Have High Heels Helped Your Career?

audreyk · 27th October 2007, 01:39

I was just wondering how much of an affect high heels have had on your career. I work in a corporate type environment and most of the high level people all seem to be really tall. The regular rank and file people all seem to be shorter. I pretty much wear heels to work all the time so that people can look me in the eye, instead of at my hair, but I am still not as tall as most of the other men and women. I have thought about wearing a higher heel, like 4 or 5 inches, or one with a platform, but I'm worried that they'll seem inappropriate. I can't seem to find very many shoes with a 4" or higher heel that seem appropriate for work. I mostly shop at Nine West, Aldo, Steve Madden. So I'm stuck either being short or wearing shoes that are inappropriate....

Does anyone wear 4" or 5" heels to work and do they seem to help or hurt your career?

Thanks!

alicia · 28th October 2007, 19:29

I totally agress in your poll, as i mentioned b4 in this forum. High heels should be office dresscode.

Alicia

SarahLou · 29th October 2007, 10:45

Heels are not part of my dresscode, but I love to wear them if only so I can daydream about certain situations...has anyone read Enslaving Anna by Giselle Lorimer? Well anyway, I would never want a promotion,so if heels keeps it from me thats fine :)

Susan (the original) · 3rd November 2007, 03:01

I have not been an employee but I have been an employer. Addressing the topic of this thread, I would have to say, I hope not.

Just as with many of the topics on this forum, the personal experiences toward this topic are going to be varied. In the environment I've always been accustomed to, my shoes are only a small part of how I present myself. This is particularly true in the business arena of which I was involved. (A short period after my husband passed away) The height of my heels wasn't relevant. They were always quite high. The "style" of my heels, attire, hair, jewelry, and most significantly my "mannerisms, were fundamental to how I was perceived.

In my husband's family's company it was professionalism, not high heels, that brought the rewards.

Susan

Roxanne · 19th November 2007, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by alicia

I totally agress in your poll, as i mentioned b4 in this forum. High heels should be office dresscode.

Alicia

I always wear heels to work (usually 5") - people know when I am coming to a meeting when they hear my heels on the floorboards. I'm not sure if they have helped my career but both the men and women notice my heels (since it does give me some extra height already being 5'10").

I love my heels!

Sarah G · 23rd November 2007, 16:41

Hi
I agree with Susan it is your hard work and professionalism, not high heels that get you recognised---although I do always wear high heels 4.5" and 5" to work and feel it gives me a smart professional and feminine look and this does help. I believe people do notice your footwear and a pair sexy high heel does not hurt to be seen in.
I just love heels too.

Sarah G

Amanda Snake · 6th January 2008, 09:49

With a pair of heels, a short skirt and a smile I can get almost anything.

amandahls · 6th March 2008, 07:36

I'm not sure if it has helped my career, but I'm just one of only two women in the office. Mainly dominated by male workforce. I do get quite a few guys take a quick glimpse at me because of my heel height. It feels good to be noticed though and that just makes me more confident. So look on guys!!! I love it.

PeggyNPumps · 5th May 2008, 03:41

I do not think they have helped or hurt my career. I dress professionally and I wear 4" to 5" heels everyday. I know some women frown on my choices but I kill them with kindness and overwhelm them with my skills and desire. What I have found is that so much depends on how you carry yourself and your skills.

If you don't have skills, a pair of heels might get you noticed and some may favor you at work but in the end we are working harder, trying to do more with less people.

So smile, work smart and look fabulous

roz · 25th June 2008, 19:33

I always wear heels and people always remark on them, and they have defo made a positive impression and people normally complement my fashion sense, but I don't think (or at least I hope) I haven't been promoted on the weight of the shoes I wear. I'd like to think me being good at my job helps :)