Keeping in Step With No-Pantyhose Policy

Dear Fashion Police: My company has relaxed its dress code, and women are no longer required to wear pantyhose. I think this is great, but when I wear closed-toe shoes my feet sweat and the shoes become sticky and uncomfortable. I don’t think sandals look professional enough. I am already putting baby powder in my shoes, but this is not really working.

--TOO MUCH FOOTAGE

Dear Too: Before we delve into your options, we’d like to relay a word of caution about going sockless from Dr. Broxton Little, a Pacific Palisades podiatrist.

“We don’t recommend bare feet in shoes because of the loss of a protective barrier against the skin,” he said. That barrier--socks or stockings--not only guards against blisters, but in some cases helps wick perspiration away from the feet. Moisture and heat are the enemies, according to Dr. Little, because they can encourage bacteria and fungi to grow, causing scaling and peeling, and make your feet smell.

Have we convinced you that wearing socks is a good idea? They don’t have to be bulky--trouser socks have the look of pantyhose but only come up to the knee. Some cotton and cotton-blend socks are thin. Footies or Peds are socks that just hug the foot and, depending on the shoe style, don’t show. We found Hidden Comfort Footies at One Hanes Place for $4.99 for three pair ([800] 671-1674, www.one hanesplace.com). AlexBlake.com offers Ellen Tracy Luxury Foot Peds, $5 for three pair, and Hue Foot Liners, $1.47 per pair ([818] 501-4771, www.alexblake.com). For extra help there are over-the-counter powders and sprays especially made for feet.

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Dear Fashion Police: I’m trying to find short cotton gloves for day wear. I think they add a fun touch to business or casual outfits and offer sun protection. I’d love to have them in neutrals and pastels. The queen of England seems to be the only one who has worn her little white gloves through the decades. I don’t mind starting my own trends.

--FEEL THE GLOVE

Dear Feel: We admire your willingness to set fashion trends, but in this case we’re not sure you’re going to inspire many women to storm accessory departments. Still, gloves can add a kicky retro look when worn with the right styles, such as little ‘50s summer dresses or nipped-waist suits. But keep in mind that although Her Majesty has been wearing gloves for decades, her look is perceived as dowdy.

Gloves do offer sun protection if they’re made from a tightly woven fabric. Sun Precautions has gloves that offer the equivalent of 30 SPF. The patented material is not cotton, but has a leather-like feel. The gloves come in white and putty, in various sizes, for $35.95 ([800] 882-7860, www.sun precautions.com).

Most short all-cotton gloves are sold as bridal gloves, and we found three companies that carry them. LaCrasia Gloves carries a vast array of styles, from leather to lace. There is a Web site, but not all products are listed, so we suggest you call to ask about the selection ([212] 695-0347, www .wegloveyou.com). OnlyGloves .com carries matte cotton gloves, in an array of colors, for $26 ([800] 417-9143, www.onlygloves.com). Finale Gloves offers all-cotton and poly/cotton blends (poly/cotton Shortie gloves, $14). Not everything is on the Web site, so call for information ([800] 285-5511, www.finalegloves.com).

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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; fax to (213) 237-4888; or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.