There was an old man who lived in a shoe

He had so many options, he didn’t know what to do…until now.

A few basic refresher points for my “male fan base”.

Shoes

Buy some new shoes. Don’t let your work shoes be your weekend wear shoes, your dressy casual shoes, or “you’re doing the lawn” shoes. Brown and tan shoes are a must and should show up in both your work and dressy casual wardrobe.  Sneakers or tennis shoes should never be worn with anything except a work out outfit.
Lace up shoes are preferred with Suits.

Belts must match the shoe – Remember that one of the oldest fashion rules is the matching of shoes and belts. Try to select these accessories in matching colors. Such choices will add completeness to your outfit and will demonstrate that you are aware of fashion trends.

 

See how this does not captivate the look you want?

100% leather - invest in good shoes.  Your feet will thank you.  I will thank you.

Formal is always Black - think George Clooney.  Always black shoes at the Academy Awards.

Typically, any shoe color goes with any suit color.  and while lace-up is preferred, there are also great other options out there, if you choose to gravitate away from laced-up shoes.

Colors

 

Brown

Black

English Tan

Flip Flops

For reasons that shall remain to myself, I am OFTEN asked about my thought on men wearing flip-flops or “Mandals”  as Mer Mer refers to them, with pants.  I, personally, am not a fan. Especially for business.   But again…if it makes you happy, and you are comfortable, go for it.   Some of my favorite people gravitate towards this look.   If the weather is warm, “mandals” may be the only option.  I only ask that you do not wear socks with the flip-flops or  ”mandals”.   I only provide guidelines and tips, and may occasionally snicker behind one’s back (Kidding)… It’s all about what makes you feel good.   Or what makes your feet feel good.  Happy feet make for happy people.    If you do choose to show some skin (on your feet), just make sure to treat yourself to a little foot-freshening session — clipping, scrubbing or for those completely secure with their masculinity, a professional pedicure.

It can be downright difficult to find a men’s sandal that is both simple and stylish if you want something other than flip-flops. The solution: a cross-strap sandal. There are no bells and whistles here; just two uncomplicated straps to hold your foot in place. It’s also the perfect sandal if you find a traditional flip-flop that slips on between your toes to be uncomfortable. Just be careful not to go with certain faux-leather types or you could risk looking like grandpa at the retirement home.  And leave the socks at home!

Mandals – man sandal-a men’s summer shoe, that consists of black or brown leather that covers more than 50% of the foot, buckles and a thick sole. ”His mandals match his man purse”.   (Urban Dictionary).  Here is a picture of a perfectly fine mandal.  I just happen to think it can look silly wearing it with dress pants, khaki’s , or jeans.

Socks

* Over the calf is preferred with suits

* A shade darker than trouser for work

* A shade lighter than trouser for casual

* Black is always acceptable

Socks should match or complement the Shoe

And to further drive my point home, I would appreciate it if you chose Not to  wear socks with sandals…Ever.  But that’s just me…and here is how a picture is worth a 1000-words.

xoxo

T.

PS – Truly, you will save yourself many , many hours over your lifetime, if you safety-pin your socks together when washing and drying them.  And I have often been asked if I , indeed do this, and the answer is an overwhelming YES.

This One’s For the Boys

Men’s Fashion tips?  Hmmh…well, I did say I would answer your questions, and  “Frank” asked about “tips for men” and I do believe that requires its own blog.  So, for” Frank”, Geoff, Jason and Bruce (I think those are the only men who read this)…Enjoy…This blog’s for you.

I think these tips originated from a GQ article, but am not entirely sure.  I’ve tweaked it to put my own spin on it.   Even if you take one or two tips from it, I can die a happy blogger.  My work here would be done.   For the men, not women…I still have lots of fun thoughts upcoming for the Girls.

Ok Gentlemen…Here is What you need to know about men’s fashion:

1. Know your tailor. Even the best suits need altering. In men’s fashion this is probably the most important detail that is not always adhered to. Pants need to be shortened, jackets need to be brought in, sleeves need to be narrowed (yes, you can ask your tailor to slim down your sleeves), and buttons need to be realigned with button holes .
2. If you’re going to buy “off the rack”, you should always buy your correct size, then have a tailor customize it to your body.   Have your tailor size the sleeves so they stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) and to size the pants so they break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels). Having your tailor properly fit your suit is the difference between being appropriately dressed and being stylishly dressed.
3. Custom tailored suits and even dress shirts are another option. Custom tailoring means that everything will fit right – and if you need to have a lot of alterations done on ready-made clothes, it may be an economical alternative.  www.jhilburn.com  (sorry, that was a shameless plug).
4. Always match your socks with your suit. Another must in men’s fashion. When choosing socks, the basic rule is to consider the suit instead of the shoe—in other words, if you’re wearing a navy suit with black shoes, reach for navy socks. And when wearing a light suit, make sure the socks are darker than the suit but a shade or so lighter than the shoes.
5. Please do not wear a tie that is too slim. Unless you’re a hard-core men’s fashion guy who favors a super skinny tie, stick with one that measures about three inches at its widest point. It will be narrower than traditional ties, but not by too much. Tie one on and you’ll look modern and sophisticated. We assume that’s the look you want to achieve!
6. Remember your undershirt. This one’s an interesting and tricky men’s fashion tip. If you’re wearing a conventional white broadcloth dress shirt (which means it’s fairly see-through), you have two options: Skip the undershirt and you’ll look clean and stylish. Or, if you’re a hairy guy who perspires a lot and you feel safer in an undershirt, wear a crew neck. The lines of a V-neck or tank top will be visible beneath your shirt and tie and you’ll look cheesy. GQ suggest that if you prefer a V-neck or tank top, you might consider other dress shirts.
7. Put your wallet on a diet. Your wallet should not be as fat as a burrito. Buy an elegant, slim leather credit card holder and stock it with your essential cards. Then, fold your cash in a money clip. All that other nonsense can go in your desk drawer. You don’t need it.
8. Wear brown shoes—with nearly everything. Black dress shoes are easy—they’re understated and tasteful. In men’s fashion, the GQ experts say that brown dress shoes up the style factor. People notice them. They go best with gray, khaki, or navy. Dark brown shoes are easier to pull off than light brown ones.
9. Put toe taps on your leather-soled dress shoes. They will significantly increase the shoes’ life span.
10. If you’re going to own one sweater, make it a charcoal gray v-neck. It goes perfectly with a dark suit in fall or winter and with jeans or cords in spring.   
11. A black belt works with khakis, jeans, suits, everything.   Invest in a good one, and it will last for years. 
12. Update your eyeglasses and sunglasses.  This goes for women as well.
13. And, the last men’s fashion tip is: Invest in a classic one or two-button tuxedo with peak or notch lapels. It makes no sense (stylistically or fiscally) to rent a tuxedo each time you attend a black-tie event.

Now, it would be impossible for me to write about stylish men, without including a picture of my high school boyfriend.  KIDDING… he’s much too old for me, but he always look Fabulous, and a blog with a picture of George Clooney, makes the women happy.  Heck, it should make the men happy as well.

Next week it’s back to the Girl’s… For you 3 men who follow my blog, I will fawn all over you no more than once per month.  This is longer than my usual blog, since Men’s topics will be highlighted only monthly.   Please enjoy and savor these Dressed to a T – He blogs.

xoxo

T.