U.S. style gurus are warning that flip-flops, worn to work by more and more women, might damage women's careers. Thousands of young woman look at the casual footwear as must-have fashion accessories for the summer.

An online survey held by Gap and Old Navy showed that college high schools students rated flip-flops as the number one on the list of items to wear to work.

However, several company policies feel they're inappropriate.

Spokeswoman for BNP Paribas told Reuters, "The dress code says no beach wear and flip-flops are considered beach wear."

Meghan Cleary, a style commentator who wrote the book "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You," says,"Shoes convey the mood of a woman. Wearing flip-flops conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation. That's not a good message in the office."

Doctors also feel that the beach sandals are bad for your feet.

Spokeswoman Marybeth Crane for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons said in a recent statement, "We're seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn't have this problem."

Ellen Campuzano, president of the Committee of Color and Trends, a forecasting service specializing in footwear and accessories says, "Usually these trends come and go in about five years," she said. "I think we've reached the peak, they can't be any more widespread, so maybe next summer something will replace them."