In Person – The Calvin Klein Carter Laceup – $84.00 (reg. $140)
The Calvin Klein Carter first showed up in the April issue of Esquire. And $140 has been a lot (read: too much) to ask for a shoe with the kind of texture that’ll scare a lot of people off. But Calvin Klein is running a site wide 40% off sale, which means these drop to $84.00. And that’s a fair price. Here’s why:
The leather uppers feel like they’re barely leather. The vamp wrinkles quickly and the chances of a good long life can’t be too promising. But for now they feel good and sturdy, they’re quite comfortable, and the uniform stamped pattern looks better in person than on a computer screen. Slicked up dress shoes they ain’t, but you can wear them plenty of different ways. For example…
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1. With Seersucker: Suit by Bonobos, Shirt by Calvin Klein, Tie by Alfani RED
Hey now, didn’t that suit just… It did. Bucks are what most guys go with when they put on seersucker. But these, with their contrast sole and textured upper (kinda like the bucks), are a nice change of pace. Without being a totally weird change of pace. Provides a slightly slimmer profile than most bucks too.
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2. With bright pants: Pants by Bonobos, Sweater by BR, Shirt by GAP, watch by SEIKO
Not everybody loves green pants (or even tolerates them), but a lot of guys are wearing chinos other than standard khaki this year. The Carter runs parallel and plays nicely with the off the wall look, but since there can be too much of a good thing, keep your torso picks toned down.
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3. With Jeans: Blazer by Banana Republic, Shirt by GAP, jeans by Levis
These seem to have been made for jeans and an almost weightless cotton blazer. They work just fine now with a lighter blazer and gingham shirt, and will transition easily in the fall to darker, heavier fabrics.
The Calvin Klein 40% off sale expires Thursday 6/23 and 11:59pm ET. These are going to be a risk for many, so know that you can return to a CK store, but shipped returns cost $8.00. Here’s the return policy.