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updated 23 Jul 2014, 08:58
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Mon, Jul 21, 2014
Urban, The Straits Times
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How to pick shoes for work
by Leslie Kay Lim

I'm a recent graduate with a closet full of sneakers. How can I look professional shoe-wise in a work environment?

Sneakers may be the ultimate shoes in terms of comfort, but unless you are a professional athlete, they are no-go in a work environment. To look professional, I would suggest picking up a few versatile and essential pairs that would help you navigate a lot of different outfits.

1. Black flats

Black flats, whether they are ballet flats or pointed-toe shoes, are workhorses of footwear. They go with pants as well as skirts and dresses and, importantly, allow you to run around comfortably on the busiest of days.

The colour black helps the flat shoes retain a formal work-appropriate feel as well, as seen in this edgy pair from Steve Madden (photo 1, $65, from B2-25 Ion Orchard).

2. Nude wedges/low heels

Nude wedges or low heels such as these from Nine West (photo 2, $122.50, from 01-08 Wisma Atria) are also great office options.

The slight height and nude colour make it very flattering and leg-lengthening while still looking appropriate. They go especially well with skirts and dresses.

3. Coloured pumps

When you are wearing a monochrome or simple outfit, coloured pumps or slingbacks like these from Charles & Keith (photo 3, $49.90, from www.charleskeith.com) can add just the right amount of visual interest to your look. As long as the silhouette is still classic and not too strappy, you can get away with various colours and still look professional.

4. Fun prints or styles

Once you have covered the basics, I would suggest scooping up some more interesting styles that suit your personality.

Shoes are an easy way to add some fun to your corporate wardrobe, whether they have more interesting prints like this leopard Kurt Geiger pair (photo 4, $249, from B2-117 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands) or a different silhouette like these snakeskin sandals from Dune (photo 5, $170, from www.asos.com).


This article was first published on July 18, 2014.
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