Thongs in the office: Yay or nay?
IMAGE VIA @essenthelabel/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
“Only put your best foot forward.”
Thongs… they’re a divisive topic. And whether you’re on board or not, they’re undeniably having a comeback. No matter where you look – the beach, the wine bar or any shop in Melbourne’s inner city, the dogs are out.
What is still up for debate is whether thongs have a place in the office. Take this Nine article for example, asking, “At what point has office casual dress gone too far?”. It is an important question.
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However, there’s more to a thong than a humble Havaiana. There are now square-toed, leather and even heeled options on offer. Paired with a classic pedicure (we hear French-tips are back in) it can immediately dress up your look. But, is that enough to make it work-appropriate? Eager to settle the debate, we put the call out to Fashion Journal readers.
FJ readers weigh in
Niamh*, 24, she/her
I work in a social media agency. It’s very laid back, although people love to dress for the job and always pull through with great fits. I think if it’s done tastefully with the outfit –say a cute heeled thong with a capri pant moment, rather than like the kind of fit you’d wear with thongs to the shops – then it’s okay.
Kylie*, 24, she/her
I’m acting general manager of a small not-for-profit, and we work out of an office in St Kilda. The other people in the office space have a very casual dress code, and so we don’t mind our staff and volunteers wearing whatever they feel comfortable in at the office. You’ll find people dressed anywhere from activewear to business, so thongs have a place! I probably wouldn’t love someone wearing thongs, a bikini and a sarong thrown on top like they’re about to go to the beach, but an elevated thong choice is just fine.
Ash*, 26, she/her
I work in a school so it’s a big no. Closed toed shoes protect you from the children.
Frederica*, 27, she/her
I work in fashion marketing and I try to keep a strong sense of my personal style in how I approach workwear. Lots of layers, black and archival designer. Personally, I don’t rock with the thong in the office, but today in a meeting I counted six girls wearing thongs (both heeled and flat). I don’t think it’s a bad look or anything, I just feel like it’s quite casual, which isn’t how I dress in the first place.
Heleana*, 26, she/her
In media, where I work, you’ve got musicians rocking band T-shirts, the media girlies in vintage, and then of course, your office dads (no shade) in a classic chino. I personally lean into fun, playful outfits with bold silhouettes when I have the brain capacity to think about what I’m wearing. But long story short: I say free the dogs!
There’s something so chic about an elevated outfit softened with a casual thong, think Jonathan Bailey on his press tour. And on a 40+ degree day? You really think I’m wrapping them up in lambswool? Girl, bye. Please, though, if you’ve got a weird hangnail or bunion, don’t subject everyone to that. Only put your best foot forward. Pun intended.
Where to find thongs that are SFW
The verdict is in. According to FJ readers, the consensus appears to be that thongs are mostly okay as long as you don’t work in a school, hospital or kitchen, and provided that they’re a little more elevated than your typical rubber sole. Luckily, there’s no shortage of local labels adding their own spin on the controversial style. From wedges to woven leather, find our favourite picks below.
St. Agni
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St. Agni has well and truly mastered workwear, so it should come as no surprise that the Byron-based brand has found a way to make a casual pair of thongs feel fashionable. Find classic leather, as well as woven, coloured and heeled styles.
Nelson Made
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In a similar vein, Nelson Made’s range of wedge, square-toe and kitten heel styles have the power to dress up any look. Pair it with a simple dress or loose pair of trousers and a shirt and no one will blink twice.
A. Emery
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Designed and made in Melbourne, A.Emery’s footwear puts a unique twist on classic designs. A hybrid between a trusty thong and sandal, they might even get the green tick of approval from the more corporate-leaning workplaces.
Twoobs
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An office favourite, Twoobs’ footwear leans slightly more casual. It’s BFF (and platform version, The BFF+), are more than comfortable enough to see you through your day.
Dirt
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For a style that’s a little more bold, Dirt’s heeled take on the classic flip-flop is both playful and comfortable. Opt for a classic black or khaki or embrace the tangerine for something a little more unexpected.
Essen
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Trust New Zealand label Essen to elevate the thong in the chicest of ways. The brand’s Evening sandal and Sporty slingback are simple, with slight points of difference.
For more on workwear, head here.
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