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By Benn, February 2, 2010 9:29 am

The rest of your outfit can look like a million bucks, but all can be for naught with a pair of cheap shoes. Good shoes will last for years. And, things like old world craftsmanship and Italian leather make a difference you can not only see, but also feel. Our footwear is designed with three things in mind: comfort, style and value. The finest material and hand-finished detail, ensure the highest level of quality. Quality equals comfort. While we are all for classic, updated detail makes for a more distinctive statement while not compromising timeless appeal. And, finally, offering it to you at a price that is not only affordable but surprisingly affordable. Plus, we’ve got a diverse selection of matching belts so you can finish your look seamlessly.

Dress Shoes

The vast majority of dress or business shoes fall into one of two categories. First, oxfords are any lace-up that does not go above the ankle. Probably the two most common oxfords are cap toe and wing tip, which simply refers to the way the shoe is finished around the toe. Penny, tassel and monk strap is three common styles of the second category which is loafers or slip-ons. While considered somewhat less dressy, both oxfords and loafers are appropriate choices for business wear.

Classic Wear Guide

A couple simple rules of thumb when getting dressed:

• Black and burgundy are good with almost any black, navy or grey suit.
• Brown works well with tans and navy.
• Shine your shoes. A little polish goes a long way.
• Match your socks to your pants unless it is a lighter color. Then it is often better to match you socks to the color of your shoes.
• Your belt color should always match your shoes.
• Better shoes last longer. An investment that pays for itself over time.

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By Scott, January 18, 2010 2:42 pm

The Four-in-Hand is a slightly asymmetrical and tight knot.  Considered the most versatile tie knot, it’s acceptable to use with any type collar, but best suited for a straight, tab or buttondown. View our post How to Tie a Tie: Four-in-Hand Knot.

The Windsor is a big and chunky tie knot.  Best when used with a wide spread collar shirt, perfect for a Windsor Spread or English Spread collar.  View our post  How to Tie a Tie: Windsor Knot.

The Half Windsor is a solid, balanced tie knot. It is a slightly smaller knot than the Windsor. Best when used with a spread collar shirt, perfect for a Windsor Spread or Park Avenue Spread collar. View our post How to Tie a Tie: Half Windsor Knot.

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By Scott, December 4, 2009 10:10 am

For a company sponsored cocktail or Christmas party, take your initial cues from your company’s dress policy.

If you work in a suit and tie environment, you can assume that suits will be worn at these types of social events.   It is, however, recommended to switch from your normal solid white or blue dress shirt to something more fashionable.   Try a striped dress shirt , check dress shirt, or a shirt with a contrasting white collar.   For a more formal look, wear a French cuff shirt.

If your day-to-day environment is business casual, you may want to select a deep toned sport shirt  and match it with a great looking sportcoat.   Or, take that same sportcoat and wear it over a fine gauge knit.

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By Allen, November 18, 2009 9:16 am

The most basic color matching involves selecting a tie to wear with a dark suit and a white dress shirt. It is difficult to go wrong with this combination and your main decision is whether to keep with subdued tones or go for a brighter look.

The same holds true for matching a fine gauge knit with a pair of dark trousers. If you are wearing a colored solid dress shirt, select a patterned tie that uses the dress shirt hue as a secondary color. Use the same logic if you are wearing a patterned pair of trousers (glen plaid, houndstooth, etc.). Select a knit or woven shirt that matches the secondary color in the trouser pattern.

Matching a patterned suit or sportcoat with a dress shirt and tie is more complex. A few options are acceptable. You can select a shirt that is a lighter shade of the primary suit color and match it with a tie that emphasizes the suit’s secondary tone. For example, if you are wearing a light brown sportcoat with a burgundy over bar, you might select an ecru dress shirt and match it with a small-patterned tie with burgundy as the primary color. Or, you can select a shirt color that emphasizes the burgundy in the sportcoat, and match it with a tie that has a light brown as the secondary hue.

As with most elements of business dressing, select color combinations that you are comfortable wearing.

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By Allen, November 16, 2009 2:21 pm

1. Invest in quality tailored clothing that will last. Buy conservative suits and basic trousers that won’t be out of style next season, and use fashion dress shirts and ties to personalize your fashion statement.

2. Find a good tailor and treat him/her well. Proper alterations on suits, trousers and sportcoats are important to your appearance.

3. Be a bit more adventurous when matching shirts and ties. A large patterned necktie will work very well with a small patterned dress shirt, and vice versa. For example, pair a bold paisley tie with a micro-check dress shirt.

4. Make certain that your shoes are shined and appropriate for the rest of your outfit. For example, don’t wear penny loafers with a suit, or cap toe dress shoes with chinos.

5. Make sure your accessories work together. Your belt should match your shoes and your socks should coordinate with your trousers.

6. Make yourself “perspiration proof.” Always wear an undershirt under your dress shirt, and carry a handkerchief to wipe perspiration from your hands or brow.

7. Purchase a small, fold-up umbrella and keep it in your briefcase at all times. Nothing takes the smartness out of a man’s appearance like an unexpected rain shower.

8. Unless you are in a profession where artistic flair is expected, always try to err on the side of dressing too conservatively.

9. Emulate (but do not copy) your boss, or other senior executives at your company, when deciding how to dress.

10. Never wear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or not yourself.

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By Allen, November 11, 2009 10:45 am

Shoe colors for business traditionally range from black to burgundy to shades of brown and beige. It makes sense to stay within these guidelines, unless you are extremely confident that you can “pull off” a different color. Black is the most versatile color, since it complements a nice variety of suit and trouser colors.  Also remember to coordinate your shoe and belt color, as well as your trouser and sock color.

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By Allen, November 9, 2009 8:52 am

The major purpose of an initial job interview is to convince a prospective employer of two things: that you have the skills required to successfully perform the job; and that you will fit into the existing organizational culture. Here is some straightforward advice on how to dress for the all-important interview.

Unless you are interviewing for a position where artistic flair is an important element, you should dress as conservatively as possible. Dressing in this manner, will both demonstrate respect for your prospective employer and that you are serious about your professional appearance.

Wear a suit to the interview. No matter how the interviewer is attired, you will make a good impression in a navy or charcoal single-breasted suit. Wear a solid color or a pinstripe, and stick with a two or three button model. Trouser bottoms can be cuffed or straight, with a cuffed bottom as the more conservative choice.

Always wear a long sleeve, 100% cotton white dress shirt to the first interview. We suggest a straight collar or a spread collar. These two models are more formal than a buttondown collar. You should also always wear a plain white undershirt under your dress shirt. This will prevent perspiration from reaching your dress shirt, especially important if you are invited to remove your suit jacket during the interview.

If you have not purchased a new tie in some time, we suggest that you do so for the interview. Choose a fairly conservative (but not necessarily boring) pattern, such as a Repp stripe, a pin dot or a small geometric pattern. Wearing up to date neckwear will demonstrate an ability to dress well and that you have a sense of what looks good in the workplace.

Make sure that you select appropriate shoes for the job interview. We recommend a traditional lace-up leather shoe, such as a wing tip or a cap toe model. If you have access to a professional shoeshine, make the investment and get one right before the interview. If not, carefully shine your shoes the evening before. You can’t go wrong with a black leather shoe. It is the safest bet for the initial interview. Your sock color should match your suit trousers, although wearing a black sock with a black shoe is also fine. Wear over-the-calf socks, which will eliminate the risk of “showing some leg” if your trousers should happen to rise up while you are sitting down. Finally, your belt color should always match your shoes.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. A wedding ring and an understated dress watch are fine. Skip the cologne. You don’t want to take the chance of wearing a scent the interviewer does not care for. In addition, bring a handkerchief with you for potential sweaty palms or sneezes.

Finally, when you reach the prospective employer’s office (several minutes early of course), ask to use the washroom to perform a final check on your appearance. When you look in the mirror, you will see a professional businessman with that special air of confidence.

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By Allen, November 6, 2009 10:05 am

Some simple rules for coordinating your dress shirt with a tie, sportcoat, or suit.

1. Avoid patterns that are too similar.

2. Select complementary colors and patterns.

3. Don’t wear combinations that are drastically different. The patterns and colors should not compete with one another.

4. Match large patterns with small patterns or vice versa.

5. Don’t overdo one pattern or color.

The key is feeling comfortable wearing your ensemble. Many times there will be combinations that seem to fit the rules but do not look right together. Always use your own judgment to determine what works for you.

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By Allen, November 2, 2009 9:44 am

Spread Collar

Straight Collar

The basic rule is to maximize your fit, style, and comfort by choosing a collar based on the shape of your face.

There are 3 basic face shapes:  Angular, Oval, and Round.

If you take a look in the mirror you should be able to identify which shape belongs to your face.  If you’re having trouble, ask someone else for his/her input.

Angular (Triangular, Narrow, Long)

 If you’re tall and/or thin you may have an angular or narrow face and it’s best for you to look for a spread collar—low and wide.  Avoid a straight collar.   A spread collar will soften angles or visually shorten a long, narrow face.

Oval 

If your face is not round or angular, it is likely an oval shape, and most types of medium length straight or spread collars will work well to balance out your face.