Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Sandals at work Question: Should toeless, strapless and heel-less shoes be worn in the workplace? F. Answer: It’s that time of year; open-toe shoes and sandals abound. But are they appropriate for the work environment? No. Why? They make an extremely casual statement; simply put, they are too casual of a shoe to be worn for business, even for business casual. The type of shoe that you describe can be worn for leisure time, but the wearer will not be taken seriously in a business setting. The most professional shoe for men and women is closed toe and closed heel. Why? Bare toes and heels mimic bare feet, which conveys an ultra casual attitude. In the workplace, this potentially crosses over to your attitudes about your work. In other words, people could easily perceive you as handling your work with the same at-random carefree attitude. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'