Categories: ShoesWomen

Laces vs. Loafers

Ask A Woman: Shoes for the Father of the Bride

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it.  Beth is our source for the answers.  From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday.  And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too.  Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com
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Hello Beth:

My husband is wearing a very nice suit at our daughter’s wedding.  He has nice Cole Haan plain front slip on shoes, and nice Cole Haan lace up shoes.  Which would be more appropriate for the day?

– Jennifer

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Hi Jennifer,

Nice to hear from a lady!  (Also nice to know I have some female company out here in this virtual sea of testosterone; is it just me or is there a lot of arm wrestling and tequila shot-drinking in these choppy waters?)  Welcome.

Father of the bride worthy. Made in Italy.

If you’ve been reading me for awhile, you know I shy away from strict rules of style.  I do this because there’s a wide range of body types and facial features and skin coloring which determine whether different cuts, fabrics, and colors look good on you.  There’s a wide range of aesthetics: preppy, modern, classic, biker, rocker, hipster, plus many more, plus a combination of these looks.  And, finally…it’s STYLE for God’s sake.  This isn’t law school; I’m not tutoring you in the Rules of Civil Procedure, and no one is getting sued for committing malpractice if you decide not to listen to me.  Style should be fun; it should have wiggle room; it should be personal.

However…you can’t wear slip on shoes with a suit.  Slip on shoes are comfortable, no doubt about it.  That’s why slippers are slip on, and loafers (as in, to loaf around) are slip on.  It’s not the fact that the event is a wedding.  There are plenty of casual weddings where everyone wears khakis and the bride is barefoot, in which case, fine, go nuts with the slip on.  But if you’re wearing a suit, it’s a formal occasion.  Wear the lace ups.

See what I did there?  I said I never give strict style rules, and then I gave a strict style rule.  It’s my prerogative, I can do what I want to do!

-Beth

Got a question for Beth? Send them to: askawoman@dappered.com

Joe

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