I rarely get over to the shoe discussion but a recent exchange with @Steven Hotchkiss about three great shoes he inherited from his FiL inspired me. He got a horse bit black loafer, a burgundy captoe and a suede penny. Each of these shoes are absolute classics and have so many uses. In fact less popular today but nevertheless timeesss is a cordovan or oxblood (burgundy) leather. Because this color crosses the hump between outfits that are brown tans or outfits that are blue/greys, it is the most versatile color shoe a man can have in his wardrobe. In doing a little inspirational research on Pinterest for some combos I thought I would share to the whole community of that’s alright Steven. In American classic timeless menswear shoes are much less restricted than in many parts of the world. The two perfect examples are the loafer and the brogue. In England for example loafers (especially thinner soled ones) are kind of impractical apparently because of the persistent rain as well as the un-even pavement and muddy ground (although this last issue i find a bit odd since many cities in Italy are older than England and have all kinds of surfaces like cobble stones etc). The loafer fits perfectly with the American comfort sensibility-: looser sack fit suit, full cut oxford shirts, button down collars (which are fine with a suit by the way) full leg double pleated trousers etc. while a loafer can be worn with a suit ( as can a button down oxford shirt), unquestionably they are a significantly less formal accessory. Furthermore there are suit loafers and sport coat loafers. This last aspect is dictated by whether the shoe has a moccasin toe(aka apron toe) or raised lake (aka welted toe.) These descriptions can go down some weird rabbit holes- https://shoegazing.com/2023/03/26/guide-types-of-apron-front-and-split-toe-seams/ Basically weejuns are more dressed down than Alden’s.

There are so many gentlemen in this group (> 13,000) but only a handful are active contributors to the discussions. It would be interesting to know the geographical distribution of these contributors. Here is the poll. Where do you live? This is part 1, there's more to come.

I wanted to wear the other new pant I just received, a light weight light gray wool trouser. I was inspired by the great G. Bruce Boyer. I recalled a picture of him in a blue blazer with a deep green tie so I assembled as close of an outfit as I could in a hurry. I’ve written several times about Boyer and recently discussed how I would wear anything I’ve seen him in and my admiration for his impeccable sense of perpetual style. I love his use of subtle pieces like a pair of socks to accentuate an outfit. Always following absolutes like “socks much match trousers” and “no loafers with a suit” is well….yawn…. There are far too many examples of experts in classic timeless menswear to ignore that show the folly in these absolutes. One must first know the rules-then intentionally breaking the rules can add that element of alignment between permanent style and personal style that give an outfit character. I am no Boyer- the consummate expert of CTM,-but I do the best that I can. 1997 Royal blue MTM blazer CT French cuff PoW blue w green accent shirt Solid green grenadine silk tie Navy and green pocket square Light grey wool Samuelsohn trousers Bright blue Pantherella socks AE shell cordovan brogues in British tan Seiko Model 5 automatic

Office this morning. Into the city for afternoon meetings and a networking event this evening. This is the office outfit, swapping the Cardigan for a Sport jacket this evening. OOTD: Black/Navy Herringbone Cardigan Light Blue Dress Shirt Navy Trousers Naavy/Blue Shadow Strip OTC Dress Socks Antique Brown Calf Lazyman's Meistersinger Lunascope Hope you all have a fantastic Thursday!!