For hundreds maybe thousands of years, sandals (or flip-flops) have adorned the feet of men and women around the world. Recently, I purchased a pair of Rainbow Sandals made of hemp. They have a canvas like texture, and they are very comfortable. Do sandals have a place in the WASP wardrobe? I think the answer is "yes", but with some limitations. Self identified modern day preppies are guilty of wearing flip-flops with pants and even with blazers. This is not a look that I approve of, but I do approve of wearing sandals with shorts and a polo in the summer. Just last week, I wore my Rainbow flops with a navy polo, pink oxford cloth shorts, and madras belt. I guess the moral of this post is sandals are appropriate in one's wardrobe, but don't go to extremes and wear them with a blazer and tie.
21 comments:
Flip-flops have no place in a gentleman's wardrobe - Ever. Can you imagine the Duke of Windsor, or for that matter the Prince of Wales in such footwear?
For the locker-room shower and beach only!
you approve of db blazers with bd collars - your credibility is suspect already
anonymous #1,
Yuu aren't the guy at the beach wearing dress shoes and socks up to your knees are u? And anonymous #3 get over the button down and db. I can't believe you can't understand that the db is a casual jacket.
Some things bear repeating to the novice (now I understand why you call yourself 101): Flip-flops have no place in a gentleman's wardrobe. Ever. I most certainly don't wear them to the beach. Topsiders, baby. No socks. I'm gathering from your post that when you recently wore your flip-flops it wasn't even at the beach. Very very untrad. 101 is right.
I would like to get over the db with bd collar but I am still having nightmares about it and your pink sweaters
Why is everybody giving Richard such a hard time over this? I would not choose to wear them myself, due to the discomfort I feel having rubbing material between my toes, but if tastefully worn I see no problem with them.
You characters amuse me! You constantly criticize (which I am ok with) but you keep coming back for more. In addition, anonymous with the db problem, check out a suitable wardrobe today. If my button down pushed you to your limits, the post on that site today will drive you over the edge (hopefully).
A Suitable Wardrobe is for men. Only little girlies wear pink sweaters with little horsies on them.
No comment on the db blazer, shorts, polo, and sneakers heh. Again, if my blog is so bad and it is for little boys, why do you visit?
Only little girls make comments that are rude and refuse to leave their name. Richard could probably whip your butt with his pink sweater and all. He looks pretty athletic.
Great post, Richard. Flip-flops (or 'thongs') are a staple here in Southern California and in the Caribbean. However, I would not wear them with a blazer or a suit, which should go without saying. With jeans and an OCBD? Perhaps. Flip-flops look great with a pair of khaki shorts and a polo in the summer. I shall be wearing them every day, possibly, for the next month at least.
Nice Post.
I think people should finally get over the Duke.
Even a classic wardrobe should have the right to evolve and change.
I do like Flip-Flops, even though I don't get the chance to wear them a lost, since I have a tattoo on my right (very un'waspy, I do know that), which is personal and therefore not for presentation.
Keep up the good work!
Richard,
There is an article in today's New York Times that indicates shorts are becoming an acceptable choice in the business world during the summer months. I'd be curious to learn what you think of that. I disagree with it personally (I work in a very, very warm environment so I understand but disagree).
Bill,
I don't like shorts for the work environment. Personally, I don't think shorts are much cooler than chinos or linen trousers.
I think it's funny how you can get people so worked up over things! Very entertaining!
Women often respect a man who wears pink. It shows he is comfortable with his sexuality.
Flip flops and faded jeans were a staple at my boarding school on weekends. Of course, you'd get a lot of crap about looking too "California", since top-siders and those god-awful duck shoes were standard casual preppie wear.
I don't really think the ones you pictured are really you, unfortunately. Try those old cheap flip-flops from the swim meets. You know the ones with a thin sole and thin band. They're a lot more discreet. Unfortunately they're hard to find.
I understand perfectly well that the db blazer is a casual jacket. My point is that the buttons on the collar along with the buttons on the jacket along with all the dots in your handkerchief give the viewer a headache which completely runs contrary to what the wearer should be trying to accomplish. I would not wear that ensemble again let alone publish it. It smacks of cad and novice.
You just can't quit coming back can you anonymous! That is first time you mentioned the square, and you still haven't commented on the ensemble at A Suitable Wardrobe.
Sorry, but men should not be caught dead in anything resembling a sandal - these are even questionable is public showers (camp sites for any pervs).
WASP's, or any gentleman, should wear a boat style moccasin from the likes of Sperry or Field something.
Knowing this would also make the rule of no socks with sandals moot... but I see this far to often also.
Be a man, keep your feet covered.
Just back from week in Ibiza - rubbed my feet raw wearing my topsiders on the first day as I got sand in them and didn't notice. So it was the havaianas flip flops for the rest of the week and they worked just fine - plain brown so not too funky.
I have also been know to wear a DB blazer with a button down and have seen lots of other people do it. Who the heck says it doesnt work?
Keep up the good work Richard don't let the fools grind you down.
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