Have you ever walked into a shoe store, turn around, and just walk right back out? Have you have looked into a shoe store window and couldn’t tell which shoes are for your gender, your eyes blur and everything just blends together? Does your energy instantly get sucked out of you when you walk through the threshold, of the store and all you can do is sit there and stare at all your choices? If you checked yes to any of these symptoms, you are either shopping with your wife 😉 or you may have a big case of “Shoe Flu.” Is there a cure you ask? Of course there is, and I’m going to help you feel better, get rejuvenated and regain the upper hand on that pesky bug.
The strongest medicine I have obtained for winning the shoe flu battle is knowledge. Shoe knowledge is a very hefty subject simply because there are so many subcategories and new shoe types popping up all the time. There are so many things one might consider when buying a shoe, the fit, arch support, your activity, if you drive or walk all day, the style, the look, etc. Today we are going to focus solely (pun intended) on what looks best with what, and never goes out of style — those classic shoes. To make it as simple as possible I will give you a shoe or two that can fit with the major categories of dress. I have broken them down to four major ones.
Our first category is Evening Wear. Evening wear, better known as “black tie” is pretty much the dressiest of the dressy. In this category you are going to wear something more along lines of a tuxedo, metallic and/or shiny fabrics etc. This style is pretty simple because, it being so formal, it really limits what is “appropriate” to wear. In this day in age there is always an exception if you are risk taker or just feeling a little froggy and out of the box that day.
Shoe rule: Go with something shiny, something that pops. A patent leather shoe is usually worn with a tux but as long as your shoe has a great sheen you will be fine. Always tread lightly, wear a shoe with a minimal sole and a harder upper material.
Suggestion: If you aren’t a big dress shoe person try a patent leather converse sneaker with your tux. It has become a bit if a fad but still works if you are into sneakers.
Second, Business Wear. Business wear can mean a lot to some, i.e. khakis, a polo shirt, etc. Here at Elegant Cloth, business attire means a power suit and shirt (preferably tailored), optional tie and most importantly, an amazing shoe.
Shoe rule: Go with leather of course but not just any leather, going with our dapper flow and tailored appearance we will need a leather shoe with a little gloss to it, not patent leather glossy like for our tux but a shoe that makes you crave an appointment for the shoe shine guy when someone looks as if they are about to step on your shoe. This shoe will also have a minimal sole and wood incorporated. So pretty much no shoes with tire treads on the bottom.
Suggestion: Try a wing tip, Chelsea boot, or capped toe with this style.
Thirdly, we have Business casual. I personally love business casual. This category allows you to be very creative while still being acceptable in the business world. Break down your suit and pair a nice shirt, tie, vest combo with a nice pair of jeans. You can also try a pair of slim chinos, some colorful socks and a semi unbuttoned, button down shirt. If you are really feeling good, try a custom polo from Alial Fital. What ever you choose you have to have the right shoe.
Shoe Rule: Go with a casual shoe. Casual shoes are usually easily visible because a lot of them have no laces,thick laces, thicker soles, or have canvas, cotton, wool or some other fabric incorporated. This is not always the case but this is an easy way to spot them amongst the crowd.
Suggestion: Try a nice boat shoe, a penny loafer or driver with this style even a leather wingtip boot if the weather is right.
Lastly we have Casual or Streetwear. I made this category last because I want you to take creative freedom with this one. with this genre you can dress however you wish and I really wanted to leave something for the imagination. I will be very vague in this category and give you a few of my favorite match-ups but nothing specific. Try pairing some slim or straight leg jeans, with a nice scoop neck t-shirt, some drivers and a cardigan. If you are the sporty type a pair of slim Cotton Citizen sweats with and graphic tee from Zara, and a nice pair of sneakers. If weather permits I also like a rolled sleeve plaid button down, a pair of chino shorts and a fresh pair of toms, who by the way is really starting to step it up in the design category.
This article was created to give a general idea of what looks good together. I implore you all to be creative, stretch you limits and mix and match. Find out what works best for you. Don’t let your shoes take control of you.
As always Be Bold, Be Elegant, Be You.
G. Davenport
