MALE CALL

Colorful socks on trend for style-conscious men

Q. There's a man at my work who at business events wears suits and traditional shoes, etc., but wears funky socks that stand out when he sits. Is this really appropriate?

A. Unless your work environment is extremely conservative, yes, this is currently an appropriate way to dress.

As I have written before, men's dressing is a rather steady, nonfluctuating area that does not change much from year to year or even from decade to decade. Because it is so constant, some men, who like to set themselves apart and enjoy being noticed, find it too boring and dull. They are always on the lookout for new elements that help them express their personal style. Last year's item was a bow tie. Colorful, even funky, socks happen to be the current items that fulfill this need.

There are several reasons why a man will adopt a singular style or "trademark" item of clothing. It may help him stand out from the crowd or express an aspect of his personality that he feels merits attention. Or he may simply like the way it makes him look and feel. For those men who are comfortable making a strong style statement, I have compiled an extensive list of possible ways to go about it.

• Wear a fedora.

Collect antique cuff links and wear them in your French-cuff shirts.

Become a client of the best hairdresser in town. Women are still in their teens when they realize they are not at their best unless their hair is exactly right. Too many men never learn this lesson.

Join the well-heeled world of watch collectors who sport a large-scaled dress watch. Or, at the other extreme, wear your Grandfather's gold pocket watch.

Regularly wear the finest shoes you can afford. The leather will be several cuts above the footwear of your colleagues. (Will they know? Maybe not, but you will.)

Consider growing a well-trimmed mustache as a fine focal point.

There's the old reliable: a color-coordinated pocket square in your breast pocket.

As long as a man adopts only one or two of these or similar touches, he gains distinction. But if he were to incorporate several, the effect would be counterproductive. He would be seen as being too concerned with himself and his looks. My usual advice for a man who wants to try a few of these ideas is to do it quietly. Begin slowly, with quiet points of difference. Besides wearing patterned socks, here are some other subtle touches of individualism.

• Wear a tie clasp.

• Carry a fine leather messenger bag.

• Have shirts monogrammed.

• Treat oneself to an alligator belt.

• Keep warm wrapped in a white cashmere scarf or a bold-colored muffler.

• And, always a winner: Use color to personalize one's wardrobe, emphasizing one or two shades that are most flattering.

Not everyone needs to make an effort to be noticed. If being a standout is the path for a man, fine, as long as he exercises restraint. It sounds as if your colleague has gone for individualism without the risk of being thought an exhibitionist.

When I was writing my book, Dress for Excellence, I asked Stanley Marcus (of Neiman Marcus department stores) if he thought a man had leeway to dress less conservatively as he moved up the ladder of success. I mentioned Franklin Roosevelt's famous showy cape as one outstanding departure from the rules. He answered, "Position and age -- both youth and seniority -- endow a man with a certain degree of daring. A young blade may wear an evening cape because he wants to startle people. An older man may wear one because he doesn't give a damn."

Send fashion questions to Male Call:

[email protected]

High Profile on 12/17/2017

Upcoming Events