I’ve worked in the corporate world for years… here is why your footwear could be holding you back from a promotion
Your choice of shoe could be holding you back from stepping forward in your career.
‘If you’re being perceived as junior at work, you may want to check your footwear,’ Natalie Timperio, who has worked in corporate communications for over 10 years, said.
The fashion-savvy content creator went viral after sharing a TikTok explaining that while wearing a professional outfit is important to be taken seriously, your shoes should not be overlooked.
‘Within a corporate work setting, I find that most women tend to focus on blazers, trousers, et cetera, but your shoes are what finish the signal,’ she said, adding she treats getting dressed ‘like a strategy.’
Timperio said that ‘junior signaling shoes’ tend to include ‘ultra ballet core’ in serious environments, chunky loafers with visible socks, overly delicate heels or very soft, slipper-like footwear such as UGGs.
‘Now some of these might be intentional fashion choices because you’re somebody who prioritizes personal style,’ she pointed out.
‘But remember, in corporate, you can typically be perceived as stylish or competent – but not often both.’
Timperio said that ‘junior signaling shoes’ tend to include ‘ultra ballet core, including mesh materials (stock image)
‘The decision is up to you,’ the corporate professional added.
While Timperio said shoes themselves shouldn’t hold someone back from getting a promotion – as they should be largely based on performance, work ethic, and interpersonal dynamics – they can influence the optics around someone’s competence.
‘This is how I think of it: most people instinctively choose their most polished outfit when dressing for a job interview,’ she pointed out.
‘They want to create a strong first impression. While their experience does the heavy lifting, their appearance reinforces that impression.
‘I think the same principle can apply to daily workwear,’ she continued. ‘Shoe choices can subtly support the message that someone is polished, capable, and ready for greater responsibility.’
Timperio pointed out that when we think about more senior calibrated footwear, it often refers to ‘polished leather: something with a medium-weight silhouette and no extreme proportions,’ like a simple loafer.
‘In many ways, your shoes tell people how seriously to take you,’ she quipped.
Timperio suggested wearing closed-toe flats, classic loafers, pointed kitten heels, or ankle boots with a moderate heel.
Timperio suggested opting for more ‘calibrated footwear,’ describing this as ‘polished leather: something with a medium-weight silhouette and no extreme proportions,’ like a simple loafer (stock image)
The corporate fashionista added that in serious environments, chunky loafers with visible socks and overly delicate heels also signal a more junior level (stock image)
‘These types of shoes typically have clean lines, polished materials, and a defined shape. That structure can bring a sense of order to an outfit, which aligns with perceived professionalism in corporate environments,’ the professional said.
It’s not just the shoes that may signal where you are in your career, with Timperio explaining that your choice of work bag can also indicate where you are in your career.
‘Now, when we get to a more senior level, we see structured leather, more minimal hardware and a bag that tends to hold shape,’ the corporate fashionista explained.
‘Entry level tend to have an overstuffed tote bag, in a slouchy shape with visible clutter,’ she said in another video shared to TikTok.
Timperio added that these people are ‘trying to pack it all in’ in a way that they think is neat, but in actuality reads as a little bit sloppy.
She said people in mid-level positions tend to be more structured, but still ‘trend-wear.’
‘Think medium hardware and branded, but not bold,’ she shared.
‘Structure signals authority,’ she concluded the video. ‘Slouchy signals transition.’
In recent years, thanks to social media, conservative office wear has taken a backseat with the ‘office siren’ workwear trend encouraging risqué outfits for the office.
The trend reached peak popularity in 2024, with thousands of people taking to TikTok to share their office-inspired outfits.
The divisive fashion choices – which saw crop tops, mini skirts and open toes in the workplace – had many people up in arms, and questioning what is appropriate.
Human resources expert Sunny Lena shared a video that received more than 150,000 likes and 436 comments about whether young women could wear these sometimes scandalous office siren ensembles.
Lena described the video as ‘HR rating your office siren outfits and whether or not you get in trouble,’ showing off different TikTok content creators embracing the scantily-clad trend.
