If you feel you are being judged by the outfit you wear, you are probably correct. Take your feet, for example. According to a survey done by a very well known shoe manufacturer, 64 out of 100 women judge a man by his shoes. That’s right, his shoes. Now that it’s officially out in the open, I admit that I often judge a man by his footwear. Whether it’s his taste in fashion, his personality, his level of attention to detail or his financial status, shoes have a loud voice, and guys—you have to step up your game. A great pair of shoes can breathe life into any ensemble, and unique shoes have the power to reinvent an entire look. It should come as no surprise that women are shoe-crazy, but should men take the hint and become shoe obsessed, too? Definitely.
We’re often under the impression that in order to be stylish in the shoe category, one must own an entire closet full. The truth is, though, that guys can manage perfectly fine with only a handful—if they know how to choose wisely. Having good taste is not always about owning the latest and greatest. Instead, invest in a few sensible and stylish pairs and you’re set.
Every man should own a pair of boots. Winter is now in full swing and the unforgiving weather has us bundled up in warmer gear. I’d suggest a more practical, classic set of kicks. Rugged leather lace-up boots offer you warmth and protection during inclement weather, as well as providing style and versatility when it comes to pairing them with outfits. Dressing up or dressing down, boots team equally with dress pants during the week and with a pair of jeans and a simple Henley shirt on the weekend. This is where you can be smart; don’t think of these lace-up boots as special occasion footwear and you can wear them to school, work and even out with the guys on the weekends.
This Fashionisto sports a pair of rugged, brown leather boots. They have been the go-to piece for many laid back outfits and create a more distressed look compared to the simplicity of the standard sneaker. Their ability to transition from casual to dressy is what makes them an essential purchase for your winter wardrobe.
The lace-up boot pair nicely with rolled bootcut denim, which is evident on this Fashionisto. He layered a plaid button-down shirt underneath a gray V-neck sweater for a touch of color, threw on a classic Tommy Hilfiger puffer coat, draped a dark scarf for added charm and pulled it all together with a brown belt. This shows that he is detail-oriented and not at all flashy. Needless to say, my judgement of him was a positive one.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “You don’t have to break your bank to be fashionable. Listen to people who know something about the fashion world, take their advice and be open to new styles.”
