A senior partner I know was in court one day, many moons ago (back when he was a junior associate), and as soon as he started speaking the judge said “I cannot hear you.” So he spoke a little bit louder, but the judge said “I still cannot hear you.” Finally, his friend (as we call counsel opposite) informed him that this judge would not hear anyone who was not wearing black shoes. This friend then truly lived up to the name and loaned said senior partner some black shoes to replace the burgundy ones he was wearing.
I, for one, don’t see what’s wrong with burgundy shoes (maybe they matched his litigation bag!) and today, few judges would blink at seeing non-black shoes. But despite some modernizing and relaxing of the rules of dress in court, it seems that conservatism still dominates. Therefore, I’m dedicating this edition of Style Counsel to the rules when it comes to women’s shoes for court.
Only conservative colours are appropriate to this day: black, navy, grey or nude (and yes, burgundy shoes would also now be fine, although I rarely see women’s shoes offered in that colour). Nude shoes are meant for times when you are appearing in a skirt sans panty hose or tights, which only works during the warmest summer months and only when appearing in a suit rather than robed. It is my view (and I am pretty sure part of the mandated uniform) that panty hose or tights are required when robed. Nude shoes can also work with a navy pantsuit.
A word about toes: I know it’s summertime, and it is freaking melting hot lately, but strappy sandals are just not court appropriate. Ideally, court shoes should be closed-toed. Peep toes are borderline, and sling backs are okay, so long as they are closed-toed not too sexy (read: no five inch heel sling backs).
The appropriateness of a very high heel is determined by the rest of the shoe. For example, a taller shoe should be closed-toed and closed-backed. A very tall shoe should have a hidden platform so the slope isn’t too steep and, therefore, too racy. For example, these black suede pumps by Enzo Angiolini ($54.65, zappos.com) are very high, but the conservative shape, colour and fabric, combined with the hidden platform, keep them appropriate.
We are lucky that, these days, shoes for court can be more fashionable and exciting. In fact, I would say that more fashionable shoes give an air of confidence. When in doubt, I suggest employing my favourite rule of thumb: if your shoes are the kind of thing Carrie Bradshaw would wear on a Friday or Saturday night, then you should not wear those shoes to court.
Donna Wilson is a Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer. Her style and beauty column appears every second Wednesday.