1. Easy – This is by far the biggest perk of a dress, in my humble opinion. You throw it on and you instantly look special. Even with a pair of flip flops, a dress is almost guaranteed to bring you a compliment or two.

2. Comfortable – This is especially true for the dresses that are popular right now. Most of them are very flowy and wearable.

3. Something for every shape – Spaghetti strap, strapless, v-neck, scoop neck, halter, tube, maxi, mini – and that’s just the variety I saw at Old Navy the other day! No matter your favorite feature, I bet you can find something that flatters it.

4. Affordable – The dresses highlighted below range in price from $30 – $100. Depending on how much you’ll wear it, a dress can be a great investment piece.

5. Versatile – I think the maxi style is a good example of how versatile dresses can be. If you put your hair up in a messy ponytail and wear it with flip flops, it can be great to wear to the pool or running errands. Add gladiator sandals and chunky jewelry, and you’re ready to hit Old Town.

Here are some places with good dress selections right now, and some of my picks:

Old Navy – Women’s Broomstick Gauze Sundresses

Section 37 – Orange Maxi Dress with Braiding Detail

Target – Liberty of London for Target Pleated Dress

Pink Saloon – Free People Dress Easy Breezy Florals

Forever 21 – Tie Dye Maxi Dress

(Image Credit)

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1. [wear] Men’s Spring/Summer Essentials
2. [wear] Women’s Winter Fashion Essentials
3. [wear] Fall Fashion Trends at LuCinda’s

I used to love a clean pair of Nike runners each summer, but now they seem ho-hum. I enjoy the ironic t-shirt as much as the next dude, but it’s starting to feel played out. And the pseudo-frayed polo from the generic brand of the week just feels tired. I find myself looking more at the quality of the goods and less at price, and also thinking about whether I will like the item next summer. As I think through my look for this spring, I’ve come up with the following as acceptable items that can be found in Wichita.

1. Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith. Granted, they’re no Common Projects Achilles, but you can find a pair of (almost) all-white Adidas Stan Smith’s at any shoe store in the mall for under $70.

2. Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider. These are definitely the trend this summer, and while I’ve never been one for boat shoes, I may finally have to commit. They’ve updated the colors and materials, and Sperry is popping out some of the hottest shoe trends this year. Cost: Between $70-100 at Dillards and Von Maur.  (Also, if anyone knows a local retailer that carries any of these, please post a comment.)

3. Shoes: Driving Mocs. Banana Republic is carrying some and I typically find them at Dillards and Von Maur. They’re great if you’re wearing pants that actually fit. Note: if you still think pants need to be wide legged, you can’t wear driving mocs or Sperry boat shoes. Stick to Air Force Ones.

4. Pants: Selvage Jeans. Good luck getting me out of these, especially this summer. I will however, be rolling those bad boys up. Where to buy: not here. Cost: $150+

5. Pants: Lightweight Khakis. I love these pants from J.Crew. I’m sure there are good ones to be had elsewhere, but Von Maur and Dillards carry old-guy pants, Gap stuff feels cheap, and I’m not sure what happened to Banana Republic but they just don’t do khakis like they used to. Gap is probably the best bet in Wichita, unless you’re okay with pleated pants. Cost: $70+

6. Shirts: Brooks Brothers Sport Shirts in Extra Slim Fit. Any pattern works, they are well made, wrinkle free, and last forever. Plus, the weight of the (typically) all-cotton shirts is great for spring/summer. Trim up the italian chest beard and go without an undershirt. Cost: $80

7. Shirts: Lacoste Polo Shirts. Here is the thing, if you can get through a couple seasons without shrinking them, these will be the best investment ever. They go all spring/summer, you can get away with them untucked because they are neither too-long or too-short (if they are a tad long on you, go ahead and let them run through the dryer on low heat. This should raise the hem-line perfectly. DO: get colors and wear untucked. DON’T: Wear two and pop the collar. Cost: $75, buy them at any department store.

What I’ve found is that the classics in summer and spring styles are somewhat conservative, but put an emphasis on fit and quality. A crisp navy polo and khakis can look overly mature – tucked in, belted, pleated, a bit baggy – or look modern – well fitted, plain/flat front, proper length. Throw on the right accessories and no one will think you look old.

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It’s no secret that I bemoan the men’s shopping options in Wichita and the general lack of fashion that it creates, but I do occassionally find a hidden gem from time to time.  Here are the places I check regularly to update my style:

• Von Maur Shoes – Each season, Von Maur finds something unexpected and I try to take advantage. Sometimes I’m even lucky enough to catch that item on the sales rack. My favorite pair of saddle brown Allen Edmunds were a Von Maur sale item.
• Dillard’s Shoes – You have to hunt for things because it’s a huge selection of mostly so-so stuff, but Dillard’s occasionally drops a surprise in my lap. Found a pair of Jack Purcell Converse there. Lucked into a pair of crepe-soled desert boots before they got all trendy and popular. Just like Von Maur, you have to know what to look for, but it is possible to get lucky.
• Banana Republic – Again, this store is really hit or miss. Sometimes an entire season can be mistaken for Express Mens, and other times it feels like the Banana Republic of old. I mostly like Banana Republic shirts because they understand what slim fit means. Nothing irritates me more than the giant balloon like shirts that you get anywhere else. I tend to avoid the ultra-trendy stuff, because I don’t like to look like I’m still clinging onto the “metrosexual” style (i.e. Kenneth Cole and Perry Ellis) and their polo-style shirts shrink at the nearest sign of warm air, but they can make a sweater and a button-up that don’t look like they are made for a 250 lb. dude. (Editor’s note: No offense to 250 lb. dudes intended.)
• Brooks Brothers – This one is dangerous if you’re not REALLY sure what to look for, because without a lot of effort you will leave looking a grandpa. The Wichita location notoriously forgets to order anything in the slim fit, or plain front. If you get tricked into listening to a few of the ladies that work there, you’ll be convinced to buy a men’s dress shirt that will be about 12 inches longer than necessary (also making it impossible to leave untucked). What you want: Slim fit or extra slim fit button up Sport Shirts (look for the blue label inside the collar). Avoid the Country Club label unless you like your shirts/sweaters roomy throughout the torso. If money is no object, check out Brooks Brothers’ shoes. They are a great choice for your staple loafers and laceups.
• Red Wing Store – That’s right, we have a Red Wing store, and Red Wing has some of the best boots around. The updated Iron Ranger is fantastic, and despite becoming trendy, I still totally love them.

Who didn’t make the cut:

• Gap – I’m tired of crap quality and far too generous fits.
• Gentry – Sorry guys, great store for the right clientele, which I am not. Shirts are too loud, pants are too “dad”, the style is more “updated accountant” or “older sales guy who deals with really high end corporate accounts but has no idea how to dress.” They did have some rocking bow ties, which they get credit for, but my wife shot down the idea.
• Bricks – Seriously, Bricks is like the stories everyone tells about Paris. When I go in, I feel like the stupid American who doesn’t speak the language. And frankly, it’s the same basic style as Gentry.
• Section 37 – It’s basically a more expensive version of the Buckle. If you like style, skip it. If you want to represent BRANDS, shop there.

I’m sure I’m going to get flamed for this, and that’s OK. I want to hear opposing view points or, God willing, a place I haven’t found yet!

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First, consider the length of the suit. Unless you’re a competitive swimmer, I’m sure you don’t want to be that guy at the family pool who everyone awkwardly stares at because you decided to go tanning in your Speedo. Most men’s trunks are between mid-thigh and knee length. I would recommend staying on that path.

Another thing you may want to consider is how frequently you plan to go swimming this summer. If you go often, I recommend spending a little bit extra and buying one of a better quality. Chlorine will eventually cause the material to deteriorate, which causes the fabric to pill. Buying a decent-quality swimsuit may reduce the pilling and the swimwear may maintain its shape and sizing longer.

Now, please let me emphasize this: sizing is extremely important. If you get one that’s too small, you run the risk of looking like a grape-smuggler. If you get one that’s too big, you might end up (accidentally) showing off the goods. Most men’s swimwear is based on waist size, so make sure your measurements correspond with the size you choose. If you’re in between sizes, choose the smaller size, because fabric expands in water.

Men, much like women, have many options when it comes to choosing swimwear. They can be conservative and usual like board shorts, jammers, and boxer-brief swim trunks. But they can also be slightly more daring, like the men’s g-strings, thongs, and bikinis. While I have yet to see many men wear G-string swimsuits, I say, to each his own. Just remember to use sunscreen to prevent those unsightly tan lines.

You can find good-quality swimwear at a decent price through Target, JC Penney, and Sears. Usually, swimwear is discounted by May. However, if you cannot wait to buy your newest pair of swim trunks, most stores begin selling them by early March.

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Having feet that rival Paul Bunyan’s turns what should be a fun, girly shopping trip into a bit of a nightmare. And Wichita, for all its strip malls and chain stores, often falls short in the shoe department. While this girl might dream of Nordstrom Rack’s rows upon rows of lovely (discounted) designer shoes, the reality is that options here are limited, especially in terms of style and variety.

After two recent shopping excursions – one for a new pair of running shoes and the other for a pair of comfortable, yet stylish and professional shoes that can also be dressed down with a pair of jeans (basically the holy grail of footwear) – I felt like I knew the Wichita shoe shopping landscape better than ever before. Some of my experiences were less than awesome, most were just frustrating (see above statements about wearing a size 11), but there were a few stores that stood out.

Here’s my list of the best places to buy shoes in Wichita:

First Gear - This Old Town store focuses on running shoes and the employees know their stuff. Whether it’s measuring and fitting you to a shoe that’s just right and matches your foot type (yes, feet have types – who knew?) to offering to help you find an odd size or width, First Gear has you covered. Interesting fact about running shoes: you should buy them a half size to full size bigger because your feet will swell while working out. You’ll need plenty of room in the toe area to prevent discomfort and bruising. Gross but true.

Von Maur – I generally avoid the mall like the plague. From the flashbacks to the late-nineties when I worked as a sales associate at Aéropostale (pronounced aero-post-all) during high school to the awkwardness of turning down the chair massage and hand lotion kiosk employees, Towne East is not a place I enjoy visiting. However, there is a Von Maur. And if you happen to park right outside the store, you can pretend there isn’t a mall attached to it. But what really makes a trip to the upscale department store worthwhile is a hidden gem – the clearance room full of gorgeous footwear tucked away behind the regular shoe selection. With prices marked down significantly, that pair of designer kicks could very well be yours.

TJ Maxx - Teege (as I affectionately call it) is the place where you will either find THE MOST AMAZING DEAL OF YOUR LIFE or where you’ll leave empty handed. It’s the kind of store where you may find a stray pair of Kate Spade strappy sandals that happen to be your size stuck somewhere in the housewares section. It’s also the kind of store where you might be visually assaulted by rows of Chuck Taylors in every color that no one else wanted. Be sure to visit frequently as the inventory changes weekly. You’ll likely find me perusing the kitchen gadgets aisle or the handbags when I’m not hiding out among the shoes, attempting to shove my sasquatch feet into size tens. Pro tip: the West side store seems to carry a better selection of just about everything and is much better organized. The East side store is full of buried treasures if you’re patient enough to dig for them.

Pink Saloon – Let me preface this by saying my enormous feet and stingy budget don’t make me the perfect candidate to shop at Pink Saloon in College Hill. That said, I can still identify a lovely pair of shoes when I see them. While I don’t entirely get the appeal of TOMS outside their charitable goodness (for every pair of shoes sold, the company gives a pair to a child in need), Pink Saloon is one of the rare shops in town to carry the enormously popular brand. And the luscious leather Frye boots are to die for if you happen to have enough disposable income to throw down for a pair.

Famous Footwear - I’ll admit I had a negative impression of the chain before I set foot inside. Suffice it to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The store carries a wide-variety of shoes from athletic to formal to everything in between. The low prices appealed to my thrifty side while the styles seemed relatively up to date. I mean, I’m not hitting Rodeo Drive anytime in the near future, so sporting last season’s looks doesn’t bother me. If you think Famous Footwear is the same thing as Shoe Carnival, think again. While Shoe Carnival seems to carry an abundance of poorly made knock-offs, Famous Footwear has rows and rows of brand name shoes. Sign up for their frequent buyer club and get coupons for even deeper discounts. On shoes. Is there anything better than that?

Did I miss anything? Where do you like to stock up on fabulous footwear? Sound off in the comments.

image credit

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I think Wichita is a jeans town, with its healthy work ethic and blue collar roots. In my (rarely) humble opinion, there are only two things that go perfectly with jeans – oxford cloth and leather and I’m generally obsessed right now with all three. My raw selvage jeans are breaking in nicely, our ongoing winter wonderland has provided numerous opportunities to break out my boots, and I recently created a brilliant brown leather laptop bag. I’ll share with you my inspiration for style right now.

If you are shopping in Wichita and want to throw a little leather in the closet, here are the items I suggest picking up:

1. Frye Boots – With great colors, awesome durability, these boots have a little more style than the traditional workboot. Find them at Von Maur, Pink Saloon or online. Price – $$$
2. Red Wing Boots – Red Wing has seen a resurgence in the last couple years thanks to the heavy dose of traditional, American blue collar styles among hipsters and designers. The boots are still made to work in forever, but the styles have been updated a bit for guys like me. Find them at the Red Wing shoe store. Price – $$
3. Allen Edmunds Shoes – I’ve worn a lot of mens shoes, and none have been more comfortable than my Allen Edmunds. None have worn as well, lasted longer, or been constructed from better leather. Find them at Von Maur. Price – $$
4. Bags – I wish I could provide some guidance on this one. I found a way to have one professionally made because I couldn’t find anything decent in town that wasn’t massively overproduced and over designed. Any ideas? Price – $$$
5. Belts – Find them at Vintage shops and leather shops. Price – $

What leather are you incorporating into your daily style? Let us know in the comments.

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We’ve already covered men’s winter fashion; ladies, here are some must-haves for your cold-weather wardrobe:

Light layers. That thick wool turtleneck might have been perfect for the subzero days, but most of the time it’s going to make you sweat profusely indoors. Look for thin V-neck sweaters or cardigans that you can layer with blouses and T-shirts. Throw a long-sleeved shirt under a summer dress to stretch it into a second season of wearability.

Tights. Yes, Virginia, you can wear a skirt in January; you just need something more substantial than pantyhose underneath. Stock up on basic black, gray and brown, but don’t be afraid to experiment with red, teal, royal blue or dark purple.

Good boots. And by “good,” I mean you can walk over a thick sheet of ice in them without falling down. Side streets don’t get salted much around these parts, which means a potentially treacherous walk to your car after a chilly night out. Knee-high, ankle-high, leather or synthetic – it’s your call. Just look for a sole with some traction, so you don’t end up in traction at Via Christi.

A fashionable hat. Where I’m from (Wisconsin), a thick hat that covers the ears is a must; here, you don’t really need one for warmth most days, but go without and you risk the Kansas wind murdering your hairstyle. Plus, a cute hat just makes you feel fancy. I bought a floppy wool cloche for 50 percent off a few days ago; it’s perfect for shielding my hair from wind without causing hat head. Other fun styles include newsboy caps, fedoras (think a female Don Draper), and what I like to call “church lady” hats, which you can find by the dozen at any local antique store.

Natural-fiber mittens or gloves. For years, I’ve been a fan of those thin, two-pairs-for-$1.50 acrylic gloves, but they’re slowly stripping every last ounce of moisture from my hands. I’ve learned my lesson: drop a couple more bucks for the good stuff. Better yet, go handmade; grab your knitting needles and whip up a custom pair, or commission a crafty friend to make some for you.

image credit

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And now… our recommendations:

For the product junkie:

Give your favorite product junkie something she can’t get anywhere else – Herb Luxe Apothecary bath products ($6.50 – $14.50) made right here in the ICT by Bungalow 26 owner, Kelsey Metzinger. She sources most of the ingredients locally and uses only natural ingredients and essential oils. The products come in heavenly scents like eucalyptus mint, lavender rosemary and spicy citrus. Feeling lucky? Enter our contest to win your very own set of Herb Luxe Apothecary soaking salts, bath seltzer and salt scrub – all in eucalyptus mint.

Also on the product junkie’s wish list? Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($8, Bungalow 26), a favorite of beauty editors everywhere and a product that’s hard to come by in the middle of Kansas. Package it all together in a Betsey Johnson animal print make-up bag ($30 – $48, Pink Saloon).

For the fashionista:

For the girl who has everything, a La Mer wrap watch ($120, Pink Saloon) will brighten her holiday season (and possibly get her to show up on time for a change). Also flying off the shelves at College Hill’s Pink Saloon boutique? TOMS shoes ($48 for canvas, $58 for a glittery pair). Buy a pair and TOMS gives a pair to a child in need. And even though some of us wish leggings would have stayed in the eighties, the trend continues with “jeggings” – jeans/leggings – get it? Snag a pair for $78.

For the beer aficionado:

Believe it or not, the beer drinker in your life can actually make his or her own signature brew for a fraction of the cost of a trip to the liquor store. Delano’s What’s Brewin’ sells home brewing kits, which include all of the ingredients needed for 2.5 cases of beer, for only $69.95. The shop also offers malt extracts for a wide variety of beers as well as grains, hops and brewers yeast. Tie a bow around a brewing kit plus a copy of Joy of Home Brewing ($14.99) and know you’ll get to reap the benefits 3-7 weeks later when the beer is ready to drink.

For the craft-savvy:

Knitting isn’t just for your grandmother. In fact, it’s seen a resurgence in recent years as celebrities were spotted carrying around knitting bags on movie sets. The craft is relaxing, fun, and even social (check out Wichita’s own Knit in Public meetup group). For the knitting novice, pick up a set of knitting needles ($7), two skeins of yarn ($5.75 each) and Knit Aid ($7.95), a beggining knitters guide at Twist, a bustling yarn shop in the Delano district. There is a vast selection of yarn to choose from to fit a variety of budgets. Knitting kits for projects like scarves include everything your favorite knitter will need for $36.

For the wine lover:

With the katrillions of holiday parties during the month of December, wine makes an excellent hostess gift. Tom Messman of Beyond Napa, Old Town’s new wine boutique (translation: gorgeous liquor store featuring mostly wine, though a limited beer and liquor selection is available), gave us his top recommendations for the budget-conscious. His first pick, a 2008 Festivo Malbec from Argentina ($18.99) was described as “smooth as a baby’s butt… too bad you can’t print that.” Oh, but Tom, we can. Another great option, a 2006 Graffigna Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is “readily drinkable.” His final pick, a 2007 Sean Minor Four Bears Chardonnay ($14.99), is “clean, crisp and mineral.”

If you have a “cork dork” in your life and budget isn’t a concern, Tom recommends the 2007 Beringer Sbragia Limited Release Napa Chardonnay ($39.99), 2005 B Cellars Blend 24 ($36.99), and, if you’re going for broke… literally, a 2004 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet ($102.29).

An offbeat gift for the wine lover in your life may not be wine at all. Instead, pick up a “winestein” ($20.99, LuCinda’s) – a wine glass that’s molded into a beer stein.

For the hipster chic friend:

Sock monkeys are, for better or worse, in. What better way to jump on the trend than to don a sock monkey hat… right? Pick up this adorably quirky knit cap at LuCinda’s in Old Town for $29. Other cute options include bird wallets ($22 – 28) that look like they may have been designed with your favorite new Twitter friend in mind or roomy canvas silhouette totes ($20, Bungalow 26)

For the coffee or tea addict:

One step into the Spice Merchant and you may never want to leave. With coffee roasted right in the store and an extensive selection of teas and accessories, your favorite coffee or tea addict will be easily satiated. Pick from the wide-variety of fresh roasted coffees (from $11.50 and up per pound) and pair it with a French press ($18 – $30). Or choose a gift pack of teas ($8.99), a tea pot ($28.99) and locally produced honey ($7.99).

For your favorite co-worker:

If you’ve ever been stuck in a cubicle for 8+ hours a day, you know desktop toys make for easy entertainment. Pick up one of the many stocking stuffer-ish items (starting at only a few bucks) at LuCinda’s or a humorous desk pad. For the co-worker who brings her own water bottle to the office, pick up a stylish aluminum water bottle ($25) and banish that boring Nalgene bottle to a desk drawer.

For the mother-in-law:

It’s time to step away from the Yankee Candles and find an alternative for the woman who gave birth to your significant other. How about locally made jewelery by Karen Ritter ($8 – $40, Bungalow 26) or a gurgle pot ($42, LuCinda’s)? If you must go the candle route, mix it up with eco-friendly soy candles ($25 each, Bungalow 26).

Shop Directory:

Beyond Napa – 338 N. Mead St., 316-260-9920

Bungalow 26 – 611 W. Douglas Ave., 316-440-4846

LuCinda’s – 329 N. Mead St., 316-264-1080

Pink Saloon – 4730 E. Douglas Ave., 316-612-7465

The Spice Merchant – 1308 E. Douglas Ave., 316-263-4121

Twist – 607 W. Douglas Ave., 316-262-9276

What’s Brewin’ – 720 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67203

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Remember those days in late November when temperatures were flirting with the 70s and you didn’t even have to wear a jacket outside? Yeah, those days are long over. Instead, it’s cold – really cold. And those warm, sunny days aren’t coming back anytime soon.

With the cold comes those old ugly winter clothes you’ve been sporting since Nickelback was popular. You know, the bulky leather jacket you bought back in the day at Wilson’s. Those cheap gloves your mother stuffed in your stocking.

Well, you’re a big boy now, and you should be wearing big boy clothes. There’s no need to dress like Alfie’s little brother in A Christmas Story.

Updating your winter look doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t have to be fashion-forward. Here are a few winter must-haves that every guy should have in his winter wardrobe:

Pea Coat – This is the staple of my winter attire and it should be yours as well. Unlike your puffy white jacket with all the NBA logos on it, a pea coat will never go out of style, I promise. A pea coat’s popularity comes in its simplicity and durability, hence the reason the Navy still issues them to sailors. It keeps you warm, is rugged and can be worn over the top of anything. Stick with standard neutral colors like black or navy. Gray isn’t a bad choice either. Prices can vary depending on where you’re shopping. I own two identical pea coats: a pricey one from Express ($300) and a cheap on from Target ($70). The one from Express is a little heavier, but other than that they look the same. The one from Target comes in handy when I venture to the bars. That way I don’t have to worry about my good coat trapping smoke in the fabric and collecting the half of the rum and coke the drunk guy next me just spilled.

Leather Gloves – This is a given, but most men overlook purchasing a decent pair of leather gloves. You don’t have to go all Brooks Brothers and get a $150 pair. I bought mine at Dillard’s for $20. They’re durable, water resistant and cheap enough that it won’t be a big deal if I lose them. While you’re at it, get two pairs: one brown and one black. That way you don’t have to be the guy sporting brown gloves with a black coat.

Long Underoos – This isn’t a joke. I own a pair and during the really cold months, I wear them regularly. These aren’t your grandpa’s cotton long underwear with the flap on the behind. I prefer Under Armour – they’re lightweight, comfortable and you can wear them under a suit without anyone noticing. A pair of Under Armour underpants will set you back $40, but they are worth the splurge. The high-tech material traps heat produced from your body without making you sweat. Remember, they are underwear, so please don’t wear them more than one day in a row.

Wool Tie – This is strictly a style thing. A wool tie won’t keep you any warmer than a silk tie, but you’ll look better in the winter months. A wool tie brings a winter suit together nicely. The downfall is that they can be expensive and hard to find. A wool tie at Banana Republic will run you $60, and that’s probably the cheapest you’re going to find in town. Best bet is to cross your fingers and thrift it.

Save yourself some dough and don’t buy these things:

Puffy Down Vests – GQ has been pumping these puffy vests for two seasons now. They’re big and bulky and worthless. It’s a vest. Who wears one to stay warm? Remember this piece of advice: if you can buy it at Old Navy, it’s probably not trendy any longer.

Gloves that are cut off at the knuckles – I’ve never been in a situation where my palms are cold but my fingers aren’t. They’re useless. I know; I own a pair.

Image Source

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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.

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