THE ETIQUETTE HEEL-WEARING

The right high-heeled shoes can be an essential part of the female executive’s armoury argues one of the country’s leading image consultants.

While the TUC questioned the role of high heeled shoes in the work-place, executive image consultant Debbie Gray claims the unions may be putting put their foot in a very important and sensitive part of the successful woman’s work persona.

“What you wear on your feet speaks volumes about you. Just because it’s down there doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter,” says Debbie.
“The right heels can give a woman stature, poise and highlight her physical strengths – but get it wrong at your peril.
“Higher shoes can elevate a woman giving her more presence. Moreover, if you take time walking into a meeting rather than striding forward like male colleagues, that actually can enhance a woman’s status showing she is worth waiting for.”

As a consultant for the Aziz Corporation, Debbie trains many of the FTSE 250’s top women executives in improving their image in the boardroom.
“A female executive needs to recognise her physical strengths and the heels need to reinforce these,” says Debbie.
“The heel width needs to reflect the shape of your legs. If you have long thin legs then these will be accentuated by long thin heels. Sturdier legs look better with sturdier heels.

“Ankle straps widen the leg and are fabulous for willowy legs as well as providing physical support but are absolute faux-pas for short stumpy legs. Open-toed shoes show far too much flesh and are inappropriate in the boardroom.”