What’s the Most Appropriate Heel Height for Work?
Published on: November 11, 2021
One of the most often asked questions about proper outfits at work is if it is appropriate to wear heels. Then it’s followed by more queries about the appropriate heel height. Well, it depends.
In general, the most appropriate heel height for work is about 3 to 4 inches. Anything higher than that may seem unprofessional and can be bad for your feet. Though many women claim to wear 5-inch heels at work. A poll also shows that many people consider heels higher than 3.5 inches to be appropriate for work as long as the shoe itself is fit for work. Think about nude shoes rather than animal prints or glittery open-toed sandals.
These, however, are just the standard. The “perfect heel height” still depends on your preference along with various other considerations.
How to Choose the Most Appropriate Heel Height For Work
Choosing the right footwear to wear at work is essential. This is why women (and some men) are wondering about what is the most appropriate heel height to wear at work.
While you may not like the idea of torturing your feet, wearing high heels is sometimes a must. Besides, higher heels can make you feel smarter, more composed, and more confident. That’s why there are things that you need to consider when choosing the heel height you will wear at work. These include:
- Your outfit
- Your ability to work in high heels
- Your office type
- Your line of work
Do Your Heels Match Your Outfit?
Most girls want to be fashionable at work. But sometimes, instead of looking chic and sophisticated, you end up dressing like a homeless hobo. Thanks to an over-the-top outfit paired with an equally over-the-top heel that in no way matches the said outfit. Thus, you should also consider what you’re wearing when choosing the appropriate heel height for work.
For example, you cannot pair your kitten heels-not even your flats!- when wearing wide-leg trousers or a midi-length skirt. You have to wear a higher heel for those outfits.
There are literally thousands of lifestyle blogs and vlogs on the internet that you can get style tips from. Do your own research to figure out what shoes will match which outfit.
Can You Work In High Heels?
The golden rule in wearing heels at work is: if you can’t do your job in your heels, then they are definitely too high. Most women can’t work wearing a 5-inch stiletto unless it has a platform. Many have also permanently damaged their legs wearing too high a heel at work on a daily basis.
What’s Your Job and Office Type?
Another thing to consider if you want your heels to be higher than most girls are wearing is your job and office type.
If your office dress code calls for formal business attire, then 5-inch heels may seem inappropriate. On the other hand, higher heels, even 5.5 inches, might be acceptable if you are working in a fashion-forward industry.
You also need to consider the type of job you are working in. Does your job involve long walks and prolonged standing? If it does, then wearing anything higher than four or five inches heels will most likely be painful after a few hours. But if you are used to it and good at wearing four-inch heels or higher, then, by all means, go for it.
The thing is, there are no definite rules and guidelines on what appropriate heel height you should wear at work. It really is up to you what heel height you feel the most comfortable with. Besides, some people feel more confident when they’re wearing high heels. Just use your common sense and don’t forget to take into account the factors listed above the next time you buy a pair of heels for work.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for BocaExecuSpace’s website blog. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts and is experienced in a myriad of industries.
