Not sure I like how the pants rest on the shoes in this picture either (which make the feet look big). The pant legs seem a little narrow - therefore a little shorter and showing more shoe and sock than I would like. But then again - I would only let any men in my life wear black socks and shoes with this suit.
1 Like
Many of the posts in Wall Street Oasis mention these brands. They’re in high 3 figures and into 4 or more figures!! And I got chided for my “midrange price” in my original post!! (I was using these prices as high end - should have known better). Don’t think my kid is going anywhere near these - he grumbled about the sub-$200 J&M shoes on the ride home from shopping!
The pictured shoes can be used to select a style rather than the brand.
FWIW It seems to be a bit of a debate regarding whether or not one should wear brown shoes with a dark grey or dark blue suit. In my opinion, black goes with dark grey or navy suits while brown is for brown suits only. But, I have conservative taste. I do not like sport coats / suit jackets that seem too tight when buttoned even though it seems to be a current trend.
3 Likes
Every corporate 30-something I interact with wears brown shoes with blue and grey suits.
Their suits are also tailored quite snugly, short in both the arm and leg, with no break in the pant leg at all at the shoe. In my younger days we called these pants “floods.”
6 Likes
Yep, womens pants are the same nowadays - we would have called them floods now that is the length of almost all pants.
2 Likes
Irrespective of brand, keep them nice. Wipe off dust, muck and give them a polish when they get too scuffed.
5 Likes
My son who recently left the corporate world (consulting with a Big 4) is a good dresser. He wears brown dress shoes and loafers. It took me awhile for my eye to get used to the look, but that’s what the other guys will likely be wearing.
I would not spend several hundred dollars on a pair but would not go inexpensive, either. S likes Johnson and Murphy and Cole Hahn. Men have the advantage in that styles don’t change often so he can have resoled or replace the heels as needed. NYC is a walking town and the streets will tear up inexpensive shoes (D found that out as an undergrad there).
2 Likes
I’ll show my age here. When I first got to the street in the mid 80s, the go-to dress shoes with suits were Aldens. I think they still have a store on Madison Ave. Three pairs in black - the regular slip on, the tassel slip on and the tie-up cap toe. Rotate every day and keep them with shoe trees.
And agree on the no brown shoes. I think I would have been sent home if I had shown up to the office in them. Only exception was tan (not brown) cap toes with a gray suit and then only if you went to Princeton (that was known as the “Princeton look” and to dress that way without having gone to Princeton was a no-no).
Had a client where the CEO thought people who wore slip-on shoes were lazy. Always had to remember to wear/pack the tie-up shoes when you went for a visit.
4 Likes
I agree with those that are saying that most younger guys these days are wearing brown shoes with blue suits. And slimmer fit suits . I like it.
The grandson who did not push back on his grandfather to suggest getting with the times showed great restraint. I like that too!
4 Likes
Watching the local news last night, and the host had a dark blue suit, white shirt, and——brown shoes!!!
1 Like
Fashion update : Kid went into the office in the city for the first time this week. He said he felt comfortable in his J&M black loafers , crisp light blue dress shirt and dark pants. His work buddies over in IB were a bit more dressed up, he said, but nothing over the top.
Thanks again for all the tips here. Kid is already looking into the no-iron shirts mentioned earlier.
10 Likes
First, I’d agree with many others that he not try to chase the latest and greatest in clothing. I’ve been there. It’s really a silly waste of money. That said, nothing wears better than a hand made suit. I still wear them occasionally.
For shoes, both J&M and Cole Hahn are timeless brands. If I were buying again though, I’d buy a pair of Allen Edmonds Delrays or Park Avenues. I’ve had multiple AEs before I culled my closet. They are made by hand in the US, timeless and bulletproof. If cared for and resoled when appropriate, his kids will be able to wear them.
OOPS! Didn’t realize this had been quiet for almost 8 weeks!
2 Likes
Another vote for Allen Edmonds.
2 Likes
Florsheim makes a pretty good shoe for around $100-$150 depending on the model. They’re very comfortable, look decent, contain real leather, and have soft soles (mine are, anyway) so you’re not sounding like a horse click-clacking across a tile floor, etc.
My nephew is a recent finance grad and had some friends make fun of his black dress shoes. Brown is definitely the trend.
Too funny…My color brown was just linked to the university.
Agree that brown seems the preferred color for young guys these days.
Yea, that used to be a major faux pas. No longer! Striped ties on plaid shirts, cats and dogs living together, where does it end? 
That said, black shoes with a black belt, and a blue, black or gray suit, is still classic. It will be back, sooner than later.
4 Likes