Dapper Chap

So last week I got to talking with a fashionable friend of my other half about male fashion and the fact that I really know too little about it. He volunteered some information and we got to brainstorming which has led to a new column on my blog titled Dapper Chap.

"I still have my feet on the ground. I just wear better shoes"

1996. I'm opening the door on my way out to school. As I bounce out the door full of anticipation of what today could bring my mum pulls me back to reality grabbing me by the shoulders. Her x ray eyes examine my carefully composed outfit. She looks at me and utters the words "Good hair, good teeth and good shoes and you'll always stand out". I laugh, embarrassingly. I can't work out a witty response as most 14 year olds would. I try and shrug my shoulders, ignore what she said and carry on bouncing through my day. But somehow I can't. Thirteen years later, the message rings true. It's probably the most resounding thing my mum has ever said to me.

I'll be honest. The subject of good shoes in this day and age has always fascinated me. I guess I'm hearing too much.. brogues are in, DM's are out and deck shoes never went anywhere (By the way, if you're wearing plimsolls, now’s the time to get rid) Says GQ. Too many opinions, far more contradictions. Confused? I mean if Rick Edwards and Nick Grimshaw wear plimsolls at 7am on a weekday then who am I to judge?!! I mean it's gotta be cool..right? I prefer not to be coerced by the status quo. Let me wear what I want! I now have wet socks.

Interestingly, when asking my girlfriend what was the first thing that would attract her to a guy, she replied 'decent footwear by a mile'

'What? Not the good looks, that vintage t shirt, The Italian PERFUMERIE?!''

"Footwear. If the guy doesn't have decent footwear, he's not worth it"

Ouch.

So if a guy has 'decent' footwear, he's worth a shot?! irrespective of looks, charm and sartorial elegance??!"

"Yep"

The worst part is, it seems she may be right.

Statistics prove that 56% of women from 21-29 see good footwear as an instant turn on. But fear not - after extensive research, I have pleasure in revealing what not only looks good this season, but more importantly blends in with your everyday attire.

Firstly, with the autumn months in full flow, it's best to have footwear that isn't bright and colourful. No, I’m not being miserable, I do believe footwear should almost become reflective of the season - autumn brings out many shades of orange, ochre, browns, greys and black so your footwear should really reflect that as it's a lot more natural. You'll be able to react with whatever jean or jumper you may be wearing. A dark brown pair of boots will really set an outfit off well, instead of a green pair of trainers.

Secondly, this might also sound obvious but your colour choice of footwear will reinforce the whole look you're going for. In short, don’t wear yellow unless you're dressing up as a lemon.

Thirdly, good sturdy autumn boots don’t have to be expensive, but I’m increasingly finding out that the more you spend the wiser your investment. Good boots should last you years, so the next time to open your mouth at a pair of £150 Poste boots (My favourite brand at the moment) you should

a) take a moment to consider the long term gain
b) remember that boots can be utilized better than trainers (fact)
c) Close your mouth, I mean really.

Poste boots are a perfect place to start for autumn footwear. Admittedly the prices aren’t cheap but the quality speaks for itself. Incredible attention to detail and super stylish tailoring that compliments those skinny jeans as well. Apparently, the purveyor of style, Jude Law fully endorses the brand. Enough said. This is my personal fave;

Amazing suede colour and compared with boots from Dior Homme for £300 plus, it’s a very good price indeed. Tip: Always good to do an online hunt for Poste boots. Ordinarily, these are £120 but ebay might be selling them far less.

But lets not get too carried away. In these recessionary times, 120 notes can get you a fair bob.. Hudson are now showing a great range of boots and shoes at Topman as well as the army surplus stores (A £35 pair of black army boots and magnums will last a lot longer than a pair of £250 boots from all saints.. )

Then there are these more casual A/W shoes.

Available on the Gram store, these are perfect for seeing you through those chilly winter months.

So, the proof's in the pudding; good shoes and boots will make you stand out. In fact lads, we're spoilt for choice. With so much to choose from like Hudson, Reiss, Deks, Gram and our own army, it's little wonder that many of us are ditching the converse et al for the more mature, sophisticated boot.

"you're not nineteen forever" sang The Courteeners. Too right.
Now, quick march!

Dapper Chap is a 26 year old actor with a keen eye for a bargain buy, otherwise known as Simon. Often be found bouncing up and down to a nostalgic hit from the 90’s at somewhere suitably indie, he also loves Hitch (apparently WIll Smith is a genius) and swears by Barbour Jackets (trendy but practical, whats not to love?).

His hometown is South East London as it’s “incredibly creative without being incredibly pretentious” and when he’s not acting, dancing or sniffing out his latest investment buy he can often be found chowing down in his local pie and mash shop.