Is it too casual to wear flip-flips to an office with a casual dress code?

I understand these are becoming more fashionable. What are flip-flops anyway? Is there a difference between them and thongs? Between them and sandals? Is there some threshold that makes flip-flops "dressy" enough for the office? Where is that threshold?





One of my employees is wearing nice shoes, and is dressed nicely (for a casual environment). But somebody in a different department is complaining that she is wearing "flip-flops", but I'm not sure I agree. It's not a big deal to me if she's wearing whatever she wants. But I have to "enforce the policy" for the sake of my peer in the other department.





Bonus question -- Is this really the most effective use of my time??? Man, the pettiness of some people -- they got nothing better to do than look at people's feet???

Is it too casual to wear flip-flips to an office with a casual dress code?
Yes, it's too casual. But if you bought flip flops with a small kitten heel on them then that would make it appropriate.
Reply:I would simply say no you cant wear them do to that everyone is complaining. It parable effecting peoples work if there so worried about what someone has on there feet there parable not doing there job!
Reply:In footwear and fashion, thongs are a kind of flat, backless sandal that consist of a flat sole held on the foot by a u-shaped strap that passes between the first (big) and second toes and around either side of the foot. They appear to have been developed based on traditional Japanese woven or wooden soled sandals. The exact invention date is not known.





The flip-flop is not the only type of thong sandal. Other types exist, many of which are dressier and more formal that simple flip-flops.





A basic thong sandal is held on the foot by a strip that fits between the first and second toes and is connected to a strap usually passing over the top or around the sides of the foot. Some thong sandals have a strap that forms a loop around the first (big) toe. However, many different additions and variations of straps are possible. Thong sandals come in a variety of styles such as women's heels, slides, and wedges, or kitten heels. Flip Flops have a style of their own, setting a barrier different from other types of shoes. These dressier versions of the thong sandal are often made of leather, suede, patent leather, metallic finishes, fabric and other textiles.





Based upon prevailing fashion, they are sometimes embellished with buckles, jewelry, fringes, medallions, and beading. In their more formal incarnations, thong sandals are interchangeable with any other dressy sandal, and are often worn as dress shoes. The term "flip-flop" is not generically used to describe this dressier style of thong sandal.





Because of the popularity of thong sandals as dress shoes, hosiery manufacturers make hose (stockings) with a gap between the first toe and second toes to accommodate the thong.





'Nough said. Your employee is within her rights if the shoes fit the description above. Print this out and give it to your peer and ask that he not waste your time on such trivial matters in the future.
Reply:As a manager, I'm not turning into the Flip Flop police. My job is to handle phone calls and make the company money. It isn't to describe the difference between a flip flop and a thong sandal.





My rule with flip flops was to keep them off while at your desk so the "dress code police" don't see them. I'm not worrying about flip flops. However, if another manager wants to send you home then that's on you.





Somehow having your shoes off and being barefoot at your desk (or walking around in the immediate area in socks) is more professional and less controversial than flip flops? Strange but very true.
Reply:The only time I can see wearing them is on a weekend when nobody else is around. I mean coming to the office so you can get something. I find wearing sandals or flip flops somewhat unattractive myself if the person has ugly toenails. wear them at home..
Reply:yes. and also yes to your bonus question. sad huh.
Reply:Personally, I don't think so. But in the office alot of people would think they are too "casual" for the office. I do agree with your bonus question, people shoud have better things to do then look at people feet.





Hope I helped!
Reply:Come on though, flip flops to the office? What we can't put shoes on now? Flip flops are meant for the beach and walking on sand and that's where flip flops should stay. They are ultra casual shoes and I agree 100 percent with the others who are complaining about it. It's not pettiness...this is about professionalism in the workplace and flips flops are simply inappropriate so go ahead and be proactive about it.
Reply:most likely
Reply:Never wear flip flops to work unless you work at a beach. Its not appropriate, and never ok. Open toed shoes and dressier sandals are o.k., but, not flip flops.
Reply:Yes its to casual In order to wear flip flops you can only where them to a place where you don't have to look your best
Reply:flip flops are too casual for the office


the office is not the beach
Reply:The only problem I can see with 'flip-flops' is the characteristic slapping noise they make when you walk in them. This might be the distraction the other employees are complaining about. Otherwise, I can see no reason why the way you are dressed can possibly influence how you work. It is the labor you're paying for, isn't it? Personally, I don't care how a person dresses, as long as it doesn't degrade thier work. In a position where you deal with the public directly (sales staff) then I think the employee should dress tastefully, and in a manner that will not put off the client; especially if your business deals with a high class clientelle. The other situation is if your employees are dealing with food handling. Then, of course, there are certain guidelines to maintain to avoid health hazards. Otherwise, I say, 'make every day casual Friday'. You'll have happier workers if they can dress comfortably at work. One thing you might do is inquire among your complaining workers and find out why they object to the flip flops, and how they think it interfers with their productivity. Adjust accordingly.
Reply:First of all, I thoroughly agree about the pettiness -- the complainers must not be doing their jobs 100% if they have time to monitor other co-workers' attire. No doubt the girl being criticized is pretty, and the real issue at hand is jealousy?





Now back to the flip-flops. In my opinion, there are several different levels of flip-flops:





1) The kind you'd wear to the beach only because the sand is so hot and you're not out to make any footwear fashion statements.





2) The kind you buy to wear in the shower at college so you don't get plantar warts, athlete's foot, etc. and can afford to throw out every so often.





3) The kind you'd buy to wear with casual pants to work -- usually in neutral colors that go with most of your outfits. These are most often made of leather and have a slight heel -- not cheap rubber like those in categories one and two.





4) Semi-fancy flip-flops now graduating to being called sandals since they cost over $50.


I bought a beautiful pair in brown a few weeks ago whose thong part is covered in the same color sequins. They look great with dresses and upscale pants outfits.





5) Flip flops so expensive, like celebrities wear, it's no use to elaborate.





SOooo, in answer to your question, I'd let your employees wear flip-flops that fall into Categories 3 and up. And be strict about enforcing it ... maybe get a security guard with a foot fetish??!! (:0)
Reply:I once read an article on this (I really don't remember where). Apparently it is a big no-no to wear flip-flops, no matter how casual your office environment. It appears that someone shuffling about the office gives an extremely bad impression, especially to visitors. I suppose if the flip-flops (or thongs - it's just another word for the same thing) had a heel and were pretty, you might just get away with it. But make sure you get a decent pedicure first.





As for your bonus question. You are obviously not the only one with nothing better to do than ask about flip-flops. I have nothing better to do than answer your question. :)
Reply:Yes,it is too casual to wear flip-flops to an office,if you had some sense and some class maybe you would know that. But if you do not know that then,here is some advice. Don't wear flip-flops to an office. It is not classy enough to wear to an office,it shows that the person has no qualifications of a professional state!:)
Reply:I think that there are casual sandals , but I don't believe that casual flip flops exist.


If there is somewhat of a heel to the shoe and are classy, then I don't think there should be a problem.





I think its a waste of time to enforce the policy. Let the complaining employee know that she is free to wear dressy sandals if she wishes.



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