Saturday, August 1, 2009

Menswear Trend of the Week



Hello faithful readers! In order to make my blog a little more exciting I've decided to introduce a trend or look of the week, in both womens and menswear. This week's menswear winner? Shoes, no socks.

I have been witnessing this subtle fashion trend since I lived in Europe, and now I see it is more prevalent than ever, with columnists in American rag GQ declaring it 'mandatory to wear socks to the office, but not after 6pm.' Plus, the Sartoralist features the look almost once a week, so it must be cool. This look has been around for years, originally being an affluent and prep style, worn by the American elite while sailing or at their country houses. However, it has spurned into modern mainstream style, and has potentially become the menswear look of the summer.

How to wear this look you ask? It can be worn with a dress short, but not a casual, baggy cargo short, or with dress pants, that are slim in the leg, or even with a slim, slightly cuffed jean. Shoes I would recommend to pair this look with include moccasins, dress shoes, canvas shoes, and loafers. This look can be worn to a casual dinner, to the movies, at the cottage, on vacation, or while enjoying the warm weather in general.

How not to wear the look would include to the gym, to the office (however, if the office is casual, feel free not to wear socks), with running shoes, with jogging pants, with baggy jeans, with anything athletic in general. Worried about what no socks will do to your shoes? Sprinkle a little powder in the shoe for comfort. Keep this look classic and it will never fail.

Still not sure how to wear the style? Check out the photos below for fashion inspirations. Thanks to Scott Pilgrim for the photos and his model Drew.