How can I make this outift match?
March 11, 2009 12:39 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for a simple guide to men's fashion... particularly, what color shoes go best with brown slacks, midnight blue shirt, and a black blazer...
...Still, although I think I have a pretty ok fashion sense (no brown shoes with black jeans here!) there aren't enough shows on TV (like
What Not To Wear) for guys who care about how they look, so I was hoping the wonderful people of the AskMe community can point me in the direction of style guides they may have stumbled upon on the web, or even better, offer their expertise!
I just find that the stuff in magazines is too high fashioned and expensive for a guy recently out of grad school...
...Still, although I think I have a pretty ok fashion sense (no brown shoes with black jeans here!) there aren't enough shows on TV (like
What Not To Wear) for guys who care about how they look, so I was hoping the wonderful people of the AskMe community can point me in the direction of style guides they may have stumbled upon on the web, or even better, offer their expertise!
I just find that the stuff in magazines is too high fashioned and expensive for a guy recently out of grad school...
Usually bown slacks don't go very well with a black blzaer. Browns and blacks are really hard to put together, even though Burberry does it all the time. Those three colors you have assembled are considered neutral, so you can do anything with your shoes. White, black, red, multi -- at this point just own it.
posted by idiotfactory at 1:02 AM on March 11, 2009
posted by idiotfactory at 1:02 AM on March 11, 2009
It would be better to wear black shoes because of your black blazer. I think it'd look odd otherwise.
My personal fashion sense avoids wearing black clothing with brown shoes unless the outfit includes other colors that work well with both. You can wear brown clothing with black shoes, but it doesn't usually work well the other way unless the shades of the colors right. Only exception is when the brown shoes have some black detailing or are a dark brown.
But that's just me. And my boyfriend because he likes me to help him coordinate his wardrobe.
posted by loquat at 1:08 AM on March 11, 2009 [2 favorites]
My personal fashion sense avoids wearing black clothing with brown shoes unless the outfit includes other colors that work well with both. You can wear brown clothing with black shoes, but it doesn't usually work well the other way unless the shades of the colors right. Only exception is when the brown shoes have some black detailing or are a dark brown.
But that's just me. And my boyfriend because he likes me to help him coordinate his wardrobe.
posted by loquat at 1:08 AM on March 11, 2009 [2 favorites]
Honestly you want black or navy slacks and shoes. Alternatively, a navy blazer would work with brown slacks. Black doesn't work well with brown.
posted by gryftir at 1:56 AM on March 11, 2009
posted by gryftir at 1:56 AM on March 11, 2009
I'm going to Nth everyone saying here not to mix the brown pants w/ a black blazer.
Black is a "heavier" color. You want the heavier color on the bottom. So if you were going to mix, mix the other way (I wouldn't mix these base colors.) So if you were going to mix with the heavier color on the bottom black slacks, brown blazer - the answer would be black shoes.
posted by bigmusic at 2:17 AM on March 11, 2009
Black is a "heavier" color. You want the heavier color on the bottom. So if you were going to mix, mix the other way (I wouldn't mix these base colors.) So if you were going to mix with the heavier color on the bottom black slacks, brown blazer - the answer would be black shoes.
posted by bigmusic at 2:17 AM on March 11, 2009
I have to say that brown pants, black blazer and dark blue shirt sounds kind of odd.
Look at the aforementioned Sartorialist, especially the guys in Milan. You needn't have clothes as fitted or flamboyant, but you can easily pick up the basics of layering and colour matching by looking at these photographs.
posted by fire&wings at 4:04 AM on March 11, 2009
Look at the aforementioned Sartorialist, especially the guys in Milan. You needn't have clothes as fitted or flamboyant, but you can easily pick up the basics of layering and colour matching by looking at these photographs.
posted by fire&wings at 4:04 AM on March 11, 2009
First of all, fashionable people don't say "slacks".
posted by ryanbryan at 4:15 AM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by ryanbryan at 4:15 AM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
No wonder you can't figure out what shoes should go with this outfit... the colors you have in there are already duking it out, no matter what color shoes you pick they'll end up clashing with something.
The general rule for clothing is that black should not be mixed with other dark colors. Even mixing black with black can be tricky (ex. black pants and black shirt), as there are different tones of black. When the colors are so similar in tone, it winds up looking as though you tried to match the colors and failed. Have you ever put on a navy blue shirt thinking it was black and then walked out into daylight and realized your mistake? Like that.
Of course there are ways to bend the rules, but unless you have an innate instinct for style it's safest to stick with the tried and true. For outfits as a whole, I think a good rule of thumb is to have a mix of dark, light/bright, and neutral. For example, it would be very hard to screw up black pants, a white shirt and a grey sweater. Depending on the rest of the outfit, denim can count as a neutral. For example, dark jeans can still be worn with a dark sweater or jacket.
For shoes, they should at least be darker with your pants. Sneakers are an exception, but if we're strictly speaking shoes, then you can wear black shoes with black, brown, or navy blue pants depending on the rest of the outfit. Save your brown shoes for grey or navy pants and khakis. Basically, 9 times out of 10 your answer is black shoes. Invest in a nice pair and it's hard to go wrong.
And remember what Stacy says on What Not To Wear - the components of an outfit shouldn't "match," they should "go."
posted by keep it under cover at 4:19 AM on March 11, 2009
The general rule for clothing is that black should not be mixed with other dark colors. Even mixing black with black can be tricky (ex. black pants and black shirt), as there are different tones of black. When the colors are so similar in tone, it winds up looking as though you tried to match the colors and failed. Have you ever put on a navy blue shirt thinking it was black and then walked out into daylight and realized your mistake? Like that.
Of course there are ways to bend the rules, but unless you have an innate instinct for style it's safest to stick with the tried and true. For outfits as a whole, I think a good rule of thumb is to have a mix of dark, light/bright, and neutral. For example, it would be very hard to screw up black pants, a white shirt and a grey sweater. Depending on the rest of the outfit, denim can count as a neutral. For example, dark jeans can still be worn with a dark sweater or jacket.
For shoes, they should at least be darker with your pants. Sneakers are an exception, but if we're strictly speaking shoes, then you can wear black shoes with black, brown, or navy blue pants depending on the rest of the outfit. Save your brown shoes for grey or navy pants and khakis. Basically, 9 times out of 10 your answer is black shoes. Invest in a nice pair and it's hard to go wrong.
And remember what Stacy says on What Not To Wear - the components of an outfit shouldn't "match," they should "go."
posted by keep it under cover at 4:19 AM on March 11, 2009
Brown slacks? Almost anything will go with them. Brown shoes, black shoes, Cons.
Only thing you need to remember is keep your socks the same colour as your shoes, and your shoes the same colour as your belt.
I'm serious. Your socks must always be the same colour as your shoes. Your shoes must always be the same colour as your belt. Though, full disclosure, this matters a lot less if you tend to go untucked.
It doesn't matter if you are just out of grad school or earning $500K per year: certain things work.
posted by turgid dahlia at 4:45 AM on March 11, 2009
Only thing you need to remember is keep your socks the same colour as your shoes, and your shoes the same colour as your belt.
I'm serious. Your socks must always be the same colour as your shoes. Your shoes must always be the same colour as your belt. Though, full disclosure, this matters a lot less if you tend to go untucked.
It doesn't matter if you are just out of grad school or earning $500K per year: certain things work.
posted by turgid dahlia at 4:45 AM on March 11, 2009
If you're really trying to match blues, browns and blacks all at the same time, you're really taking on a big challenge. It's possible but needlessly difficult.
Pick one.
posted by rokusan at 5:23 AM on March 11, 2009
Pick one.
posted by rokusan at 5:23 AM on March 11, 2009
what color shoes go best with bown slacks, midnight blue shit, and a black blzaer...
...if thats what you plan to wear, it really doesn't matter what colour your shoes are, no amount of accessorising will make that combo look good.
I think I have a pretty ok fashion sense
I think you need to rethink that assumption.
posted by missmagenta at 6:37 AM on March 11, 2009
...if thats what you plan to wear, it really doesn't matter what colour your shoes are, no amount of accessorising will make that combo look good.
I think I have a pretty ok fashion sense
I think you need to rethink that assumption.
posted by missmagenta at 6:37 AM on March 11, 2009
The way I see it, a person with self-confidence can wear almost anything these days, as long as it is "up to date". But because style variates from country to country and town to town I like to look at different kinds of street fashion. The sites are many, but my personal favorite is this Japanese site.
posted by Archers of Loaf at 7:26 AM on March 11, 2009
posted by Archers of Loaf at 7:26 AM on March 11, 2009
Only thing you need to remember is keep your socks the same colour as your shoes, and your shoes the same colour as your belt.
No. Socks are the same color as your pants, unless you're wearing jeans, in which case match your shoes.
posted by Airhen at 7:30 AM on March 11, 2009 [4 favorites]
No. Socks are the same color as your pants, unless you're wearing jeans, in which case match your shoes.
posted by Airhen at 7:30 AM on March 11, 2009 [4 favorites]
Fashion is pretty easy for guys. I like to live by these rules: 1) keep it simple, 2) keep some variety (colors and clothing for different settings), 3) know your colors - this is the most important.
Based on your hair and eye color you can basically call yourself a "Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring" man. There's a great book that'll give you pallets that line up your colors based on these two head features... I found it about 4 years ago with my mom's old books from the 70s or 80s and can't remember the name. I'll try to remember to post it when I get home.
Basically your wardrobe needs to consist of a couple shirts/pants/shoes for different occasions (work casual, work formal, formal, leisure, exercise, etc) ... it's good to have a little bit of overlap in each category, so that you don't have to go spend all your money on clothes (definitely not a manly thing to do).
On the shoes, the only thing I remember is that light brown shoes go with almost anything, so that's what I stick to most of the time. It's real challenging, maybe impossible?, to find a color of shoe that looks semi-professional and has the same level of compatibility as the light brown.
Do some searches online with keywords like "wardrobe" and "man" and "color" and "gentleman" ... etc ... etc ...
Also check your local bookstore under fashion. They've got something in there somewhere for you.
posted by eli_d at 7:42 AM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
Based on your hair and eye color you can basically call yourself a "Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring" man. There's a great book that'll give you pallets that line up your colors based on these two head features... I found it about 4 years ago with my mom's old books from the 70s or 80s and can't remember the name. I'll try to remember to post it when I get home.
Basically your wardrobe needs to consist of a couple shirts/pants/shoes for different occasions (work casual, work formal, formal, leisure, exercise, etc) ... it's good to have a little bit of overlap in each category, so that you don't have to go spend all your money on clothes (definitely not a manly thing to do).
On the shoes, the only thing I remember is that light brown shoes go with almost anything, so that's what I stick to most of the time. It's real challenging, maybe impossible?, to find a color of shoe that looks semi-professional and has the same level of compatibility as the light brown.
Do some searches online with keywords like "wardrobe" and "man" and "color" and "gentleman" ... etc ... etc ...
Also check your local bookstore under fashion. They've got something in there somewhere for you.
posted by eli_d at 7:42 AM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
You might want to dig up a library copy of Color for Men by Carole Jackson.
No, I'm not kidding.
posted by jgirl at 8:00 AM on March 11, 2009
No, I'm not kidding.
posted by jgirl at 8:00 AM on March 11, 2009
My my most fashion-obsessed friend (I think he wears a blazer to bed) says this:
"First off, if you’re worried about pairing brown shoes with black jeans, does it make sense to wear a black blazer with brown pants? But all the things your mom told you about fashion, growing up, no longer apply. The only thing you should keep in mind when picking out shoes for the above described outfit is to match your leathers. For example, if you are wearing brown or burgundy leather shoes, make sure your (leather) belt is the same color, or very close. If you aren’t wearing leather shoes and you want to get funky - wear grey socks, red Nike Air Force Ones, and no belt.
"As far as men’s online fashion guides go, this is a good resource. You don’t have to buy everything you see in a magazine; and because a magazine says something goes together, doesn’t mean only those items go together. Use magazines as a guide to get an overall sense of a look and find less-expensive versions of featured items. If you pick out things you like, it’s probable they will match other things you like. Also, buy things you think you will wear a lot and not just something a style guide told you was hot at the moment. Overall, have fun and let your personality show through your dress."
posted by Airhen at 8:56 AM on March 11, 2009
"First off, if you’re worried about pairing brown shoes with black jeans, does it make sense to wear a black blazer with brown pants? But all the things your mom told you about fashion, growing up, no longer apply. The only thing you should keep in mind when picking out shoes for the above described outfit is to match your leathers. For example, if you are wearing brown or burgundy leather shoes, make sure your (leather) belt is the same color, or very close. If you aren’t wearing leather shoes and you want to get funky - wear grey socks, red Nike Air Force Ones, and no belt.
"As far as men’s online fashion guides go, this is a good resource. You don’t have to buy everything you see in a magazine; and because a magazine says something goes together, doesn’t mean only those items go together. Use magazines as a guide to get an overall sense of a look and find less-expensive versions of featured items. If you pick out things you like, it’s probable they will match other things you like. Also, buy things you think you will wear a lot and not just something a style guide told you was hot at the moment. Overall, have fun and let your personality show through your dress."
posted by Airhen at 8:56 AM on March 11, 2009
I think there's some good stuff in Alan Flusser's Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion.
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 9:49 AM on March 11, 2009
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 9:49 AM on March 11, 2009
I hope you meant navy blue blazer when you said "black blazer". And I hope you never wear "burgundy shoes".
Bite the bullet and spend some money. Walk into a Nordstrom, Neiman's or a Polo store and get help. If cash is an issue, go to a J Crew or Brooks Bros.
Despite all of that "on-the-cheap" nonsense you hear on those shows, fashion costs money. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Things cost more for a reason.
posted by Zambrano at 10:06 AM on March 11, 2009
Bite the bullet and spend some money. Walk into a Nordstrom, Neiman's or a Polo store and get help. If cash is an issue, go to a J Crew or Brooks Bros.
Despite all of that "on-the-cheap" nonsense you hear on those shows, fashion costs money. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Things cost more for a reason.
posted by Zambrano at 10:06 AM on March 11, 2009
Black jacket over a navy shirt is a bad idea. Black jacket above brown pants is a bad idea. Navy shirt over brown pants is a bad idea.
To answer the question you asked: personally, if I had to wear that combination, I would grab leather loafers in cream.
posted by paisley henosis at 10:17 AM on March 11, 2009
To answer the question you asked: personally, if I had to wear that combination, I would grab leather loafers in cream.
posted by paisley henosis at 10:17 AM on March 11, 2009
particularly, what color shoes go best with brown slacks, midnight blue shirt, and a black blazer...
I think perhaps the OP was ironically demonstrating that he needs more than completely beginner's advice? (That is, describing a mistake he's not making.
posted by Mngo at 10:57 AM on March 11, 2009
I think perhaps the OP was ironically demonstrating that he needs more than completely beginner's advice? (That is, describing a mistake he's not making.
posted by Mngo at 10:57 AM on March 11, 2009
Color for Men
Used copies are dirt cheap. It's good for woment, too, because it has the largest color "swatches" of any of her books and it provides guidance on business suit materials.
Other Carole Jackson books
She needs to promote them again; a whole generation has grown up without this incredible resource!
Dude, it works.
posted by jgirl at 11:06 AM on March 11, 2009
Used copies are dirt cheap. It's good for woment, too, because it has the largest color "swatches" of any of her books and it provides guidance on business suit materials.
Other Carole Jackson books
She needs to promote them again; a whole generation has grown up without this incredible resource!
Dude, it works.
posted by jgirl at 11:06 AM on March 11, 2009
Classic men's style doesn't change very quickly. This means you can take the time and expense to slowly build a small, high quality wardrobe. You might enjoy the process and save money over the long term.
Realize that you don't have to be the expert. Most department stores offer a personal shopper for free. This person will ask for your measurements and some guidelines and then pick things out for you.
However, if you do want to be the expert, check out Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress. There are other style guides as well. Several are probably available from your local library.
In the meantime, I think you could use some general advice. First, start with the shoes. Take your time, and find some you think are really "you", but not too crazy. These will be expensive, but they will last. I very strongly recommend a medium or dark brown shoe. Next, select some pants. Remember that fit is much more fundamental than color; you have to get the fit right first. Avoid pleated fronts; you want flat fronts. If you went with brown shoes, you can get gray, brown, khaki, or deep-green pants. Black shoes are more limiting and generally only look stylish with black pants. If you went with brown shoes, and therefore had a wide variety of pant-colors that you tried on in the store in front of your girlfriend who thinks they fit perfectly, then you can select from a wide variety of shirts. Again, be certain the shirts fit. Dress shirts can fit like balloons on slender physiques. Avoid this. Also, I recommend a wider collar without those little collar buttons. And no plaids. Lastly, shop for a jacket. Or don't. If you're short, avoid the jacket altogether and get a sweater or two. If you're slender or otherwise don't have a gut, definitely get a sweater. I would also keep an eye out for a watch. I would go with a leather band that matches your shoes and belt. I would look for a watch with a clean, classic face. You can switch out the bands as they wear or as your shoe colors change. Pick something conservative and you'll keep this watch for life.
Please join me in refusing to wear a tie, ever. JFK got us out from under hats. Obama is trying to get us away from ties. Let's all help him out.
Perhaps my more specific advice doesn't apply and you need to be more formal; that's OK. In general, check out the style guide, use a personal shopper, and start with the shoes. And remember to look consider value and quality over cost.
And of course, this is IMHO and YMMV
posted by everythings_interrelated at 1:51 PM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
Realize that you don't have to be the expert. Most department stores offer a personal shopper for free. This person will ask for your measurements and some guidelines and then pick things out for you.
However, if you do want to be the expert, check out Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress. There are other style guides as well. Several are probably available from your local library.
In the meantime, I think you could use some general advice. First, start with the shoes. Take your time, and find some you think are really "you", but not too crazy. These will be expensive, but they will last. I very strongly recommend a medium or dark brown shoe. Next, select some pants. Remember that fit is much more fundamental than color; you have to get the fit right first. Avoid pleated fronts; you want flat fronts. If you went with brown shoes, you can get gray, brown, khaki, or deep-green pants. Black shoes are more limiting and generally only look stylish with black pants. If you went with brown shoes, and therefore had a wide variety of pant-colors that you tried on in the store in front of your girlfriend who thinks they fit perfectly, then you can select from a wide variety of shirts. Again, be certain the shirts fit. Dress shirts can fit like balloons on slender physiques. Avoid this. Also, I recommend a wider collar without those little collar buttons. And no plaids. Lastly, shop for a jacket. Or don't. If you're short, avoid the jacket altogether and get a sweater or two. If you're slender or otherwise don't have a gut, definitely get a sweater. I would also keep an eye out for a watch. I would go with a leather band that matches your shoes and belt. I would look for a watch with a clean, classic face. You can switch out the bands as they wear or as your shoe colors change. Pick something conservative and you'll keep this watch for life.
Please join me in refusing to wear a tie, ever. JFK got us out from under hats. Obama is trying to get us away from ties. Let's all help him out.
Perhaps my more specific advice doesn't apply and you need to be more formal; that's OK. In general, check out the style guide, use a personal shopper, and start with the shoes. And remember to look consider value and quality over cost.
And of course, this is IMHO and YMMV
posted by everythings_interrelated at 1:51 PM on March 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
Strictly speaking, yes, the socks are matched to the pants.
posted by paisley henosis at 7:20 AM on March 12, 2009
posted by paisley henosis at 7:20 AM on March 12, 2009
No, they don't have to be.
I love menswear fabrics and patterns and wear a lot of black and navy. It's confusing on how to put things together, but what helped me was to start with a limited palette, as in, wearing black + slate + charcoal grey, black shoes, and then cream/white/bright colors. Not really menswear style, that, but.. once I was used to putting those items together I figured out how to add navy (a dark navy that goes with black, or IMHO goes with black, the french wear it so..) and then finally figured out what kind of dark brown would work. Trying to figure out how to match cognac colored boots next.
So you might start with some dark navy, shades of brown, maybe charcoal and heather grey. Get some basics in those that go together and maybe even get all your dress shoes in different styles but the same color. I figure brown and navy and grey are easier to start with, IMHO black clothes on guys can easily look cheap and tacky unless you are a punk or a goth. Once you're used to those, then mix in some patterns and other colors. For me, limiting the palette I had to work with was very helpful - everything went together, I didn't have to freak out in the morning wondering what color shoes to put on, because all my dress shoes were black & every pair of trousers, went with black shoes.
posted by citron at 9:43 PM on March 13, 2009
I love menswear fabrics and patterns and wear a lot of black and navy. It's confusing on how to put things together, but what helped me was to start with a limited palette, as in, wearing black + slate + charcoal grey, black shoes, and then cream/white/bright colors. Not really menswear style, that, but.. once I was used to putting those items together I figured out how to add navy (a dark navy that goes with black, or IMHO goes with black, the french wear it so..) and then finally figured out what kind of dark brown would work. Trying to figure out how to match cognac colored boots next.
So you might start with some dark navy, shades of brown, maybe charcoal and heather grey. Get some basics in those that go together and maybe even get all your dress shoes in different styles but the same color. I figure brown and navy and grey are easier to start with, IMHO black clothes on guys can easily look cheap and tacky unless you are a punk or a goth. Once you're used to those, then mix in some patterns and other colors. For me, limiting the palette I had to work with was very helpful - everything went together, I didn't have to freak out in the morning wondering what color shoes to put on, because all my dress shoes were black & every pair of trousers, went with black shoes.
posted by citron at 9:43 PM on March 13, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
The rule I've seen is that your shoes should be as dark or darker than your pants. So you could wear brown shoes that are at least as dark as the brown of your pants, or black shoes, or navy-blue shoes. I'm not really that great at this kind of thing, so maybe someone else can improve on this advice, but there you go.
midnight blue shit, and a black blzaer
Why would you be wearing shit? Is good spelling part of good "style"? Anyway, I would question whether you should be wearing an extremely dark blue shirt with a black jacket -- sounds like they could clash. You don't want to be just dark-dark-dark all over. Mix it up a little more.
I haven't had much luck with free online advice (except, of course, the Sartorialist, insofar as you can call that "advice"). I recommend the Details book -- if it's at all useful, it'll quickly pay for itself.
posted by Jaltcoh at 1:01 AM on March 11, 2009