Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:15     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think it is unprofessional to wear shoes that show one's toenails. Would never wear an open toe style shoe in a professional setting, so it would not matter whether my toenails were polished or not because nobody would see them.

If someone intends to wear open toe shoes in a professional setting, I would advise them (1) not to, or (2) if they will, make sure the polish is both neat & a professional color.


Let me guess: the first years of your career involved wearing "pantyhose", and you refer to pants as "slacks" and jeans as "dungarees"?


Maybe, but that’s why the response starts with “I think”
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:15     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It’s very unprofessional to wear open toe shoes.


DP. I've gotten along fine, with a career path through multiple countries. I wear only Birkenstocks. My "unprofessional" footwear doesn't seem to have held me back at all.



OK? OP asked it if was unprofessional to have painted toenails. It is not. In many workplaces, however, it IS unprofessional to wear sandals. That doesn't mean you or OP aren't capable of doing your jobs. Walk on by.


Why do you think it is "unprofessional" to wear sandals? Where did this rule come from and who made it?

You have a sad, striver mindset. Let go of these silly little "rules" that constrain you. Nobody cares if you are wearing cute sandals. I realize these stupid little proclamations and rules serve to make you feel important, but at best people view you as old and past it, at worst small-minded and petty. Find something real to focus on here.

OP, just wear your polish. Make sure it is fresh and neat, and you're fine.


Actually, I wear sandals and whatever I want at work because I personally don't care, though I would never wear birkenstocks because I think they are hideous. I also wear colors other than navy or black or beige or greige and I don't care about wearing big jewelry or having my arms out. I do what I like and would never have started this thread. Anyone looking at my toenails and bothered by it can look away. OP, however, seems like someone who is concerned about what others think and just like you (well maybe you would, I don't know) wouldn't wear dirty ripped jeans and a shirt exposing your nipples to a formal gala, many workplaces have dress codes and sandals are viewed as unprofessional.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:14     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Keep an impeccable pedicure.

I’m a massage therapist and every high level exec I’ve treated has a gorgeous mani/pedi.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:09     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:I think it is unprofessional to wear shoes that show one's toenails. Would never wear an open toe style shoe in a professional setting, so it would not matter whether my toenails were polished or not because nobody would see them.

If someone intends to wear open toe shoes in a professional setting, I would advise them (1) not to, or (2) if they will, make sure the polish is both neat & a professional color.


Let me guess: the first years of your career involved wearing "pantyhose", and you refer to pants as "slacks" and jeans as "dungarees"?
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:08     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I am going to be walking around NYC in the heat. I’d like to wear sandals.


If you absolutely insist on showing your feet, then you need to take care of them: no calluses and clean, short nails. Nail polish must NOT be distracting in a work environment, so nothing flashy. Clear or as near your natural color as possible. No glitter.
And to avoid sweating too much, pick sandals with natural rather than man-made inner soles (and anything that's in contact with your feet).
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:07     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It’s very unprofessional to wear open toe shoes.


DP. I've gotten along fine, with a career path through multiple countries. I wear only Birkenstocks. My "unprofessional" footwear doesn't seem to have held me back at all.



OK? OP asked it if was unprofessional to have painted toenails. It is not. In many workplaces, however, it IS unprofessional to wear sandals. That doesn't mean you or OP aren't capable of doing your jobs. Walk on by.


Why do you think it is "unprofessional" to wear sandals? Where did this rule come from and who made it?

You have a sad, striver mindset. Let go of these silly little "rules" that constrain you. Nobody cares if you are wearing cute sandals. I realize these stupid little proclamations and rules serve to make you feel important, but at best people view you as old and past it, at worst small-minded and petty. Find something real to focus on here.

OP, just wear your polish. Make sure it is fresh and neat, and you're fine.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:04     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

I think it is unprofessional to wear shoes that show one's toenails. Would never wear an open toe style shoe in a professional setting, so it would not matter whether my toenails were polished or not because nobody would see them.

If someone intends to wear open toe shoes in a professional setting, I would advise them (1) not to, or (2) if they will, make sure the polish is both neat & a professional color.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:02     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It’s very unprofessional to wear open toe shoes.


DP. I've gotten along fine, with a career path through multiple countries. I wear only Birkenstocks. My "unprofessional" footwear doesn't seem to have held me back at all.



OK? OP asked it if was unprofessional to have painted toenails. It is not. In many workplaces, however, it IS unprofessional to wear sandals. That doesn't mean you or OP aren't capable of doing your jobs. Walk on by.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 12:00     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:It’s very unprofessional to wear open toe shoes.


DP. I've gotten along fine, with a career path through multiple countries. I wear only Birkenstocks. My "unprofessional" footwear doesn't seem to have held me back at all.

Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:55     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

It’s very unprofessional to wear open toe shoes.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:50     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

OP here. I am going to be walking around NYC in the heat. I’d like to wear sandals.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:45     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No, because I would never wear work shoes that showed my nail polish.


Agree 100%.


Bingo
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:43     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Anonymous wrote:No, because I would never wear work shoes that showed my nail polish.


Agree 100%.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:42     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

No, because I would never wear work shoes that showed my nail polish.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2025 11:40     Subject: Is toenail polish unprofessional?

Is it unprofessional to have colored toenail polish if you are in executive management?