My two cents on the hose issue is they should not be required, however, I support an HR policy that states "professional and neat appearance". This would cover you if you need to request somebody where them for whatever reason.
Personally, for me, it all depends on the shoe. Hose seems to prevent foot sweat from building up in the shoe (don't ask me how, that's just an observation). Some of the shoes I wear with a suit just start making noises if I don't wear hose. IMHO that is not professional and makes me self conscious and uncomfortable, so I wear hose with those particular shoes.
"Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym." -- Bill Nye
My first job in a department store, they wanted us to dress professionally (in dresses), wear hose, 1977 to 1980
1980 to 1986 Corporate headquarters for retailer, hose, professional, slacks were okay, no open toe shoes.
1986 to 1999 Law Firms of various sizes and types of law (except entertainment law) in downtown Los Angeles Professional attire (suits) , hose, towards the end of the nineties, this started to slack off a bit. Heck for a while when casual fridays first started, they told us no jeans.
1999 to Now-Large corporations, engineering and accounting, no mention of hose, just professional attire. A professional skirt, blouse usually does it.
Thing is I've always worked in HR or Office Management. So I've always had to dress one step up from everyone else, to set the example. If I came into work in a mid-driff or worn clothing, low cut tops, jeans, dockers, sandals, t-shirts, short skirst, etc, well it would be very frowned upon very much.
I don't know how to not wear hose with some shoes, heels, pumps. So I wear hose depending on the shoe and the skirt.
Right now I'm wearing Jeans, with slack socks and heeled hush puppies and a blue sweater set. Boring I know, but I'm not hear to impress people with my stylish outfits, I have a job to do.
On weekends, it is sandal, shorts and a t--shirt.
Hope this helps.
Mind you I have to wear these outfits, but do style my clothes for my tastes. I can't wear