Gentlemen's Sartorial 32
12:19 AMThe different stages in our style throughout life is defined by certain trends we tend to fall into. Recently, you've seen me share a couple of "casual" kicks for outfits. I want you to know the 'game' has changed. It definitely has to do with the time changing, us getting older. Back in the day, we used to go ape-crazy over the newest basketball shoes; we had no problem forking over $150 for a pair. From Air Jordans to Iverson's 'Question's and 'Answer's, that's all we would drool over (if you were States side). Nowadays, you see more and more men out there sporting sneakers with their suits. I'm not one of those men, I'm more of a traditionalist and will always stick to lace-ups and loafers. In fact, I recommend you gentleman take the traditional path of dressing up.
Sneakers should, in my opinion, always stick around the casual nature of an occasion. It is what it is, right? Either you are on the court playing ball or just hanging out with your friends on the weekend, you are supposed to feel relaxed, go for that very casual look. Now, I'm not saying the men who choose to wear sneakers with suits are bad looking because some of them do know how to pull it off. In contemporary style, the blazers and trousers are cut and designed to make it appropriate enough to wear sneakers with. I'm not just talking about basketball shoes, I'm talking about any other classics in the past we still cherish; like the Converse Chuck Taylors that were actually used as basketball shoes back in the day. I still have my classic pairs from over a decade, still in fantastic condition. Low-tops or high-tops, they will never go out of fashion. The trick here with more 'upscale' clothing is to find a balance.
You should take a look at what I have already posted in the past couple of posts on GS, like the simple Vans. These are classic looks for the modern day casual dressing. Most of you are well into your 20s or in your late 20s, sliding into your 30s. So what? Well, you have an obligation to look your age, that doesn't mean you have to look like an old man. It simply means you have a certain level of sophistication that needs to be retained almost everyday. I'll be real with you, we are no longer in high school gentlemen. If you are still 'sagging' your jeans or trousers (pants)...sigh...I just hope you aren't. Pull your stuff up so no one needs to see your boxers peaking out. In other words, jeans and dress pants are made to fit even if you haven't gone to the tailors to make them. This means, you have plenty to work with when it comes to your feet. This means, there is no sagging. This means your shoes actually get more attention than they used to. This means, the trousers and even jeans are at an appropriate length so your shoes get to shine. The pant cuffs are folded or simply rolled up to complete the casual cool.
Here are some shoes (not just sneakers) you can either purchase straight out or look for something similar in.
Click image captions for more info.
Sperry Top-Sider x Band of Outsiders - Striped canvas boat shoes |
Quoddy Suede boat shoes |
Car Shoe suede driving shoes |
Car Shoe suede driving shoes |
Rivieras denim slip-on (espadrilles) |
Castañer - Pablo canvas espadrilles |
Pierre Hardy flannel high top sneakers |
Converse Jack Purcell cotton-twill sneakers |
Sperry Top-Sider authentic original boat shoes |
Charles Philip - Shanghai solid suede loafers |
Vans - California Era 48 suede sneakers |
A.P.C. calfskin suede loafers |
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