Light(er) Brown Shoes...formal? Forum

[TheRedMamba]

I recently bought these AE Clifton Oxford shoes in WALNUT and I have been told they might be too informal to wear to interviews/work.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/allen-edmon ... 1b2166c62d

The picture here makes them look slightly darker than they are.

Thoughts?

[dr123]

sweet use of anon

[Bronck]

Wear black....

Sartorial snobs will tell you that Cliftons should not be worn with suits anyway.

[atcushman]

Formal means something different depending on the region and the firm these are about as light as you should go for say a seattle firm interview but to informal for a NYC silk stocking firm. I would play it safe and stick to black for the interview but I think they are fine for day at the office.

[Emma.]

Fine for CA firms. Maybe not for white-shoe NYC.

[Anonymous Associate]

Fine for CA firms. Maybe not for white-shoe NYC.

Definitely more acceptance at CA firms, but I'd still stick with black. You don't want your interviewer even thinking about your clothes/shoes unless it is a quick "oh, this guy is professionally dressed." I interviewed a guy in a light grey suit and brown belt/shoes. I didn't hold it against him, but I did find it distracting and wondered why he wore that.

[rickgrimes69]

OP, I have those exact shoes in that same color, and have gotten nothing but compliments on them.

That said, it's still probably safest to go with black.

[JamMasterJ]

OP, I have those exact shoes in that same color, and have gotten nothing but compliments on them.

That said, it's still probably safest to go with black.

an even better use of anon

[chickenalfredo]

OP, I have those exact shoes in that same color, and have gotten nothing but compliments on them.

That said, it's still probably safest to go with black.

an even better use of anon

Great addition to the thread.

I would stick to black or darker brown. Do not think it would be a dealbreaker to wear them though.

[TaipeiMort]

I recently bought these AE Clifton Oxford shoes in WALNUT and I have been told they might be too informal to wear to interviews/work.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/allen-edmon ... 1b2166c62d

The picture here makes them look slightly darker than they are.

Thoughts?

Wear black, most aren't going to be pissed, but most have had to conform to it at one time or another. Defer to conservative business norms whenever answering an OCI question (e.g., should I wear a black suit, should I follow up within the first week, should I provide a writing sample on a silly topic, should I try to tell a joke during an interview, should I wear a skinny tie, should I wear a shorter skirt, should I email the interviewer before my interview, should I ask personal questions to the interviewer, etc.). There are many things that you might get away with, but it is not smart to try.