Would it be disrespectful, or inappropriate, to wear "dressy" flip flops along with business casual attire, to

Question

a 50th anniversary "party?" I am a man, and I am extremely used to going barefoot - I have gone barefoot in my home as well as in public places (the classroom, libraries, restaurants, bars, theatres, museums, etc.) for the last 10 years, and I would say I have not worn footwear for over 99% of the last decade. Bottom line is, I am ALWAYS uncomfortable wearing closed-toe footwear. As I said, business casual is allowed, if not encouraged at this function. Only the couple celebrating and their immediate family will probably be dressed fully formally. As for the ladies, I know that many, perhaps the majority, will be wearing "dressy" open-toe footwear, and some will be wearing "dressy" flip-flops. I will be in business casual, and I told my parents I had intended on wearing my "dressy" (brown leather, on sale for 30$, NOT plastic/rubber) flops. They completely lost it, and yelled at me that I was selfish and without consideration of the feelings of others. I was taken aback by this

hostility and accusation of selfishness. At any rate, I told them I'd wear closed toe black shoes. And so, what do you think? Would it be inappropriate for me to show up in my business casual attire with dressy flip flops? Many women do this.. . . Why shouldn't I be able to just because I am a man. I take VERY good care of my feet - recently got a pedicure, and they look very good and healthy. What say you?

Thank you, Friendly N. Atheist, I am glad to know that some of us are more tolerant than my UBER conservative parents. Also, nice idea Jessica, bit I am taking off with my parents on a two hour drive in a couple of hours, so I can't do that.....Good idea though. I'll purchase some footwear of the sort you suggest for future occasions. I am just feeling really down right now. Why should I have been yelled at?........Oh well. Thanks ladies, you both seem really nice and reasonable......

Well good for me, I was never in "your" classroom, Bucky. I actually even taught two semesters of 1301 English unshod, and NO - it is NOT unhealthy to be barefoot mostly everywhere. There are obvious exceptions, but otherwise bare feet pose no hazrd to myself or others. I'm with Dr. Winkler and the rest of the SBL:
http://www.barefooters.org
As for the rest of you, thanks for the suggestions.

Answer 1

business casual still means a closed toe at least casual shoe that's not a tennis shoe. sorry.

but i'm not saying you shouldn't wear what you're comfortable in. i'm not comfortable having it dictated to me what i should or shouldn't wear in a social situation -- i think you should wear something decent (which it sounds like you are planning to do) while still being comfortable. if it were a business affair (at YOUR job), i would say you should dress according to the dress code, but a social occasion should not have a dress code.

i don't like to be yelled at either, i do think they were out of line. my son looks/dresses very differently from what would be considered the 'norm' and even though i get kind of embarrassed in certain situations, or fear that i would, i don't dictate to him how he should dress. i raised him & taught him what i thought was right at that time, but now he is an adult and is responsible for his own decisions & his appearance. other people will let it reflect on me, but i don't let it bother me cuz i did my best and i respect that he sticks to his guns with his beliefs and doesn't let the opinions of others change who he is.

long-winded, sorry!! but have fun at the party -- good luck!!

Answer 2

The young people would not think it strange. Anyone over 40 would think you are being disrespectful and wacky. The cue from your mom was a BIG hint -- don't do it. And btw, you do need to own at least one pair of shoes that you can wear when flipflops are not appropriate. These events do come up.

Answer 3

Flip-flops are not considered dressy, ever. They don't fit in with "business casual". Many people consider them to be beachwear. You should consider getting some open-weave sandals or something similar instead of flip-flops.

Answer 4

There is one sentence that stood out to me......

"Bottom line is, I am ALWAYS uncomfortable wearing closed-toe footwear."

Well, guess what, those dressy open toe shoes that you're so jealous of us women wearing.....NOT comfortable!!! LOL

My humble opinion....suck it up and wear dress shoes. It's only a few hours out of your life.

Answer 5

Really, you go barefoot in libraries, bars, theatres, museums? They don't kick you out?

There is really no such thing as dressy flip flops, either.

And if you were in my classroom, you would be wearing shoes. It isn't really healthy to go barefoot everywhere.

Answer 6

what about something along the lines of this:
http://www.famousfootwear.com/product.asp?product_id=1011150&variant_id=31452
or this:
http://www.famousfootwear.com/product.asp?product_id=1010731&variant_id=40277
it seems like it might be a compromise between flip flops and closed toed shoes, and it certainly seems "party approptriate" to me. your toes would still be able to breathe, and it might show your parents you made a little extra effort. what do you think?

Answer 7

i think if you're wearing decent 'flip-flops' (something costing $30 doesn't usually scream 'flip-flops' at me) you should be fine. parents like to worry...and impress their opinion. i think if it was my function and i saw nice feet inside those shoes i would be just fine with it. *and i HATE flip-flops*

Answer 8

No flip-flops.