Many may remember many years ago, the commercial with Spike Lee and MJ and Spike yelling it's the Shoes! Well he wasn't just selling shoes, he was actually echoing something Classic Men have known for years, the shoes matter! Yes it's the shoes! Have you ever noticed a man dressed up and then as you survey the "landscape" you get down to his shoes and oh! The horror! They are dirty, dusted and busted? They are leaning, and are in dire of a shine or replacement? Well what this man has forgotten is that your shoes can tell a lot about you and your grooming habits. Here is an interesting article I came across from Bloomberg Businessweek (www.businessweek.com): "There are at least two fast ways to judge a man: by his books and by his shoes. "It’s the classic stereotype," says stylist, consultant, and former Saks Fifth Avenue menswear director Michael Macko. Unlike what a man reads on the train, his footwear is on display throughout the day—from board meeting to bathroom stall. And those shoes are always saying something, especially at the office, where these days "we’re seeing all kinds of great shoes," says Kevin Harter, director of menswear at Bloomingdale’s. Men now are able to get away with wearing a much greater variety of shoes during the workday, in materials ranging from canvas to suede—even alligator—and in styles from strap closures to slip-ons. Color, Harter adds, is one of the moment’s big trends. But before you swap out your black oxfords for a pair of yellow suede loafers, stop and consider what that might communicate about you."
Below you will find a few examples. Whatever your style there are perhaps 3 rules. 1) They must fit properly 2) They must be clean 3) They should fit the occasion. Gentlemen remember It's the shoes! - Part Two next Week.
(Pictures: www.businessweek.com)
