Manolo says, one of the Manolo many internet friends has sent the Manolo the question.

Dear Manolo,

My husband and I are invited to a company dinner at a restaurant. The dress code there is business casual. I have this dark chocolate knee length dress with an empire waist that I plan to wear. The dress is quite playful and youthful looking so I am thinking about pairing it with a pair of knee high black suede Via Spiga boots (Forde is the name). I am just wondering about whether this would be appropriate for the dinner party. I am in my late 20s and the company has a very relaxed (read jeans and t-shirts) dress policy. I am looking forward to your answer!!! Love your web site.

Yijia

Manolo says, this is the sort of question that the Manolo loves, for it shows that the Gospel of The Good Shoes has spread to the four corners of the Earth, as these are the very handsome boots.

However, the Manolo has the worry, and that is that the Manolo’s friend is wearing the relatively unstrutured dress with the slouchy boots, and the rule of the Manolo is that one should not pair slouchy with slouchy lest one look like the Mama Cass.

The Manolo would prefer the ankle-strap sandal with this dress, which would give his friend the sexy-flirty look. However, if she wishes to wear the boot, the Manolo would suggest something like the Spire from the Via Spiga, with the smooth line across the ankles.

No matter, in either case, the Manolo’s internet friend will be admired (and her husband envied) by the too-casual peoples of work.