Kathi,

I’m starting a new job in August. The dress code is business casual. Are tennis shoes considered appropriate?

Rob > Encinitas

Rob,

Unless you are a professional skateboarder, basketball player, or work in a medical setting, tennis shoes are not appropriate work attire. Purchase a comfortable leather black-soled shoe in a solid color. Shoes and glasses define a man’s wardrobe. Have you ever heard the phrase, “you can tell a man by his shoes?” Shoes and glasses are the investment items to buy high-end because it is very obvious if they are inexpensive.

These are also the areas that you can most easily define your style and make your image count. A well-dressed man wears tennis shoes only when travelling to and from the gym. When dressing, try to match socks with trouser color or a shade darker and never wear white socks with dress shoes.

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: [email protected].

San Diego Professional Organizer