One of the key elements of men’s fashion is an attention to detail. While some brave or lucky men can get away with a level of ostentation that others wouldn’t dare attempt, the best way for most men to attempt snappy dressing is to stay largely understated and rely on those little details to help them stand out. So while the majority of an ensemble will often be sober and understated, it will be the more incidental embellishments such as ties, pocket squares and shoes that mark out the classier dressers.
Dressing for a more formal occasion isn’t the hardest assignment, usually. The cut and color of a suit more or less suggests itself, but keeping ahead of the fashion game will usually rely on what you pair that suit with. You’ll never go far wrong with a pair of men’s Alden shoes, for example, as this choice will allow you to demonstrate a keen eye for fashion without looking like you’re trying to make a fashion statement.
The power of shoes in making or breaking an outfit
A great outfit can live or die purely based on the shoes that go along with it. The key rule is that the style of the shoes should match the outfit they go with. Some people can wear sneakers with a sensible suit, but they are usually very wealthy and “eccentric” CEOs who break the rules because it is a way of showing a personality they otherwise lack. If you want your clothes to make a statement for you, it’s best to avoid games like that and pair smart minimalist shoes with a smart suit, while fashionable sneakers go best with a good pair of jeans. The best fashion statement is “I know how to dress”; not “my staff don’t dare point out style gaffes”.
Consider your body shape when picking shoes
Body shaping has an impact on the fashion choices you can make. Of course, you can wear any shoe you like, but if you want to fit in effortlessly it’s best to consider which shoes suit your body shape best. People with a triangular body shape – narrow shoulders and broader chest and hips – will find the best results come from simple dress shoes that allow the focus to fall on their upper regions. For an inverted triangle, however, more ostentation can work – colorful shoes such as a rich burgundy can really emphasize your feet and finish off a look.
Craftsmanship is key
The quality of a pair of shoes matters too. Looking good and standing out doesn’t just rely on the look of an item, it also falls on the durability of the shoe. Picking shoes that are well-made means that you won’t catch attention for the wrong reasons, like worn patches of leather or uneven soles. You can help out with this by ensuring that you walk in a certain way; a shuffling gait will scuff shoes and reduce their lifespan by a considerable margin. Practice ways of walking that bring the weight down on your heels; it’s better for your posture as well as for your shoes.
