Your Questions About Women's Platforms

Lizzie asks…

What is so intriguing about women walking around on their toes?

I'm talking about those very high heels. Why do men think they are sexy and why do women want to wear those high stilettos knowing they will wreck their feet?

Our pick of the answers:

Saw a young women a couple days ago at the lake wearing high heels, I thought she would twist her ankle for sure as the ground was lumpy. Here in Hungary they wear high heels all day long everywhere,I am amazed how they can walk and run on cobblestone streets with them on, jumping onto buses and trolleys. It is a wonder. I read a very long article by a very old Chinese women years ago who was one of the last "victims" of the "Tiny Feet "culture in China. With the poor circulation to the lower body, it makes ones bottom half swell up and it is suppose to look attractive. The richer and more powerful the family was, the smaller the women's feet would be bound. Poor women had 5" feet so they could still hobble around in the fields and work while the super rich had feet as tiny as 3"! Basically they had stubs hanging off their legs. Seems we have fashions that came from total abuse of women and we still fall for it. High heels make one feel taller and look weaker and frail, very fem. Like a little victim who needs a man for protection. It is also a symbol of power, rich men have women who don't need to walk or protect themselves, they have the power to take care of their women.They can afford cars, drivers and maids to do the things women can't do for themselves when their feet are bound or proped up in modern high heels. I admit, I have some 2 1/2" heels that I rarely wear, they look nice with some outfits but again can only wear them when I am being "taken care of'' as when we are driving and my husband is with me. I don't wear heels when I am alone and need to watch out for myself. It is a control issue that women have bought into. You may want to read up on the history of foot binding and the history of shoe fashions. Powerful men in history have also worn high heels, a sign or power. Read the answer about ballet dancers.Yes I took some ballet classes years ago and our instructor was always saying how a dancers dancing days were numbered and how they usually wound up with serious back and foot issues as early as in their 40's. I had a couple friends who were performers of ballet and they were always in some sort of pain. They could dance but barely could walk.They wore flat shoes in their everyday life most times. You can always tell the older ladies who used to wear high heels, they are now wearing orthopedic inserts and have toes that look like twisted twigs, sad. In Las Vegas where we used to live, you would often see women hanging around the casino's in groups wearing," Hooker Heels" . It was like a calling card, a way to advertise they were available, makes you wonder who really is behind the high heels fashions,men or women.Who is really in control. My son was in Japan and saw some of the really crazy platform shoes the girls were wearing. Many find themselves in the hospital with broken legs and twisted ankles.What a price to look sexy. Sorry for such a long answer, really a "sore" subject with me. It is hard to find nice looking shoes that don't have high heels, they are either too casual or too old fashioned looking, the shoe industry seems not to make many shoes for dressing up that don't have high heels. Maybe in the 1960's women should of thrown out the high heels instead of burning their bra's.

Mary asks…

What is the appropriate business casual attire(for ladies) to wear for musical stage plays?

I am about to watch one of the most popular stage shows, "The Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian on Las Vegas Strip. I've watched other stage plays before but this one seems more special. The dress code is business casual. I wonder what do most people wear in an event like this one. I need more specific answers to my question.

Our pick of the answers:

The main thing is to look well-pulled together -- not a full power suit or evening dress, but not jeans, either -- and be comfortable. I'd say a jacket, blouse, and skirt would be fine or nice pants. Even a nice sweater that's not too loud (No big reindeer), and nothing overly frilly or shiny. "Business casual" would be what you might wear to a relaxed business event -- an informal cocktail get-together, say. More specific? From the second link: Specifics for women's business casual Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment. Also, most attire worn on televison is not appropriate for business environments. Don't be deluded. Pants / skirts: Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc. Skirt length and slits: Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for business purposes. Slips should not be visible. Shirt / sweaters: In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate to business and job search occasions. Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry. Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries. Shoes: Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not apropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image. Hose: Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments such as hotels. Purse / bag: If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Purse/bag color should coordinate with your shoes. A briefcase is certainly not necessary for most business casual events. Leather, microfiber and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvas and straw are not appropriate.

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