Your footwear plays a big role in determining your dress code. But as a heels lover who needs to dress up according to your organization’s dress code, you would probably ask, are heels business casual? Especially when you’re wondering if heels are appropriate for work or when you need to dress in business casual attire.
Yes, heels are business casual. Business casual allows a bit more freedom than traditional business attire, and while business casual isn’t as formal as traditional business attire, it is still much more formal than casual attire. Nevertheless, you need to consider your workplace dress code.
However, if your workplace doesn’t have any guidelines about what clothing constitutes business casual attire, you can wear heels. In this post, I will give you general tips on how to slay with heels in business casual attire.
Can I Wear Heels for Business Casual?
Yes, you can totally wear heels for a business casual look! Business casual is a mix between your regular everyday clothes and formal work outfits. So, if you have a pair of heels that aren’t too flashy or super tall, they can make your outfit look just the right amount of fancy for business casual. Just make sure you’re comfortable in them because you don’t want sore feet by the end of the day.
What Heel Height Is Business Casual?
For a business casual look, sticking to heels that are about 2 to 3 inches high is usually the sweet spot. This height is perfect because it’s comfortable enough to wear all day but still gives you that professional and polished vibe. You should avoid extreme high heels or anything that looks like it’s meant for a night out. So, go for a moderate heel height to keep your look classy and suitable for a business casual setting.
What Heels Are Considered Business Casual?
There are a few different factors to consider when determining what heels are considered business casual. First, make sure they’re not too high or too low in height. Heels that are too high can make you look awkward and uncomfortable, while heels that are too low can make your feet look shorter than they actually are.
Second, make sure your heels aren’t too loud or bright in color. While there is nothing wrong with wearing bold shoes for work as long as they are not distracting to others, heels that stand out from your outfit will definitely draw attention away from the rest of your ensemble.
Third, pay attention to how shiny or matte the material on which you intend to wear your heel is. If it’s made of patent leather and has bright colors like red or yellow added into its design, then chances are good this shoe may be best saved for an evening out rather than everyday life (unless you work as a professional dancer).
Fourthly, check out whether these shoes would be appropriate for an interview before purchasing them: most professionals don’t want clients’ first impressions to be based on fashion choices instead of skill sets.
Tips for Wearing Business Casual Heels
1. Keep the heel height reasonable
You don’t want to tower over your colleagues, but you also don’t want to add unnecessary height. If you wear a two-inch heel and it looks too tall, try something more manageable, like a one-inch heel.
2. Don’t wear open toes if possible
While closed toes are always preferable to open ones, if your office does not have a strict dress code for business casual heels and open toes are acceptable in your situation, then go ahead and wear them. Just make sure that they are professional.
3. Wear heels that fit the look and style of the outfit
Make sure your heels fit the look and style of your outfit. Don’t wear a sky-high stiletto with a short, tight skirt and blouse. Choose heels that are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Pick shoes that are the right height and heel shape for your foot type, body type, and occasion. For example, calf-length boots work well with pencil skirts; flat mules work well with jeans or dresses but not with shorts or capris; pointed-toe pumps can be casual or elegant depending on their material (leather is more formal than suede), color (black goes anywhere), and heel height (2”+ is more formal than 1 ½”+).
4. Choose a style of the heel that fits your workplace
When it comes to heel height, the general rule is the higher the heel, the more formal your outfit will seem. A low-heeled pump is reserved for business environments that require a more conservative dress code. If you work in a traditional office setting or if you prefer a look of class and elegance, then this might be right for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with a bit more pizzazz and flair (and maybe even some extra height), then go for something like a stiletto heel or an open-toe pump. It all depends on what works best for your personality and, of course, where you work.
What Shoes Are Appropriate for Business Casual?
1. Heels
The most common misconception is that business casual means wearing no heels. But the truth is if you work in an office that allows more formal attire and you have a pair of heels in your closet, then you can actually wear those.
As long as they’re not too high, it’s totally fine to rock your favorite pair of heels for business casual attire when you work in an office environment.
2. Boots
Boots are a great option when it comes to business casual footwear. They can be dressy or casual depending on the style, and you can wear them with just about any outfit, from skirts and dresses to blazers and sweaters. If you want something that’s more polished than sneakers but less formal than oxfords, try some top picks for boots.
3. Flats
Flats are a great choice for business casual outfits. They’re easy to wear and comfortable, plus they’ll keep you more stable if you have to stand on your feet all day. If you wear heels but have issues with your feet, flats are a good alternative. A lot of women find that heels hurt their feet during the day and would rather go barefoot than put in another uncomfortable hour at work.
If you want something more formal than flats but don’t like heels, consider ballet flats or sandals instead. They can be found in bright colors or patterns that look professional yet fun.
4. Oxfords
Oxfords are a great choice for business casual outfits because they’re more formal than sneakers but not as stuffy as dress shoes. For men, Oxfords look great with chinos and a button-down shirt, and for women, they look great with khakis and a blouse.
If you work in a more formal office (think law firm or investment banking), Oxfords will fit right in, just as they do at high-end restaurants.
5. Loafers
Loafers are a great option. They’re versatile and comfortable, and they can be worn with virtually anything. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s dressy but casual, loafers are a good choice. And if you need something formal but not too formal to wear on your first day at work or when meeting clients, loafers may be the way to go.
6. Wedges
Wedges are another great option for business casual. They offer the height and style you need for the workplace but still provide comfort and support. If you’re wearing wedge heels, choose a closed-toe shoe with a heel height between 1″ and 4″. This will keep your feet protected while still looking stylish.
If possible, choose something with an open-back or sling-back style. This will also help prevent uncomfortable rubbing against your skin. The best wedge heels have rubberized soles that grip better on slippery floors like those found in kitchens or bathrooms.
7. Sneakers
Sneakers are a great choice for business casual. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you’re on your feet all day, sneakers are also a great choice since they offer extra support that heels may not provide.
Conclusion
Anyway, it’s all about what works for you and the look you’re going for. If you’re looking to dress a little more formally, heels are a good option. Heels are business casual, and when paired well, they are very good for workplaces and even outside of it.
If you’re unsure whether heels are appropriate for your work environment, err on the side of caution unless there is an explicit policy allowing them (or barring them).
