Professional Dress Help

[McMurdo]

JL
I assure you the Kenneth Cole shoes are made of leather.

BB
No matter what you do always remember the small things, for example when putting on your shoes always use a shoe horn, get some shoe trees to help keep the shape, and always make sure they are clean and polished before heading out the door.

[Rogerson785]

BB,

Since I may have a small financial impact on your wardrobe and having lived in the Washington DC area for three years I would suggest plain white shirts, and I prefer the button down collars, I think it gives a person a more refined collegiate look.

GQ
Q: There is a running debate in our office as to whether it is appropriate to wear a tie with a button-down collar. Can you help us?

A: Although American businessmen from the heartland and their boys in Congress believe that the button-down is a dress shirt, it is a casual style. This isn’t to say you can’t wear a tie with one (as old-school East Coast prepsters like William F. Buckley do quite well), but if you do so, skip the suit and opt for a sport coat. Ultimately, it’s not appropriate for weddings, funerals, and arraignments.

October 2004

Ties are another issue that many men seem to screw up. The college rep tie is one of my favorites, and the Winston Churchill small poka dot tie is another winner in my opinion.



http://www.beautiesltd.com/DEPTNOGRO...pn_deptid=6027

http://men.style.com/fashion/

http://www.impactpublications.com/in...OD&PRODID=5541

http://www.dicksteinshapiro.com/file...dress_down.pdf

A Handbook for those about to Testify before Congress

http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/mis...reCongress.pdf

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'd follow Rex's and Jersey Lawyer's advise and stick with a traditional, lace-up, toe cap Oxford with a fairly light sole (try and avoid the Frankenstein Monster soles as seen on a lot of "fashion" shoes). My personal experience in off the shelf shoes is that Johnson Murphy shoes are the best value for the buck-- perhaps our XMTS cordwainer could steer you in a better direction.

I would also suggest that you buy a pair of traditional "penny loafers" for wear with your Armani blazer. While you are at it, get a pair of wooden shoe trees and pop them into your shoes the minute you take them off. This will not only preserve the shape of the shoe (and make them easier to polish) it helps dry out the sock (the lining of the shoe) and goes a long way towards eliminating shoe odor.

Finally, take your shoes directly from the store to a shoe repair shop and have them put a rubber half sole over the new leather sole as this will prevent slipping on wet pavement (DC gets a fair amount of summer showers). If the shoes don't have a rubber heel insert, have those out on at the same time. I know it adds to the cost of the shoes, but it is far less expensive than a broken wrist.

PM if you've got any questions!

[Jack Daw]

For a business suit (not business casual) stick to classic, lace-up shoes such as the oxford style. Bostonians are an excellent, comfortable brand. For the tasseled loafer, Johnston & Murphys are pretty good. It's dicey to wear any sort of loafer with a suit, but this style is acceptable in the less stodgier offices. Do NOT wear penny loafers with a suit! Avoid modern styles, which cost big bucks and can only be worn for a couple of years. BTW, remember to re-sole and re-heel your business dress shoes when they show wear and keep them polished and supported with shoe trees. Shoe horns are worthless (except for shoes that don't fit).

[berserkbishop]

What do you all think of these



I dont know if I am quite understanding the importance of having a leather sole. . . or am finding that as an option on many shoes.

Also, how do I know what width my foot is? I have never bought shoes that really got specific in width, probably because I have never bought expensive shoes. Is there an average witdth? I am comfortable in any department store shoes as far as width is concerned.

BB

[berserkbishop]

Anyone have experience with Mezlan? They keep coming up in my search for good dress shoes. This pair has leather soles and is really resonably priced.

[Raphael]

I like Navy Blazer. It is a very versatile jacket because you can wear gray, charcoal, tan, khaki and brown Trousers with it. It is a neutral colour. To complete your wardrobe, I will pick up 3 pair of trousers from the above colours. You can also consider a pair of brown shoes when wearing a navy blue blazer and tan trousers.

Besure that you match your belt to your shoes.

As for shoes, I am not a big fan of loafers. I like square toe with laces. make sure the shoes are polish before you leave the house.

[Rex_Tremende]

What do you all think of these



I dont know if I am quite understanding the importance of having a leather sole. . . or am finding that as an option on many shoes.

That's a really nice, classic shoe. If you take care of them, they will last you for a long time and take you into any office situation with confidence.

The leather sole telegraphs more elegance and attention to detail - maybe it's the difference between a Lexus and a Camry. I tend to feel that they can be maintained longer than rubber soled shoes, but I had some Vibram soles on my olive suede wingtips completely replaced once, too, so it may just be my prejudices speaking.

I wouldn't sweat it so much. Young people can be given considerably more leeway than some of us more seasoned guys, particularly when they are summer interns, so find a pair of shoes that you like without being too trendy (square toes are trendy, IMO). Depending on what you are going to be doing on your assignment, say standing at the copier for hours or running down the block twice a day for Starbucks, you may want to shop for comfort as much as style.

A general rule of thumb at the office is to dress at the level to which you aspire. Like it or not, your shoes are a clue to others what that is.

On the question of the width of your feet, you sound "average" if you don't worry about it when you buy shoes off the rack without any trouble. But to be sure, go into any good shoe store and ask to be measured. No charge for that.

Regards,
Rex.

[berserkbishop]

I think this is my last question. . . Maybe. . . Would wingtips be as appropriate as a cap toe oxford. I am asking because I have seen some pretty good deals on high quality used shoes, but rarely in cap toes.

[Rex_Tremende]

I think this is my last question. . . Maybe. . . Would wingtips be as appropriate as a cap toe oxford. I am asking because I have seen some pretty good deals on high quality used shoes, but rarely in cap toes.

I think they would. I've been looking for an excellent pair of wingtips that I could afford. It never occurred to me to look for a pair that's already been broken in.

By the way, not to increase your stress or anything, but it occurred to me that there's something else that will serve you well in DC: an excellent haircut.

Washingtonians are a completely different breed. A few weeks ago, my office affinity group attended a cocktail party here in Cincinnati where someone from a major PAC headquartered in DC was going to speak. Without knowing who he was, it was easy to pick him out of the room.

I'm not exactly saying they're clones or anything, but...

Regards,
Rex.