The Classic Debate – Are Flip Flops Okay for the Office?
When it comes to the great debate of whether or not flip flops are okay for the office, our Trendsetter Erin of Everything According to Erin says…yes and no. (I guess you could call her a flip flopper.) Here she explains. To read more of Erin’s insights on fashion and life, take a look at her blog!
One of the most controversial topics regarding summer fashion is whether or not flip flops (not sandals – actual fabric between your toes flip flops) are appropriate for the office. My opinion on this could probably frustrate you, but is: it depends on the office.
Way back when I was a teacher, there was no way you could have gotten me to wear flip flops to school. Not only was it not professional for my work environment but it was also dangerous. However, being that I am now working in an office where jeans are everyday and “dressing up” means putting on a pair of khakis – flip flops are acceptable, but (yes there is a but here), it depends on the flip flops themselves.
In my personal opinion, a flip-flop is acceptable if it is more than just those plastic kinds that you wore in the showers in college. For example, I will wear my Lilly Pulitzer Mc Kims to my office – they are well made and about as professional looking as you’re going to get in a flip flop. I will also wear my J. Crew critter flip flops as they have a bit more substance than your normal flip flop.
Another contingency about wearing flip flops to the office is what you’re wearing them with. Typically, I believe that a flip flop worn with structured jeans or dress pants works better than when worn with a skirt or dress. This is because the length of the pant balances out the flimsy-ness of the shoe, giving an overall stylish but not sloppy look.
And, sorry if I appear sexist – but, I don’t ever think that flip flops are appropriate foot wear for men in the office.
7 comments
Its not acceptable to wear flip flpps to an office regardless of how casual your office is. No office is too casual. Kust like ypu wouldn’t wear sweat pants or shorts to an office you shouldn’t wear flip flpps, there are manu great summer clothes and shoes to make yoyu feel comfortable yet look professional, and you should come looking professional off at level, your consumers, who ever they may be expect it.
I have to disagree with the first commenter (and agree with the post!) The flip flop debate ends with how casual/not casual your office is, AND how nice the flops are.
I am the CEO of a Chamber of Commerce that serves a lakeside resort community. My office, and my town are SUPER casual…it’s the lake! And I, the CEO, wear flip flops at least twice a month or more (never with a dress, always with pants).
If I were the CEO at Microsoft, I probably wouldn’t be wearing flip flops in the office. Ever.
So, it’s all relative!
(and flip flops CAN look professional or dressy if you do it right.)
What about things like these: http://www.trendora.com/products/gucci/thong-sandals/thong-sandals-big1.jpg
I suppose they are technically flip flips, they make that sound, but they are fancy. These are gucci for goodness sakes.
I agree with the post, it definitely depends on the office AND the shoe. Though, I have a hard time imagining ANY office though where $1 old navy flip flops wouldn’t detract from your professionalism! But with all the elegant flip flops nowadays (such as the guccis from the previous commenter), it doesn’t make sense to ban ALL flip flops from the office. It’s like banning all skirts just because camouflage glitter miniskirts exist. And I agree that flip flops on men are NEVER okay at the office.
I am sorry, I do take offense to you saying that men can not get away with FLIP-FLOPS in the office!
I am a second grade teacher at a private school, and I wear my Reef or Rainbow flip-flops most everyday with my khakis or dress down Fridays when we can wear jeans or on a field trip.
That is so ludicris that u begin to be sexist! My God, women take over the world. We are now catching you back, being METRO SEXUALS! Is this wrong? I say no!
When I have to get down on the floor for reading stories or playing a game or something, flips work! I will continue to wear them proudly.
[...] The Classic Debate: Are Flip Flops Appropriate for the Office: a commenter wrote “It’s not acceptable to wear flip flops to an office regardless of how casual your office is. No office is too casual. Just like you wouldn’t wear sweat pants or shorts to an office you shouldn’t wear flip flops there.” [...]
Oh, please. Enough with the flip flops debate. It is not office material period. You are wearing them to an office. Unless your office is in a tent or at a life guard station, forget it. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I am sick of hearing everyone’s sweaty feet slappin against their foot. Might as well wear a sarong and call it a skirt.
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