Essentials

Brandy has gotten in my way again.  No, not the drink but the shoe color.  While on the lookout for a black split toe lace up shoe, I was distracted by this great pair of Magnanni shoes at Nordstrom Rack. 

These shoes are almost as versatile as a black shoe, all leather, and the sole is stitched rather than glued.  I'd already figured out that the shoes would be a great addition to my wardrobe and that they'd add interest to something like a solid blue suit.  But I was still hestiant since I was originally shopping for black shoes.  However, when another shopper and shoe aficionado suggested I view the purchase as an investment because of the quality of the shoes, it was a done deal.

The Uncomfortable Zone

August is perhaps the most challenging month of the year to be a stylishly dressed man.  It’s hot, it’s humid and with no holidays, you have to wait until September for a long weekend.  Add to this, the need to wear a suit or long pants and a collared shirt to the office and it can be an uncomfortable month for dressing.  With the temperatures bordering on triple digits and the air so thick you can cut it with a knife, August is definitely the month to loosen things up.

On a recent Friday I had no meetings so I donned a navy and cream gingham shirt, cream colored khaki pants and sand colored suede shoes with no socks.  (See my May 1, 2011 post for help on shoes with no socks.)  Because I didn’t want to break up the color scheme, I wore a white belt.  I’ve worn all of these items to work separately before but that was the first time I wore them together.  Admittedly, I was hesitant that morning but the heat wave motivated.  I ended up with a work appropriate outfit and even got a compliment!

Now, an ensemble like this might be pushing the corporate casual boundaries in some offices, but if you can pull it off, go for it.  If you want to get out of the August uncomfortable zone, you may have to get out of your own comfort zone.