Are tan shoes worn with a blue or navy suit still on trend? What about a grey suit or jeans with a sportcoat?
The days of wearing light brown and especially tan shoes with a blue or navy suit are over. There is no way to make tan lace-ups or loafers with a grey, blue, or navy suit work. It doesn’t matter if you wear a white or light blue shirt and an orange and navy stripe tie. And do not wear a red tie. It doesn’t work. You can wear a navy or blue tie, and it doesn’t work; in fact, it makes it worse because the shoes will get all of the attention. You could make certain tan or light brown shoes work, like a double-monk strap, 10 years ago, but not today. And lo and behold, men still do it even on national TV. One exception might be a brown or dark brown cap-toe oxford, loafer, or a double-monk strap, with a grey suit, and depending on the occasion a navy suit. Curate this look with a pale blue or white spread collar shirt and a proper tie with a linen pocket square, and you have a smart look. Also, don’t wear bright, patterned socks. Socks darker or the same hue as the suit, or even no socks, depending on the occasion can work. Also, keep in mind that a band collar shirt, or a spread collar buttoned, is a sophisticated style unless a tie is essential for the occasion. Lastly, you can also consider a luxury leather sneaker, preferably in a color darker than the suit (or in some cases all white), such as black with a grey suit. And though luxury sneakers are on trend, tan or brown leather sneakers don’t work either.
Is there a cut-off age for older men wearing jeans?
No. In fact, a dark wash selvedge denim or black jeans can fit in quite well with a variety of looks. Pair these jeans with luxury leather sneakers or dark suede chukka boots or loafers, a proper shirt (e.g., long or short sleeve polo or band collar shirt), and an overshirt in wool or suede, and your jeans take on an elevated style. On the other hand, older men (50s and up) trying to rock faded, skinny, or ripped jeans makes no fashion sense—It doesn’t matter how you try to style them, like wearing a $5,000 luxury brand jacket, $2,000 shoes, and $1000 t-shirt, they don’t work for the older gentleman. But if you can rock these pieces and you are committed to denim, do so with a proper pair of dark jeans.
Can I wear white, except for sneakers/trainers or a shirt, anytime other than summer?
This is an interesting and often asked question. I wore white Italian cotton thick-wale cords with a taupe merino wool, silk and alpaca open-knit sweater, a beige parka, and brown leather and suede luxury sneakers in January. This look was both comfortable and smooth. Did I violate any rule by wearing white cords? I don’t know, but I liked the look. I think if I had worn a white coat instead, it might not have worked as a winter look. When I think of mostly or all white looks, I naturally think of summer or even late spring. Why? Because I often associate these looks with hot climes and linen. White linen in very hot weather in the Caribbean goes together, unlike white wool in the heart of winter. But if you have it, wear it. I don’t have a definitive answer for this question, so consider wearing white when it makes sense for the look, season, and occasion.
Are roll necks/turtlenecks still on trend?
Both roll necks/turtlenecks and mock necks are staples, and for many men, foundational to their wardrobe. I personally wear a variety of roll necks in various knits depending on the climate. I have fine merino wool for a smoother, more slim and sophisticated profile, I have cashmere for a little more warmth and volume, and I have merino/alpaca/cashmere cable knits for optimal warmth and a heavier profile when it gets cold during the winter, especially when paired with a down vest. I also have extra fine merino wool mock necks that always look great with a suit, sport coat, or overshirt/shirt jacket.
Are luxury sneakers replacing dress shoes with suits and dress clothes?
I wrote a short piece on this in Style Notes which you can access here.
Can too many bead bracelets be worn on the same wrist?
The short answer is yes. We all wear bead bracelets for different reasons, if at all. Some of us wear beads for their energy and spiritual meaning (which also means knowing which beads work better on which wrist), while others wear them as fashion accessories. But, like any styling choice when curating a look, I hate clichés, but I agree that less is better. Other than with a suit, two to three bead bracelets are enough. I have also worn a bead bracelet with beads no larger than 8mm on the same wrist as my watch. But if with a suit, I prefer to wear just my watch sans the beads.
