Job interview shoes

[Nemtynakht]

No, I don't actually have a job interview, but I'm hoping to soon and I figure it's never to early to start thinking wardrobe.

I haven't been on many interviews and I really have very little sense of what's appropriate. My last job interview was for an environment that I knew to be not very conservative. I wore a brown suit with adorable patent leather heels in a light teal -- they matched the necklace I was wearing, which was multi-colored stones in browns and teals. I didn't get the job, but I felt very good about my clothes.

Now I'm looking for jobs where I think it would behoove me to dress more conservatively for the interview. I would probably wear either a solid black suit or a black suit with pale pinstripes.

What about the shoes? How much fun can I get away with? Is it best to stay absolutely conservative?
I figure I have a few options:
-Dark red, pointed toe, kitten heel aerosoles (below). Comfortable, fairly conservative but still fun, and with a red shirt it could be very tied together.
-Black heels, of course. Boring but gets the job done. Problem is, I'm *not* comfortable in heels, unless they're my (interview inappropriate) Camper heels.
-Black Ferragamo Audrey flats (below). I'm leaning that way, I guess.
-new shoes? I saw a beautiful pair of black, rubber soled mary jane heels in a store today.

So, tell me: in your opinion, and recognizing that we presumably all work in different industries, what's appropriate for a job interview?

[jitterbugbaby]

As someone who bucks against the super conservative idea of the black suit/black heels interview outfit, I can feel your pain. When I bought my first suit, that's the direction I went in, opting for comfort over style with the shoes by buying the slightly chunkier Aerosoles black pumps instead of the sleeker... whatever the other brand was.

I hate to say it, but I think that when you're interviewing, it's almost always a good idea to be more conservative rather than less. That said, I think both of the shoes above would be totally acceptable options. I might opt for the Aerosoles instead of the Ferragamo's, only because I think Mary Janes tend to give off a bit more of a "young" vibe, but that could just be my bias. Those Ferragamo's are gorgeous!

Yes, I think a little heel is called for, but if you're not comfortable in heels, then be true to that. Ultimately, you should feel really confident and kick-ass in your interview outfit. That's what sells you just as much as (if not more than) the clothes themselves.

[shoesense]

That's a great question! I also think going a little conservative--though not overly so--is probably best. It will provide a more 'neutral' background against which the interview will be conducted (hot red patent heels, on the other hand.. Make sure the shoes are elegant AND BROKEN IN! I would NOT go for new shoes--make sure you wear them a few times before the interview so you know you're absolutely comfortable in them. Comfort allows you to be more confident, more relaxed, less distracted. Painful shoes on the other hand (or just new shoes that need to be stretched a little bit) will not allow you to concentrate fully (really, when you have blisters on your feet, you'll probably look less enthusiastic than you normally do).

I found that my black patent Coach loafers provide just the right amount of classic, comfort, and 'shiny' for a job interview. They're elegant and conservative and....well, classic, which means they basically go with anything. Oh, if you wear a skirt, I would probably opt for a bit of a heel--nothing higher than 2 inches, max. In winter time, my Coach black suede booties (2 inch heel) did the job just fine. In summer, I predict that my Thierry Rabotin modest black canvas peep-toe low wedges (whew!) will do the job. When I get an interview, that is.

[s.perez]

It depends on what type of job you're interviewing for. I'm a graphic designer...so I like to dress professionally, but add a creative spin on it. You can wear an all black or gray suit and get some fun not-so-plain shoes. This will make you stand out from every other candidate. Good luck!

[Kathryn Amberleigh]

I agree, I think that the creativity in your wardrobe should match the amount of creativity required in the position that your applying for. I would definitely go with a heel but nothing too high!

Good Luck!

[galligator]

All good points.

Interview shoes should be closed toe & simple unless you are applying in a creative industry that will let you get away with more..then you have to judge it against that industry's standards. For most of us, pretty, plain & conservative are essential at the interview level & don't forget that open toes & sandals are not appropriate for most interviewer as they are either too sexy or too casual for the typical interview envirnoment.

[ncguy444]

My three cents here.. It seems like the white collar world likes the tallest people possible in the postions of power. Why that is is probably some sort of primal bigger is better thing. I use shoe insoles that make me taller from a company called talleryou.com. They have sample packs that cost $27.95 and come in the 1, 1.5 and 2 inch sizes. This is a total of 3 different pairs. All products are made in the USA. Their phone number is 330-533-0177.

[heelfreak]

According to what I have been told by family members in local banking around here , they like to see individuals wear 2"-2.5" heels with closed toe and back. The banks like pumps, mary jane or d'oersey style shoes. Simple styles without a lot of "bling". Confidence is the #1 thing they are looking at in a job interveiw . That is what I have been told about the banks in my home town.

On one of my shoe shopping trips , I asked my sister why she always purchased drab shoes and that is what she told me .

Good luck with your interview and I am sure you will look great in whatever you choose.

[Melissa Ysh]

I'd advise one or two inches max - you don't want to trip/look too ditsy!

[fabw6yz]

always a problem...