Summer Work Staples: The Peep-toe

Continuing the summer style series, today we explore the peep-toe. Whether you like it in pump, wedge or flat form, we all enjoy a little extra air down there in the summer. I'm a fan—I have basic peep-toe pumps in brown croc, black leather and nude patent to keep me covered.

Uber-conservative offices are generally closed-toe year-round, but if you have a more relaxed dress code and can toss in a little toe here or there, here are some things to consider when shopping for and styling peep-toe pumps for the office.

• Peep a little, peep a lot. Even among peep-toes, there is a lot of variation, from a tiny cut-out vee to an entire exposed toe-area. Try a few styles on to see what you're most comfortable with. The more conservative your office is, the smaller your peeping area should be.
• Coverage. Keep the rest of the shoe more conservative in coverage. I recommend saving the peep-toe d'orsays or slingbacks for events rather than office wear. Peep-toes in open lace (unlined), crochet, or other open fabrics are also not for the office.
• Color. I'm a big fan of working color into your work wardrobe, and shoes are no exception. Keep the look balanced by pulling a single color from the rest of your outfit into your shoes, or by accenting an otherwise neutral outfit with a pop. Leave the ultra bright neons at home unless you're in a very creative environment.
• Embellishments. Add a little pizzazz to an office shoe through texture or try something with a little embellishment (buckles, bows or cut-outs are pretty easy to find). A mary jane, t-strap or ankle strap are also fun spins on a classic peep-toe pump.
• Perfect the pedi. A messy or unkept pedicure can make even the chicest peep-toe look bad. There's not need to go out and spend money on regular pedicures (unless you're into that kind of thing), just make sure your nails are clean and clipped. If you do go with a color, make sure it is office appropriate—you have a little more leeway on your toes than your fingers, especially in summer, but don't go totally crazy.
• Wear with...anything. Peep-toes are pretty versatile in the office. They look chic with a knee-length dress (any shorter and it can look like too much skin) or with a pair of floor-skimming pants (or some skinnies on Casual Friday). 

Some fun office-appropriate peep-toe styles:

Pumps
Platforms

Are peep-toes part of your summer shoe collection? How do you keep them office appropriate?

Feels like new [outfit]

BR Monogram top - 2011 - $15 on sale (similar) / Merona jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Rubbish scarf via Nordstrom - 2009 - $10 on sale (similar) / J. Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on sale (similar) / Rampage wedges - 2009 - $25 on sale (similar) / Emilie M. bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar)

[Worn: 08.30.11 | To: Mall and Target, my regular haunts]

Yes, I realize my feet are cut off. It was so easy to find an outfit spot when there was nothing in my apartment. That's why you get a dedicated shoe shot. I also realize I'm not too consistent with labeling [outfit] in my titles. Working on that. Moving along...

I've been in a bit of a funk so far this week, mainly due to the eczema outbreaks. Just when they were starting to get better, our stuff arrived, bringing in all kinds of new dust and dirt from the month spent in storage and the various trucks it traveled on to get here, and aggravating my skin even worse than it was last week. I've been in hiding.

But this blog would suck without outfits, so I came out of hiding for a bit yesterday to stock up on more skin care supplies. Aveeno, Cetaphil, Aquafor, CeraVe, and Cortisone line my bathroom counter, waiting their turn to attack.

This outfit is way dressier than I would have worn in my previous life on a random Tuesday errand run, but I was so excited to have my clothes (and shoes!) back that I had to bust out the big guns (aka, heels). I'd guess that about half my shoes are heels, and it's going to be interesting to try to work them into daily wear.

Do you wear heels casually or just for work and dressier events?

In the moment

Things I'm loving right now...

Old Navy Diva skinny jeans

Forever 21 canvas bow wedges

The Painted Nail Beware of You Green organic nail polish

(I haven't tried this brand, but I love this color!)

Abas iPad folio case

What are you loving right now?

Make Believe Monday | Wedge heels

Ah, the wedge heel.  A comfortable alternative to its sleek cousin, the stiletto, the wedge gets a bad rap for its perceived casualness. But recent buzz has reinvigorated the popular heel in the workplace, and there are more beautiful wedges out there than ever before.  That's my latest addition to the wish list: a pair of comfy and classy wedge pumps.

Still though, not all wedges are created for the office.  Some things to look for when picking a pair of wedges for workwear:

• Since the heel is a little more casual, pick a shoe with a dressier upper.  A classic pump shape or peep-toes will help your heels go further in the office.  Keep your wedge sandals for the weekend.
• When it comes to material, choose a wedge that is wood (preferably stained or painted) or covered in same material as the upper. Raffia or woven straw styles are too casual for this use.
• One of the great things about wedges is that you can get away with a lot more in height.  So go as high as your heart pleases and your heels can handle.

I found a few nice options online, so here's a quick rundown.

I love the classic shape of these pumps and the feminine blush color.

Jessica Simpson Nesco

These peep-toe Mary Janes are a nice twist on a traditional conservative shoe, but the demure shape make it more than safe enough for the office.

Nine West 

These peep-toes have a great buckle detail and a spring-like color--perfect for a dreary winter day.

Nine West

I love the straps and colors of this number, but it is still covered enough to be worn into the office with a nice pencil skirt and cardi.  Plus, it transitions well to the weekend.

Old Navy

I love the classic shape here, and the rich color + soft suede make this seem super-comfy.

Merona (Target)

How do you style these without going too casual in the office? Here are some ideas.

 

Workwear | Wedge Heels + Pants by thenewprofessional featuring vintage handbags

Workwear | Wedge Heels + Dress by thenewprofessional featuring a shift dress


Are wedges part of your workwear shoe rotation? How do you style them?