CCCV.

A very wise Sweet Briar alum told me that there are always ways of getting past a strict dress code and making it your own. Keeping this concept in mind, I've had to get really creative when it comes to the strict dress code for my new part-time job selling silver jewelry. The dress code states that all employees must wear solid black bottoms and a solid black or white top. The rest of the code details get down to the nitty gritty EXCEPT for the color of your shoes.. my boss and coworkers weren't expecting anyone to mix black and brown..

I am here to state that a black outfit with brown shoes is perfectly acceptable and vice versa when done correctly. Color should never be a factor, it's all about the design. You can do this by piecing the right shoe with the right bottoms. Here are a few options:

Perfect with knee-length pencil skirt/dress and wide-leg trousers

Looks great with straight/skinny ankle/wide leg pants
and knee-length pencil skirt/dress

Awesome with straight ankle pants and knee-length pencil skirt/dress

Works with a knee-length or mini (just above the knee)
skirt/dress with or without tights

Suitable for pretty much any professional style bottom

Perfect with slight mini a-line or pencil skirt/dress
with or without tights or scrunched socks

Great with a knee-length or slight mini a-line or pencil
skirt/dress with or without tights or scrunched socks

Other options also include the classic styles such as the peep-toe pump, the classic pump, the ballet flat, the Mary Jane, and the t-strap heel. Of course these styles go with everything- that's why they're so timeless! Don't be afraid to think outside the dress code box.