Comments for The Effortless Gent

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:59:00 +0000

Make no mistake: I used to be a big fan of boat shoes in the early 90s. Living on an island, back then there were all kind of designs n colours. Then something went wrong as I realized I should not be wearing these to work.
A lot of people still do today.
I prefer loafers n richelieus.
N I like breaking rules too. That’s how I created my own style.

Unluckily, we don’t find good quality boat shoes anymore. I still fantasize about wearing the right pair with the right blue jeans someday.
Just need an idea for an alternative to the jacket. I already have some cool ideas

Cheers, man!

Comment on When to spend vs. when to save by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Yeah, I do too. They’re my favorite make and model. When guys are first learning how to buy a good pair of jeans, I always tell them to start with the 514 Levi’s to learn their fit, and they can change models as needed from there.

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:51:00 +0000

Yeah I can see what you mean. They tend to slip off if you’re running around a lot, like when playing ball. If you’re just at the gym lifting or something, I think no-shows work fine (especially with cross trainers or minimal training shoes). High tops do hide the ankle socks, so that would work. Or go old school and wear the knee-high socks like a G.

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

I disagree. I wear boat shoes all the time, whether or not I’m on a boat. They’re a good alternative to sneakers, and are a little higher on the scale of formality. Plus they come in practically every color nowadays. I even wear them with socks in the winter months (yup).

Again, it’s about knowing the rules (boat shoes = only onboard boats) and consciously breaking them (wearing them whenever and wherever I want) to create one’s own style.

And sweats and baggy pants? That’s not even a viable option, no matter the footwear.

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:47:00 +0000

If you live on an island are in walking distance to a body of water, I’m okay with flip flops. City dwellers, however, should find an alternate.

And yeah, if you’re going sockless and are more apt to sweating, foot powder is a good idea. Or just wear no-show socks.

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Thanks for reading Ryan

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:45:00 +0000

By sandals, do you mean flip flops? Like those things people wear at the beach? I wouldn’t wear any toe-revealing footwear unless I’m within walking distance to a body of water.

If you’re wearing shorts with shoes and don’t like the look of socks like me, just go sockless.
Anyway, I don’t see a question in your comment, but I think we’re on the same wavelength, save for the sandals part.

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Those are footies bro. Don’t do it (even though J.Crew sells it… shame on them).

Comment on Why It’s Good to Spend Money on Quality by Barron

Barron — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:42:00 +0000

Hey Troy,

I used to think the same way, lots of clothes = good wardrobe. But as I got older I realized I only wore like, 1/4 of what I actually owned, which meant a lot of wasted money and space. Over the years I’ve been getting rid of more and more, and only keeping what I really loved and wore all the time.

A good wardrobe is one where you have enough to outfit yourself in any situation, not necessarily the amount of stuff hanging in your closet. It also has everything to do with buying the best quality you can afford. Interchangeability (is that a word? it should be) is key.

Thanks for reading!

Comment on Quick Tip: Flash those ankles by Steve

Steve — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:18:00 +0000

I agree athletic socks should be the only socks you should wear ONLY if you’re not actually playing a sport. No shows definitely for casual sneaks, but if you’re playing ball use ankle socks. The hi-tops should cover them, and no shows are too much trouble if they do end up rolling down when you’re already laced up. Winning (or at least playing comfortably) is its own style.