If I may ...(smiles politely)
Black is black. Black is versatile and abundant. Black can be bought in any corner shoe mart/superstore/mega outlet/factory/warehouse (perhaps even Canadian Tire ...just saying.) Black shoes (like everything) come in a range of qualities and the more important issue is the original quality of the shoe. If it's a cheap black shoe it will show as a cheap black shoe and no matter what you do with the rest of the outfit the shoes will lower the overall standard of what you have put together. A pair of high-end black shoes stands out in a crowd of average or less than average quality shoes. There is no mistaking a pair of fine black shoes exquisitely and precisely made by experts to be purchased by a discriminating client.
It is not that black is not good, it is not that black does not work with most suits, casual wear, business attire or formal wear. Black works well with almost everything. MOST people know that. The question I have is; do you want to be MOST people? Perhaps you do and that is absolutely fine in my books. I would never judge anyone by the color of his shoes ** I will however judge a person by the condition of his shoes. Blame my father who raised me to always make eye contact while shaking hands while subtly looking down at the footwear to find out who you are really about to deal with}
Brown shoes, on the other hand, are more elusive to find in a quality one would be proud to wear. A brown shoe of quality manufacture is not something shoe; world/mart/factory/outlet will carry. If you find a pair of brown shoes at a low end outlet I strongly suggest you leave them on the shelf where they sit
in two's because apparently even the business owners don't mind if they are walked out in without being paid for.
As for the piecing together of the entire ensemble which would be perfectly finished off by a high end pair of brown shoes ....that takes some thought and genuine fashion insight. I believe this is precisely where the stuttering comes in, the hesitation to go the extra mile for fashion, the desire to work a little bit harder than MOST people when it comes to a presenting an exceptional look. In addition to the extra effort required to finish off the perfect outfit with a pair of exceptional brown shoes, you may need to spend some extra time shopping at a retail location which still insists they keep one of the pair away from greedy fingers (or toes) with the knowledge that they are simply worth more and do not want to risk a pair walking out the door unpaid for.
Brown shoes, quality brown shoes, can top off (bottom out) the perfect look if done with care. I believe the easiest way 'out' for most is to stick to black for fear of not quite getting everything put together correctly from tip to toe. A gent in a tailored suit or casual wear with the perfectly chosen pair of quality brown shoes will catch my eye and my attention over someone wearing an ensemble finished off with an average or even high end pair of black shoes. Why? It shows effort. I enjoy knowing a man has put as much effort into his appearance as women are expected to. Why be average? Make an effort to stand out and you will be noticed.
"The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character".
MARGARET CHASE SMITH
JessicaPrabbit
www.jessicaprabbit.com