Posts Tagged ‘belt’

That is the most common answer my friends gave me when I’m asking their opinion about a brown, usually in wingtip oxford or derby.

When they thing about classic shoes, they always think about wearing it to office, conference or wedding, and anytime they think about something slightly rendering toward and sign of formality, they think about black.

My say, black is overrated and brown is underrated. And then you will ask,”Care to explain why ?” I surely do.

My friends, we are living in Jakarta, on the beginning of the 21st century. Jakarta for one, is not the place for extreme tradition of sartorial perfection, in here you can go to most clubs wearing jeans, polo shirt and sneakers, and go to the office dresses in oversized shirts or ridiculously tight trousers. And if those perfunctory slack is acceptable than surely wearing a sharp, high quality brown leather shoes is acceptable too?

Let’s think about office function. Most of the Jakartans goes to the office with long sleeve shirts, dark colored trousers, few will have ties hanging , even fewer will go with French cuffs (mostly bankers or hustlers). Now check your wardrobe, and ask your self how many of your trousers are in grey, charcoal, and blue ? If the amount of is comparable with the black, congratulate your self, because you just found yourself a ticket to use your brown shoes to the office.

My good readers, the brown leather shoes, in any material (calf or suede) are excellent combination for any grey or dark blue trousers. It provides a harmonious combination, and a niche that is standing out from commonality. And truth to tell this is a perfectly acceptable combination for your office and business needs, and it works well with suit too. The brown semi brogue cap toe or wingtip oxford are several of the ideals.

If you are one of those posh who prefer to be draped in suit rather than batik for wedding invitation, try to opt for grey suit in any variation or navy blue, and then done your brown shoes, brown belt and if you have it a brown leather strapped watch. You’ll be surprise on how the color combination works, again any sign toward formality like monk-strap combinations, oxford and derby, will  provide a sound host.

What about batik ? Well in my humble opinion wearing a black trouser, black shoes with batik are dull. Next time try to opt of creamy colored batik instead of shining, silky like , dominant in black batik. And then try to use your grey-ish trousers instead of black, and then done any of your brown dress shoes (anything but moc style driving shoes), and then check yourself in the mirror. You’ll be amaze on how the color and pattern combination explode yet complementing each other, provide an elegant and exquisite look, and sublime level of confidence.

My bottom line remains, the black is overrated while the brown is underrated, as long as you have a brown leather belt, and neutral or brown wrist strapped, you have all the more reasons to wear brown.

Three years ago, my wardrobe wasn’t even half of my wardrobe size today. As my work life progress so is my wardrobe, which explain why suits and shirts is now playing a major rule in my life.

Looking back at the time, I’m now contemplating, what is the absolute minimum wardrobe components that a man must have when he just graduated from college and now entering the workforce.

Now, it’s ideal to have at least one or two options for each of the components, but experience wise, I don’t think many of us – including me – have that sort of luxury. So in this list , I limit to one each. Here are my takes

• A dark grey suit. This is acceptable for formal ceremonies as well as business occasions. The bottom line of good suits is a fit, so put an attention on the fit and sizing rather than the brand
• A black woven silk tie. Which will complement most shirts and most suit to any occasion, funeral included
• Two whites/or blue normal cuff shirt – cotton only no silk. Far more important that any other color, in case you need to conduct interview two days in a row. As soon as you landed the job, expand the shirts immediately !!!
• A black cap toe oxford. Never fail options, works for business as well as formals. In Indonesia, this is probably one of the most formal shoes you will ever need for the rest of your life.
• A long sleeves – cotton or silk batik, in any color that suit your profile. Never forget that we live in Indonesia, and batik is inseparable parts of our culture
• Black plain socks. Why black ? Oh well , gray will work as well (provided that your trouser is gray). But mostly suitable because your shoes is black (much about matching socks color will be discussed in a different post)
• Stainless steel wrist watch. No need to be expensive, even the Rp.300k Casio will do just fine. This helps accentuate the smart/executive image when you are being interviewed
• Black belt. Absolutely essential, choose with the simplest buckle design as possible. Avoid expensive branded belt, that overly exposed their logo in the buckle (example of this would be Gucci)
• White cotton/linen pocket square. Handy for accessories as well as hygienic purposes. Better than pocket size tissue pack.

There are some major optional that you can add, if you think the above list is already in your wardrobe:

• Odd Jacket of any kind materials, handy for clubbing, and more casual occasion that doesn’t command full suit.
• A brown loafer, which will definitely go hand in hand with any jeans that you have. Excellent for dress down Friday.
• Short sleeve Batik in cotton.

For girls who read this, you may think that this list is no brainer, but trust me, there are plenty of lost souls out there that needs to be saved So please add if I missed anything.

J&M Glendon Captoe (courtesy of www.johnstonmurphy.com)

J&M Double Calf Belt (courtesy of www.johnstonmurphy.com)

Now, this is a very simple rule that you guys need to follow. Always match the color of your shoes, with your belt, watch strap, glasses and your suitcase/bag.  Whilst the term ‘always is absolutely arguable and left some room for argument, there is do doubt that this is an easy guidance for those who begins caring for their appearance.

Surely you asked, why on earth you need to follow this rule. Well this rule, like any other rules, is there to break, but this rule, just like any other rules too, is there for a reason which is visual pleasure.

You don’t believe me ? Watch the girls. Notice that girls are very particular in matching colors, it may not directly observable by us, the guys,  but that’s the art. The matches between each fashion component may be very subtle, but it complements the overall picture. For an easy exercise, next time you go to the mall (or even to the office) notice the girl next to you. There is a good chance that she wears shoe, bags, probably waist band, or bandana that matched each other.

J&M Divindens Slimline Flap Briefcase (courtesy of www.johnstonmurphy.com)

Same rules goes to the guys, in even more subtle manner. Formal or casual, the leather accessories on your body should ideally match in color. That means if you are wearing brown shoes, you better wears brown belt, brown wristwatch, and brown glass frame. Additionally if you use bags or suitcase, pick the same color, which is a reason why you need two colors for each of these aforementioned accessories.

In there an exception ? Yes there is. Aluminum steel/silver wristwatch or glass frame will goes with any leather color, especially black or brown.

What about silver belt or silver shoes ? You may choose it, at your own risk.