Flip-flops have become more acceptable as “regular” shoes rather than just beach attire, especially as designs and prices follow trends of other shoes. The one place flip-flops have not become acceptable is in the office. However, if a flip-flop clearly doesn’t belong at the beach, can it be worn to the office?

The author of “The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You” says that “wearing flip-flops conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation” and that it is not a good message for the office environment. However, many young professionals can take their jobs very seriously and produce great work, all the while wearing those V-strap summer sandals.

When many companies have summer Fridays and relax their dress code in light of heat, doesn’t that convey relaxation and getting ready for vacation? In addition, black leather flip-flops worn with an office appropriate dress or delicate straw flip-flops with a brown pants suit, aren’t exactly dressing down, especially when many women wear dressy flip-flops out to bars, restaurants and weddings.

I think the biggest difference about flip-flops and professionalism is the quality of the shoe. If someone is dressed down casually and wearing plastic or rubber flip-flops that you could hose down after a trip to the beach, then they are in vacation mode. However, someone who is wearing some that clearly cost more than $5 (more likely $40 to $50) with normal summer attire and has an overall professional appearance, it should be acceptable. This person isn’t saying they’re on vacation; instead they are embracing summer within the office.

Granted, this leads to a fine line that people are destined to cross, but the point is that all flip-flops should not be ruled out in office dress codes, especially when they are all over the stores and are a main shoe option for many women. Overall though, I say flip-flops should be worn in the office as long as the work still gets done.