Shoes of summer

On the topic of flip-flops, it stands to reason that when it’s nice out, you tend to do a little more walking. That means workplace footwear might get a little more practical, but that doesn’t necessarily mean more casual.

For women, ballet flats and pointed-toe flats work beautifully with sundresses, cropped pants and shorter blousy or a-line skirts. Collect them in a variety of bright colors to update your existing work attire. Sandals may be acceptable in your office, and it’s pretty easy to find more formal women’s sandals. Make sure they’re leather or patent leather, and note that a slight wedge always dresses up a sandal.

In place of heels, try a full wedge. Even Tom’s, notorious for their comfortable (and charitable) flats, now makes lovely canvas wedges that are the perfect combination of practicality and formality. Open-toe shoes are fine in many offices, but if they’re heels, make sure that enough of your foot is covered and they’re not too strappy.

I’m also getting a lot of men asking me about summer shoes, and there are two great options that men rarely consider: bucks and boat shoes. Classic bucks are made of light-colored suede, and are essentially a dressier, hard-soled version of a tennis shoe, with laces and round toes. Most of you know what boat shoes are, but don’t consider that they can be worn with your chinos or dark jeans, button-downs and ties to the office. Many stores even carry loafer socks, so you can wear pants with a shorter hem and get the sockless look without worrying about blisters or stinky shoes.