This column is the second in a two-part series on men’s fashion. Read the first installment: Rules of finer dressing: Part I.
No formal or formal-casual wardrobe could be complete without the proper use of pants and shoes, which are essential in finishing off a very GQ look.
The shoes
When dressing up, shoes are the one item which can tell the most about a man. Cheap, smudged shoes indicate a man who pays little or no attention to the way he looks, as opposed to nice, shined shoes, which characterize a man who takes the time to look good and care about even the minuscule details of his appearance.
If you only plan to wear loafers once or twice a year, then do not bother shelling out more than $50. However, if you wear loafers frequently, then I recommend buying loafers over $100. The difference is quite noticeable: More expensive shoes are more comfortable, look nicer and last longer.
My favorite makers of loafers are Ecco and Sebago, due to their comfort and affordability. More higher-end brands, such as Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, offer fantastic shoes as well.
Buying a pair of nice shoes but refusing to shine them is like buying a 1967 Mustang but refusing to change the oil and repair it on a regular basis. If you buy a pair of loafers above $50, they must be polished frequently to retain their shine and look.
Do not buy instant-shine sponges, another form of polisher, because you might as well get a water cloth. For polishing shoes, buy a shoe polisher which is rubbed on the shoe. This not only cleans the leather, but conditions the shoe, which preserves the shoe overtime. Shoe polishing is a must.
The pants
Pants are another crucial aspect when wearing a shirt and tie. First and foremost, when wearing slacks or khakis, never, in any circumstances, sag them, regardless of your attitude toward sagged jeans. A formal pant is not meant to be sagged; this makes one look extremely childish.
Higher-end pants fit much better on a guy who is in good shape. They are not skinny, but fit very snug and are much more comfortable than lower-end brands.
When buying slacks, a man should always look to buy wool pants, as they will last longer and breathe better in the heat than do synthetic and cheaper materials. Affordable, high-quality slacks are available from brands such as Alfani, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
Belts are not required to be extremely expensive or attention-grabbing, but should match the color of the shoes. While I suggest wearing a leather belt for any formal occasion, sometimes wearing pants without a belt can look simple and streamlined. Of course, do not sacrifice your pants falling down for the sake of looking simple.
The socks
One thing that can make you stand out among a crowd of black-suit-and-tie men are outrageous socks. That’s right: patterned socks, striped, checkered, plaid, pink, green or whatever. They make you look different and modern, not boring and average. Don’t be afraid to show some serious color with socks. They don’t even have to match; just make sure they are different and radical.
Sometimes wearing loafers with no socks can look very trendy as well. If you’re concerned about wearing leather shoes barefoot, don’t be. Banana Republic sells loafer socks that make it look like you are not wearing socks, because of the low-cut. These socks are very comfortable and work well in the summer because they are cooler.
Now that you are familiar with these tips, I hope dressing up will be less of a daunting task and more of an opportunity to express your personality.
For more information, read the Nov. 23 installment, Rules of finer dressing: Part I.