What do you make of it? Did I overdress? Isn’t it that the Internet and outsourcing boom resulted to a boom as well in a tad more relaxed dress codes? Queueing up by the manager’s office, I did feel conscious with the laidback style of the other applicants, the most out-of-this-way being an untucked, button-down short-sleeved shirt, or loafers.

A review of today’s literature on jobhunting attire showed me that I was all right (and no more right had I worn a men’s suit, or a jacket!). Nevertheless, more and more job candidates nowadays are showing up in denims, hoodies, or sneakers. Still more had no qualms sporting their pierced body parts and spiked hair. All of which means alarm bells; schools ought to meet their would-be graduates and explain very clearly that they ought to to dress one step up or two times higher than what they would wear in the job they are eyeing.

And now we turn to the meat of the matter: what to wear? We know about industry standards, such as the navy blue suit popularized by Japanese or British accountants and bankers. But what do you do when you will work in an industry where there are no uniforms? And what if companies that allow more casual attire enter into the picture?

Keep the following in mind when planning for a job interview:

Stick to the employer’s dress code. Will you end up wearing for years what you wore at the interview—men’s suit and all—or will you be in polo shirts now and then? Check out employees arriving for work.

Again, dress slightly better than you would if you were already hired for that position.

Tattoos and body jewelry are usually a big reason why people botch up their interviews. Until you know whether they are acceptable, keep these away.

Plain color men’s suit

White long sleeve shirt: Long-sleeved shirts are considered one level higher than short-sleeved; these are even acceptable in summer. The two minimum that you ought to have in your wardrobe should come in the following colors: white or light blue solid. Tucked golf shirts are acceptable in more relaxed situations.

Tie

Dark socks, dress shoes: shoes must be leather; loafer shoes also seem to be gaining a following in the office.

Very limited jewelry

Ladies Shoes

Women inflict more punishment on their feet in part from improper footwear that can bring about unnecessary foot problems. Some of the problems result from high-heeled shoes (generally defined as pumps with heels of more than two inches). Doctors of podiatric medicine believe such heels are medically unsound and attribute postural and even safety problems to their use. To relieve the abusive effects of high heels, women can limit the time they wear them, alternating with good quality ladies sneakers, ladies loafers or flats for part of the day.They can also vary heel height. There are comfortable and attractive “walking” pumps (also called “comfort” or “performance” pumps) for work and social activities, that blend fashion considerations and comfort.  These pumps offer athletic shoe-derived construction, reinforced heels, and wider toe room. Activity has a bearing on the considerations; wearing the right shoe for a particular activity is probably as important a factor in the choice of shoes as any.Perhaps the best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces (not a slip-on), a polymerized composition sole, and a relatively wider heel with a rigid and padded heel counter, no more than three-quarters of an inch in height.

Men’s Shoes

The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles, shoes ordinarily associated with wing-tip or cap toe designs. Also suitable are slip-ons, dressy loafers, and low dress boots.Men as well as women should buy shoes for work, leisure, and special activities, matching the shoe to the activity. Male (and female) office workers should earmark three to five pairs of shoes for business hours—general oxfords and loafers for men; pumps and oxfords for women. Cushioned-sole shoes that give good support are essential for those who spend most of their working days on their feet.There is no question about the need for foot protection for those who work in heavy industry. Safety shoes and boots—those that are waterproof or water-resistant, with insulated steel toe caps and soles of non-conducting materials—help prevent injuries to the feet and reduce the severity of injuries that do occur.

Shoes for Athletics

Different sports activities call for specific footwear to protect feet and ankles. Sports-specific athletic shoes are a wise investment for serious athletes, though perhaps a less critical consideration for the weekend or occasional athlete; nevertheless, it’s a good idea to use the correct shoe for each sport. Probably a more important consideration is the condition of the shoe—don’t wear any sport or other shoes beyond their useful life.Athletic footwear should be fitted to hold the foot in the position that’s most natural to the movement involved.For example, a running shoe is built to accommodate impact, while a tennis shoe is made to give relatively more support and permit sudden stops and turns. For sports, “cross trainers” are fine for a general athletic shoe, such as for physical education classes. But if a child is involved more heavily in any single sport, he or she should have a shoe specifically designed for that sport.

Shoe Care

For longer service, keep shoes clean and in good repair. Avoid excessive wear on heels and soles. Give your shoes a chance to breathe—don’t wear the same pair two days in a row (you prolong the life of shoes by rotating their use). Never wear hand-me-down shoes (this is especially important for children).

Seal of Acceptance

The American Podiatric Medical Association awards its Seal of Acceptance to a wide variety of shoes (and shoe-related products), which have been deemed to enhance a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment. The intent of such endorsements is to make a significant contribution to the foot health and foot health education of the public.For a list of shoe companies holding the APMA Seal of Acceptance, visit the APMA’s online seal information, ladies loafers.

It is interesting to note that Dansko shoes carry the Acceptance Seal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. This Acceptance Seal means that this particular brand is recognized for comfort and that each pair is designed to cater to the well-being of the wearer. The reliability of Dansko shoes along with their great selection of attractive stlyes are a couple of reasons why Dansko shoes for women have become very popular.

Dansko shoes for women fall under different four main categories: shoes, clogs, handals and heels. In addition to these main categories, Dansko shoes for women are also grouped as to type of collection: Stapled clog, Sausalito, Next Gen, Capri, Louvre and Cambridge. Dansko also has an occupational product line for women.

Popular Dansko Choices

One model is called the “Trixie.” This Mary Jane mule goes well with jeans and offers comfort and top quality. The toe is rounded and the shoe is crafted out of nappa leather. It has a tailored design and the stitching conveys a refined art, with the outsole providing good traction. This 3-inch heel shoe is available in black and in rich brown.

Another model is the “Neeci” sandal. It actually looks like a cross between step-ins and open shoes. Its most distinctive feature is the leather or fabric crisscross design on the instep. The breathable linings absorb moisture well; heel measures three inches.

Dansko’s “Next Gen” line is actually a collection of four different styles: Caitlin, Corinne, Calla and Courtney. The Caitlin is designed with a slip-resistant tread with a subtle piping making them your go-anywhere shoes.

The Corinne, on the other hand, is made of weatherproof leather and is designed for the physically active woman. Its footbed and midsole are made of polyurethane to absorb shock and moisture. The polyurethane footbed is also removable. The two-inch heel height delivers comfort without sacrificing style.

If you’re the sporty type, you’ll like the Calla. The upper part is made of leather while the footbed and midsole are made of polyurethane. The socklining is made of leather and the outsole is made of rubber. This model has two-inch heels.

The last style in the Next Gen line is the Courtney. Despite its feminine lines, the Courtney is built for hard play. Only the highest quality leather is used and its shank design is intended to provide lateral stability and to decrease torque.

Other Popular Dansko Shoes for Women

Women who like the classic moccasin look will love the Danielle, Desiree and the Mandolin. The Danielle is more like loafer shoes and looks very dainty. They are the kind of shoes that will flatter a knee-length skirt, long tapered jeans or pedal pushers. The Desiree is similar and qualifies as another comfortable and stylish loafer. It is available in black, tan and red. The dual density carbon activated rubber foam of the footbed follows the foot’s contours and provides 100% support from heel to toe.

Available in tan and black, the Mandolin is what Dansko calls “part shoe, part work of art.” The intricate design on the embossed leather is attractive and would look very nice with jeans, pants or long skirts.

The Calista is perfect for long country walks, weekend breakfasts with friends or a day at the mall. This model is designed with two straps that hold the feet together with adjustable buckles. The outsole has an EVA insert, known for its ability to provide slip resistance and shock absorption, as well as enhances energy return.

If you like the style of clogs but want open toes for summer wear, you may find that the Marion is the ideal choice. It is your traditional slip-on shoe; the handworked leather sandal provides comfort. It is available in four colors: taupe, brown, blue and gold.

Women who like classic clogs will also enjoy the Sonja made with Cordovan Cabrian leather. The deep red wine color makes it an instant classic looker and this style presents different material possibilities: box leather, Cabrio leather, oiled leather or patent leather.

Whatever style suits your fancy, be aware that popular Dansko shoes for women will have the Acceptance Seal of the American Podiatry Medical Association. This is your assurance that your Dansko shoes will give you years of trouble-free wearing.

You get to discover the real meaning of comfort and style as soon as you slip into your Dansko shoes for the first time; loafers!