T: I just picked these up for 35 dollars including shipping.  Our boy CB posted these a few weeks ago.  Who knew that Converse was cooking up an all-white-everything version of the All-Star.  These should be the only sneakers you need this summer.  You’re welcome. 

Maybe I don’t need those bucks anyway.

T: The weekend before last, Andrew and I put on our adult faces and went to a good friend’s wedding.  The wedding ceremony was outside and the invitation described the dress code: “We want everyone to be happy, comfortable, and ready to dance! It will (hopefully) be hot and sunny outside, but it is air-conditioned inside.”

With that in extremely vague description in mind, Andrew and I set out to put it in “smash mode.” 

(Reader be warned, what follows is our most narcissistic post to date).

Below: the author wearing a black watch—it’s a wedding and even though it was a somewhat informal one, a black leather watch is the standard for formal occasions—every man should own one. 

Also, the cotton pocket square is from Land’s End Canvas.  It was picked because the colors of the square match the white shirt and navy tie.

Below: Andrew and I rocking the sockless look.  We are actually both wearing loafer socks so we don’t stink up our shoes (brought to you by the good folks at moccsocks). Notice that Andrew and I are both wearing pants with a very small amount of break—if your pants are too long they make you look sloppy.  Also, black shoes for a formal occasion.  We did decide to wear loafers though—it’s summer for god sakes. 

Below: Andrew and I looking very artsy (it’s the Vassar education). 

On Andrew (right):

Grey wool suit=JCrew 

Cotton White shirt (button down collar): Brooks Brothers

Cotton tie: Land’s End Canvas

On Tom (left):

Linen Blazer: Uniqlo

Shirt (semi-spread collar): Brooks Brothers

Knit tie: Land’s End

Summary: Classic looks (wool suit on Andrew and white shirts) but summer details (sockless loafers, linen blazer on Tom, and summer-type ties).

T: Everyone knows the rule that you can only wear white from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Obviously, white is the color of choice for this time because white reflects heat and will keep you cool when the sun is oppressive.  Recently, I have begun to rethink this reasoning behind wearing white. 

Personally, I think that 50% of the year, I am too pale to wear white.  I’m a very light skinned guy and I think that white makes me look washed out during the cold months (below, not me but someone who looks like they spend too much time inside). 

The reason why I have been wearing white a lot this summer is because I am finally tan enough to do so.  Being a school teacher has allowed me to be on vacation on and off for the last 2 months—which means lots of time lying on the beach.  During this time, I have practically lived in a white V-neck t-shirt.  Wearing white makes your tan stand out because the white is such a contrast. (below, my friend tries to hide as I look very pleased with myself)

Many people think that white is the standard color for dress shirts.  If you are a paler guy like me, you may want to work in some more blue shirts into you wardrobe until you can get a tan again.  However, if you are a darker-skinned guy, wear white year round, it will always look good. (below, I try to remind a friend about the importance of good oral hygiene). 

Finally, always remember that that a suntan should be earned, never bought.

T: Almost everyone loves summer.  The weather is wonderful, the days are longer, the girls are wearing less, and if you are a teacher like me, you don’t have to work (suckers!).  However, not everyone gets to stay at home all summer or travel and must actually show up for work during July and August. 

For the folks who have to dress-up for work this summer (or dress up for anything else really), I would like to tell you about the preppy staple known as the penny loafer.  (Editor’s Note: Penny loafers can be worn any time of year but these lighter and somewhat less formal shoes are a good choice in the summer when the temperature is high and the formality is low).

Now for some history: apparently, in the 1930’s many Americans started wearing slip on shoes that resembled Norwegian moccasins.  Soon afterwards, G.H. Bass and company started making Weejuns shoes (which supposedly sounds like Norwegians).  The Weejun shoes became popular with children in boarding schools in the 1950’s who started putting pennies in the front slot.  From that point on, people started calling the shoes “penny loafers.”

As people have started to dress more formally, many people have begun to think of penny loafers as a dressier shoe.  So, I would recommend wearing these shoes on a Saturday night date with jeans, to a summer wedding with a khaki suit, or to work .  Personally, I wear them to work during the warmer months. 

There are all kinds of options for penny loafers in all sorts of price points.  Personally, I have a pair of Weejuns from G.H. Bass (above) which look great but are not of great quality.  If you are going to drop some serious coin for excellent shoes, I would look to Allen Edmonds as usual (below).  No matter where you get your penny loafers, I would suggest that you get a pair with a high vamp (also known as the tongue of the shoe). 

Why?  Because I’m the one writing the blog and I say so got’ damn it.  

p.s. This could be considered another installment in our essential dress shoes series.  To see our first entry, click here.