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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
Mules at WorkQuestion: Is it acceptable to wear mules at work? And if so should I also wear hose with them or is it okay to wear them without hose?Meryl B.
Answer: Dear Meryl, First, check your company's dress code. Many companies have written policies stating "no mules" are to be worn in that workplace. The usual reason for that is because of the hosiery issue. Can you wear mules without hosiery and not get toe cramps? (smile!) If you said yes, then you have experience with a different type of mule than I do! I cannot keep mules on my feet when wearing hosiery with them, nor can I walk any distance. Keep in mind, that mules are a different shoe species from clogs. One can wear hosiery and socks with clogs. It's confusing because clogs also fit the description of a closed-toe back-less shoe. But mules are dressier. They tout a dressier heel and they generally are not as wide as clogs. If your company's dress policy does not have any reference to mules, yet it requires socks or hosiery to be worn, do not wear mules. If mules and hosiery are not any part of your workplace dress code, then wear mules with caution. Wear them in the warmer months only and then wear them with pants and long skirts exclusively -- never a short skirt. (Remember you cannot wear mules comfortably if you are wearing hosiery.) A short skirt always demands hosiery. Bare legs, female or male, do not belong in any business setting, particularly if you have goals to get ahead. As much as I love to wear mules in my leisure and social time, I never wear them for any business pursuit. They are too risky as they convey that I am more serious about my social life than my career. The most professional footwear is a closed-toe closed-heel pump with a 1 ½ to 3" heel. That does not mean that your shoes have to look boring or frumpy. Stylish pumps can reek with design appeal, conveying that you are an interesting person. And you can be assured that they will not "defeat" your career efforts. Take the high road -- the one to raises and promotions. Always choose shoes and hosiery that walk you toward success.
Best of luck to you,
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