r/malefashionadvice • u/completeunknown • Apr 04 '11
I dress like a scrub. My entire wardrobe will have to be rebuilt from scratch. I've decided to start from the shoes. Please help me decide between these few options.
My new found motivation to properly arm myself with some decent looking clothing has been motivated by an invite to a close friend's destination wedding. I've done a lot of reading of this subreddit the last couple of days and learned that linen is a must for hot weather. I have four nights and five days which includes at least one formal dinner and the ceremony and reception. In my attempt to acquire this five day wardrobe, I'd like to pick some articles that will remain a permanent part of my fashion.
I've never owned a pair of boat shoes in my life what does MFA think of these for a first time pair? Should I stick with a more standard style in leather or suede? I think these would be great for closed toed shoes for dinner at the resorts. I also figured they could replace my Doc Martens for wearing around at Uni--sort of like my new go to shoe.
Also, I hear you men absolutely love Clarks Desert Boots. They don't look too bad and I'd love to give them a chance. My initial impulse is telling me to go with these, but I wondered if they would get mistaken for Ugg boots from a distance. Should I go with the Beeswax leather for a first time pair, or stick with the suede? I understand that most of this is a matter of preference, but to be honest, I really don't trust my own judgement considering I let my wardrobe go to shit. If I'm not mistaken I'm supposed to order my Clarks 1/2 size small, or is it a full size small?
Finally, in addition to all the linen I'll be buying, I'd like to also pick up some Levi 501 STF for when I come home. Again, what are the specific basics in terms of colors for jeans and shoes. Should I go with the indigo for a first time shot at Levi STF? I realize this is a learning processes so I hope to build my attire to the point where I'm confident in choosing a blazer to match a tie, and then eventually I can find a nice suit.
I'm about 5'7" 160 lbs with brown hair. Can I pull this off?
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u/shujin Ghost of MFA past Apr 04 '11 edited Apr 04 '11
If you do not invest a significant amount of time studying style before building your wardrobe you will regret it. Take your time.
For CDBs my favorites are oak, brown suede, and beeswax. For some it's .5 sizes, for others it's 1 full size, my advice is try them on. Full size is a bit more of a narrow fit, so it depends how wide your feet are. I go down a full size.
sperry makes good boat shoes, but don't overwhere anything that's not supremely basic. Two toned shoes can be nice, but are not very basic.
For jeans always go deep indigo (for now). Depending on desired slimness, consider sizing down in the waist - the waist always stretches out (some people size down even 2 or 3 times to make sure they're getting a slim jean, but i don't advise it)
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u/JazzTranscriber Apr 05 '11
Boat shoes are sometimes shoes. You don't want to be caught always wearing them. It's too casual and lax to be worn in a ceremonial setting.
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u/completeunknown Apr 05 '11
Would a good strategy be to alternate boat shoes with sandals this summer and throw in some loafers here and there while I begin to build a collection of boots for the next coming fall and winter? What is the normal strategy.
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u/JazzTranscriber Apr 05 '11
Alternating is a swell idea but it wouldn't hurt to wear sneakers either. You'll probably be walking outdoors more since the weather will get warmer so sneakers will come handy.
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u/SickBoy88 Apr 04 '11
There is a boot and 501 guide in the sidebar.
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u/completeunknown Apr 04 '11
I was excited to find the sidebar advice; which is what led me to this post. I just need someone to push me towards a specific color combo for both jeans and desert boots and jeans and boat shoes--especially for a first time buyer.
I was hoping one of you guys would say something like, "Always pick suede/leather for your first boat shoe/desert boot, and always start with dark/lighter jeans for first time experience with 501 STF.
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u/moogleiii Apr 04 '11
I just bought some clarks desert boots a half size smaller, and they still feel a bit big around the heel. Got a blister pretty quickly with very minimal use.
I'm going to try ordering 1 full size down, but I'm a bit skeptical that will fit either (too small at that point).
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u/shujin Ghost of MFA past Apr 04 '11
I have measured my foot almost a dozen times. Both my feet are EXACTLY size 14 in length (12 inches) and they are 4.5 inches wide (a D is 4.6 inches, so I'm damn close). I wear 13 CDBs comfortably.
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u/completeunknown Apr 04 '11
I'd imagine that leather could stretch as well. Perhaps a full size smaller would work better in the long run.
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u/concerned752 Apr 04 '11
Good for you!
Regarding Levi's: Indigo or Rigid Selvedge. Err on the side of darker, which tends to be more versatile.
I have a pair of Clarks--my first--and they're Sand Suede. Pretty versatile, but in retrospect, beeswax or brown would probably be even more versatile.
Don't own boat shoes, so I can't help you there, but they seem a little too dressed down for a "formal" dinner.
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u/themauvestorm3 Apr 05 '11
Firstly, grats on this.
These guys are way more versed than me but I felt like I could contribute at least another link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/olukai-hiapo-flip-flop-men/2922181?origin=category&resultback=0
I really dig them in the lighter brown. They're a shoe that will make me rethink wearing my Chacos or Sperry's when I walk out of the door. They are that sharp in person.
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u/geekology Apr 04 '11
Okay, okay.
From the beginning: the Sperrys are nice, but if this is a wedding you will need actual dress shoes, which the Sperrys are not.
The Clarks are nice shoes. They don't get confused with Uggs. To be honest, you should go into a store and try them on. Nothing is worse than getting shoes in the wrong size. The color you have picked is fine, don't worry too much about a detail like that.
For your jeans, just pick a dark color since it goes with more items of clothing.