The interview draws advice often focuses on the colors and cuts of suits for men and whether to wear a skirt or pants for women and the color of both. Other drawn interview articles are even more important. An example of this are shoes. For both men and women, wearing the right style and type of shoes can often serve as the most important and most visible element of the interview.
For men
For men, there are four types of shoes that are acceptable for interviews. There are them from the most to the least formal: the black oxford shoe, the black brogue shoe, the black tassel loafers and, finally, the black dress moccasin. Each of these shoes has a different style and message. Regardless of the style of shoe used, they should be kept in good condition, that is, not worn or worn at the heel and highly polished.
The black leather oxford shoe. This is the classic tie shoe. It has a flat or non-perforated toe. This is the most elegant of men’s shoes and is popular with investment bankers, government officials, and others who must represent dependability and consistency.
The black leather brogue shoe. Often described as the tip of the wing, this is a little less formal than the Oxford. It can have a wing-shaped toe cap or have a wing-shaped toe decoration, both perforated. Acceptable in suits, the accent has been a favorite of businessmen for decades, though it fell out of favor during the “casual Friday” era of the 1990s.
The black leather tassel loafers. The tassel loafers have been around for decades. Once classified as Ivey League or preppy, it is now a staple of the business. It is a moccasin with stitching on the toe and a pair of leather tassels. The shoe is not as formal as the oxford or brogue, but it is acceptable with business suits in all but the most formal and traditional professions.
The black leather moccasin. This is not a casual loafer with the big “meat roll” and rough hand stitching around the toe. The penny dress loafer has a more refined cut and stitching. It looks and is a dress shoe. The least formal of the business shoe styles, it’s sleek and clean and works with suits for all but the most formal occasions.
What kinds of men’s shoes should be avoided for interviews? First of all, slip-on shoes and thick-soled, toe-cap slip-ons, which are popular with younger men, should be avoided. Even if they say they are dress shoes, they say all the wrong things about one. Second, avoid casual shoes like weekend loafers or other very casual shoes with leather, rubber or plastic soles. Lastly, avoid fashionable shoes. If you are drawn to a pair of shoes that would look great on the dance floor at a club or wild party, save them for those events. Don’t wear them for an interview. Trendy is not an interview look unless you are a fashion or arts designer.
The right types of shoes are available in stores and online. The most popular traditional interview shoes are sold by: Church’s Shoes (English design, very traditional), Alden (American and very traditional), Allen-Edmonds, Cole-Haan and Johnson & Murphy. Stores that sell the right type of shoe for interviews include: Brooks Brothers, Joseph A. Bank, and Nordstrom.
For women
While there are infinitely more styles of women’s shoes available than men’s, the styles that are appropriate for interviews are even more limited. The rules on the condition of shoes for women are the same as for men. Shoes must be in top condition and in good condition if they are not new. While all colors for men include black and black, there are more possibilities for women. Whereas black and navy blue are safe bets 95% of the time. Other colors are fine, but they should complement the suit or outfit and should also match the purse or purse. Avoid light colored shoes for the interview and never wear white shoes for an interview unless it is for a nursing position. If it is brown, the best are dark tones. Avoid suede and never wear shoes that have metallic glitters, glitter, or sequins to an interview (or for business).
Shoe styles that are appropriate for women to wear for interviews fall into four categories: Classic Leather Heeled Pumps, Leather Heeled Back Strap Style, Classic Leather Heeled Mary Jane Style Shoes, flat or ballet style. shoe in leather. Everything should be leather. Everything should be kept in good repair and worn with neutral colored tights or pantyhose, regardless of the season or temperature (or knee height if working with pants).
The leather pump. The heights and shapes of the heels vary. This is the traditional shoe for business women. Solid color.
The leather style with a strap back and heel. Again heels of very heights and shapes. This shoe, while very traditional, has an adjustable strap instead of a closed back. The shoe is classic and tasteful but with a bit more flair and is considered a bit more elegant than the smooth leather pump.
The classic Mary Jane leather shoe. This is not the flat-soled fabric model or even the original chunky-soled model that teenagers wear. Basically it is a leather lounge style and cut with a thin strap that ends in an adjustable buckle on the instep. Better with skirts than pants.
The flat shoe or ballet style in leather. This type of shoe, if it is made of fine leather and with a traditional cut, is classic, flattering and is worn by women of all heights. But it is favored by very tall and, curiously, very short women. It can be plain or decorated with a discreet piece of gold metal or a grosgrain bow at the toe. The less elegant casual style of ballet shoes in fabric, embroidery or leather should be saved for use with jeans or khakis.
What shoes are not appropriate for women to wear in interviews? Frankly, everything else unless the interview is not for businesses, nonprofits, or one of the professions. Anything in unnatural colors or sparkles or anything new just won’t do. Flip-flops are a not always. As are the sandals. Big, rough shoes are for teens or weekends. Loafers are for khaki and weekends. Tie shoes are not appropriate for women in business, unless they are running an art gallery or church order. Lastly, strappy and very high-heeled shoes should be left for weekends and never for work. Forget what they say in “Sex and the City.”
Women’s interview shoes are available in many women’s stores, shoe stores, and department stores. The list is too long to do justice here. Some of the more traditional sources include: Cole Haan, Talbots, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, and Brooks Brothers, plus some of the designers who offer quality shoes in more classic styles.
Shoes say a lot about a person. This is never more true than in an interview setting. Make sure the shoes you wear say all the right things. While they will not guarantee a job, they will not be an obstacle if the points described above are observed.