Dear Salma,
I’m not a fan of briefcases and would rather carry something more practical around. What bags would be appropriate for men at the workplace?
Salma says: As long as it is large and made of rugged materials, i.e. Canvas, leather or suede, you are safe from being exposed to the dreaded term “man purse”. Go for neutral tones for a professional and easy approach, and try to avoid prints unless they are of the brand’s basic monogram. But always keep it classy and subtle with the logos. We are not a walking advertisement for any fashion house.
With regards to the practicality factor, I would definitely recommend the old school messenger bags. They are comfortable to carry, leaving your hands free and the weight anchored firmly on your shoulder. Messenger bags are timeless, effortless and simply cool, especially if you get your hands on a vintage version of one.
Socks or no socks with a pair of Tod’s?
Salma says: This really applies to any brand of loafers out there: Going sockless is the only way to do it.
However, since it gets quite humid in our beautiful city and summer is just knocking on our door, this idea might seem unsanitary to some. True, socks help absorb moisture, but so does powder. I would advise wearing socks for casual business dress. Just make sure you get the lowest ankle pair that you can find in the market. That way, you can maintain the effortless slip on look that the loafers are intended for.
I can never work out whether black and brown go well together as a combination in one look. Is it cool or crass?
Salma says: Black and brown are classic hues that have developed a stigma of being a fashion faux pas when combined. I am not certain where this “rule” originated from , but in the spirit of fashion risk taking, I would say dismiss that dated fashion rule and go for it. There is no peril in placing them together; they are both neutral shades after all.
Celebrities and catwalks parade this neutral duo in many circumstances, and I happen to know that it’s Ralph Lauren’s personal favourite color combination. So yes, it is certainly a style statement that worth trying and I would opt for cool over crass.
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