Season’s greetings! And, as all Wisconsinites know, there’s more to the holidays than just snow, sniffles, and stress.
That’s right — empty wallets, too! Who doesn’t enjoy being bundled up with a luxurious cashmere scarf and topcoat? If we lived in Hawaii we would never be able to enjoy such a thing. We are sooo lucky!
Here’s the latest question: It’s almost winter now. Does that mean I have to wear brown or gray cords and sturdy shoes?
Answer: The quick answer is no, and yes if you are as intelligent as people think you are. Let me break it down for you. Brown and gray corduroys are only one of many options to keep your backside warm this season.
I would recommend that you wear your cords to a casual holiday party at a friend’s house, a casual dining experience, church or temple, etc. But there are alternatives, and they don’t include sweat pants, snow pants, or the like. Cashmere, or flannel slacks and skirts make up very nicely and do a great job at keeping you cozy through the winter.
If you want to go the inexpensive route, just use your everyday dress slacks with a nice cashmere sport coat in black, navy, or vicuna (Carmel) with a mock turtle-neck, polo, V-neck, or crew-style sweater underneath. For those of you who don’t have an option of wearing a sport coat and can only wear a suit, stick to the darker colors, which means NO tan suits allowed at the FrostiBall this year.
In regards to the shoes, gentlemen you have two options. Option one is to wear “rubbers” (Insert joke here). Anyways, “rubbers” are worn over your leather-soled shoes to protect them from the harsh elements that our Wisconsin winters dish out. If you do choose this option, be sure to keep a separate pair of rubbers for each color pair of shoes you own. Heed my warning or you may notice some dye transfer.
Option two is to purchase a pair or two of inexpensive “Winter Beater” rubber-soled shoes. These are great because they keep your feet warmer, dryer, offer improved traction, and if they do get ruined you can easily toss them once the spring arrives.
As for the ladies in the audience, I might suggest you ditch the high heels and stick to a rubber-bottomed loafer, even though they may not be as stylish. If you have to wear heels you may want to stick to a kitten heel so you are a bit closer to the ground just in case ice and gravity are out to get you.
Form or function — the choice is yours.
— Bram directs sartorial splendor by appointment at your home or office or at his Madison office. Call 608-712-6499 or visit http://ilsuitu.myplaxo.com or http://www.linkedin.com/pub/1/bab/5b.
E-mail your fashion questions to info@wisbusiness.com
