Are slingbacks appropriate for work?
Hell yes.
WHAT IS A SLINGBACK?
A slingback heel is quite similar to a pump. The difference is the material on the back of the shoe that typically covers the heel and back of the foot is replaced by a strap (sling). This strap wraps from one side of the foot, around the back of the ankle, and to the other side of the foot; it leaves the back of the foot exposed. A couple examples of this style of shoe are below.
ARE SLINGBACKS APPROPRIATE FOR WORK?
Slingbacks are perfect for work! Definitely an appropriate choice.
I briefly touched on the topic of slingback heels in my article, The Dos and Don’ts of Heels in the Office. Most of my advice in the article addressed straying from heels with sparkle, platforms, spikes, and too much viewing room for your toes (lol). I also suggested avoiding strappy shoes (more on this in the article), but I specifically excluded slingbacks. They are so similar to a pump and showing a little heel does not disqualify them from the proverbial “appropriate heels” list.
Closed-toe slingbacks are ideal for the office. Peep toe are typically acceptable too, but you do not want too much toe room. I know it seems odd to care so much about toes, but I generally don’t like sandals in the office. They simply aren’t business dress shoes in my opinion. A heel with too large an open toe is basically a tall sandal in my opinion.
One additional word of advice: be cautious when wearing slingbacks in quiet work spaces. Depending on the elasticity of the strap, slingbacks can end up slapping the bottom of your feet. It can sound like you are walking in flip flops. The sound can be a little annoying, but I usually tighten the strap (when it is adjustable) to help reduce the noise.
WHERE CAN I FIND SOME?
Like, everywhere sis. Here are a few cute ones I’ve found at some of my favorite stores.
HOW DO I STYLE THEM?
Depending on the color or pattern of your slingbacks, they’re usually pretty easy to style. Careful about wearing them with dresses or skirts that toe the line of appropriateness for work. The slingback can edge an outfit into being a little too sexy for the workplace when paired with an item that is already a little short or tight. I still wear them with skirts and dresses of course, see here, I just stick with longer and less fitted styles.
I paired my slingbacks in this article with a pantsuit. The mixed material of the shoe is one of my favorite features. It added a little more interest to an otherwise plain outfit.
Message me here if you have pressing questions about this type of shoe! It’s certainly one of my favorites.
Slinging you back into a stylish work week,
Pictured below: Coat (H&M, similar here), Suit (H&M, similar blazer and pants), Blouse (Zara, similar here), Earrings (H&M, similar here), Slingbacks (Zara, similar here).
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small payment if you buy some items. However, I don’t recommend any item including clothing or accessories unless I love it, so, rest assured, I have tried this, I love it, and I would recommend it to you whether I got paid or not!
I agree they are very elegant and most workplace consider it appropriate. I agree they are and should be. Not sure, but maybe the same workplaces which don’t allow bare legs are maybe more likely to disallow them on the ground of them being technically more a sandal than a shoe ^_^.