelUK on Jul 16, 2016 11:07:32 GMT
I can't help you with shoes (I work in a supermarket and we have uniform) but I had to drop in and tell you that I read your username as Arizona's Tam Plover. I was sitting there thinking wow, I wonder what that looks like? Different from the plovers we get here?  |
|
|
|
Post by bearmom on Jul 16, 2016 11:45:50 GMT
I have shoes like this -- they go with everything and are comfortable. Come Haan is the best. Those are so cute and I've been looking for new black shoes......... Off to search! |
|
Here is what I'd like to wear:
Refupea #1142
One thing I have found is that there are many styles of wedges with different quirks. Some are too heavy and would kill my feet and legs at the end of the day. Some have too high or too low of a heel. Some have too narrow a heel and would be dangerous to walk in.
