You walk into an interview wearing a suit and tie, resume in hand, hoping that your appearance improves (or at least doesn’t detract) from your resume. You show up for your date, ready to impress with the right jeans and the ninth shirt you tried on. Want to sell the look? It’s all about the shoes.

Seriously, how different can a suit look from another suit? As guys, we only get a few options to accessorize our look and stand out. Eyeglasses, watch and bag. Anything else and you run the risk of being ‘bracelet guy’ or ‘pinky ring’ guy. If you really want to make a statement without having to kick subtle in the balls, you get one choice.

Here are the guidelines to follow when adding the perfect pair of shoes to your wardrobe.

1. Understand your colors. Unless your wardrobe consists mostly of black, go with brown shoes. Brown shoes with grey slacks will stand out without breaking any rules. If you’re nervous, go dark. If you’re cocky, grab some carmel colored leather lace-ups. These shoes will go with any shade of blue, all earth tones, and greys.
2. Buy the belt with the shoes and for godssake, match the level of polish. You don’t even have to wear a belt, but if you do, match it. If your belt looks like your mom’s Brighton purse, take it back or donate it to charity. Your best bet is to get a simple, clean, belt that doesn’t draw attention. Attention belts are for women and golfers.
3. Don’t think because it’s real leather and has a leather sole that it’s too dressy. You should have a dressy pair of shoes, but my favorite pair of shoes in the whole world are a pair of medium brown Allen Edmunds with perforated detailing that makes them classy but modern. I get compliments regularly and they completely change the tone of anything I put with them. Jeans – totally different look. Suit – totally adds a unique spin. They are now my most comfortable pair of shoes. I’ve worn out two pair of Ecco shoes since I’ve owned these, and my Borns were never this comfortable. I promise you, the investment is worth it.
4. Have a pair of boots. I can’t pull off cowboy style boots or original Timberlands, and I’m not sure I have the wardrobe for Chelsea boots, but everyone should have a go-to boot that fits their style. I love the Clark’s Wallabee (but won’t wear them because they’ve become too trendy and “hip”, but they are classics. Every designer under the sun is going to put out a version of a Chukka boot or a cross between a chukka and a boat shoe. The point is, there is a style of boot for everyone and everyone needs 1 pair.
5. Own a classic sneaker. You need a Converse Chuck Taylor, Adidas Stan Smith, or PF Flyer. They are all $50 or less and you can wear them with anything (especially gray cotton suits in summer).

I admit, Wichita makes you work for style, but if you know what to get, you can find it. I recommend Von Maur, Brooks Brothers, and a lot of shopping online once you figure out your sizes.

Related posts:

1. [wear] Men’s Winter Fashion Essentials
2. [wear] Top Fall Shoe Trends (and Where to Get Them)
3. [wear] What’s Cool Now: Leather
4. [wear] Real Men Wear Boots
5. [shop] Where to Buy Shoes in Wichita