When it comes to shoes, nothing says, “business in the front, party in the back!” Like the slingback.
Just the word, “Slingback” implies you are in a chill sort of mood, you are slung back, like all the way.
I’m all for relaxed laid back style however I have had very few slingbacks in my shoe collection. And it’s not due to the fact that construction boots are required on the jobsite.
I once was “shamed” into ditching my sling backs.
While working as an intern for a major construction company I was assigned to an office position for the summer. Therefore the assignment required me to wear “office attire”, which to a 19 year old is pretty foreign.
I went into the office one day wearing a totally respectable pair of slingback shoes. A modest 2 inch heel and a conservative pointed toe. Paired with red plaid kilt and a crisp white button down. My high quality kilt was just below the knee – overall my outfit was fairly conservative.
All seem to go well until the next day when someone placed an anonymous corporate dress etiquette memo on my chair. The “memo” wasn’t even the company’s official corporate dress code policy (the one that’s in the employee handbook).
As you’ve probably guessed, The slingback shoe was on the list of banned articles.
Apparently this type of shoe along with open toed heels were considered non-managerial. The memo broke it down into which type of shoe represented which type of office position. Slingback was under the category of “clerical”. Whereas closed toe pumps were included in the “Manager” category with a capital “M”.
Where did this leave me, an aspiring young engineer who would one day manage major construction projects?
At a complete loss. I wasn’t sure if this person was trying to help me or hurt me as the person never stepped forward to put the memo into proper context. My guess was that my overall look, slingbacks included, needed to be toned down.
So, being young and impressionable, I retired my slingbacks to the back of the closet forever – until now.
If you’ve seen my Instagram account you know I came into those Acne Studio Odelia Palm sling backs with the copper heel. There is no hiding the fact that this is a Slingback, as the copper heel draws the eye directly to that spot.
I couldn’t be happier with these shoes. One of my newest favorites is this affordable and Celine-esque version from Zara. This shoe, called the Faux Fur Slingback Ballerina, is definitely a sleeper. I’ve purused Zara’s entire shoe collection and see how quickly they sell out. But this shoe, which has a soft pink faux fur lining is still in stock weeks after I first saw it.
The material although not leather Is resilient and doesn’t scuff or scratch easily. The patent-like finish make these look expensive. I argue that the $69 Zara faux fur slingback is as stylish as the Celine shoe which retails for almost $1000.
Today, corporate dress codes are still in effect, some more specific than others. Tere’s no shame in wearing a good sling back, so now you’ve got the memo!
What’s your favorite shoe of the season? or if you want to vent about a style hater at your job, leave a comment below. Love these faux fur beauties? Shop them (Shop link here.)
