Shoes can make or break the best assembled ensemble. Scuffed, turned (worn) heels or soles with holes are fashion killers. On the other hand, a nice pair of polished, well-heeled and soled shoes can even make a pair of jeans look great. Shoes are also one of the main things that women notice on men. So knowing that alone should encourage the notion to be well shod.  Patterned colorful hosiery is all the rage now—some subtle, some downright outrageous. Both are cool but a sense of style is what’s needed to pull them off with the best intentions.– Hank Battie, Cravat's in Burns Court.

Chocolate Suede Tassel Loafer from Peter Millar Collection, $495, The Met, 35 Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota

CHOCOLATE SUEDE TASSEL LOAFER FROM PETER MILLAR COLLECTION, $495, THE MET, 35 BOULEVARD OF THE PRESIDENTS, SARASOTA

TIP 1  Buy timeless quality. Every man should have at least one pair of quality black shoes and one pair of quality brown shoes (preferably a loafer). So many great cloths are ruined by an old, cheap, clunky shoe. Footwear is not a place to be a fashion victim either. Understated is always better.  TIP 2  Take care of them. Shoes should always look polished. You get your car detailed, right?  TIP 3  You’re in Florida; try the sockless look for casual. Please, for the sake of those around you, invest in “ghost socks.” They protect the shoe, eliminate foot odor, and don’t show. The Met has them. – Geoffrey Michel, The Met on St Armands.

Hand-Burnished English Calfskin Ryder from Ron White, $275, Reason Shoes, 20 N. Lemon Avenue, Sarasota.

HAND-BURNISHED ENGLISH CALFSKIN RYDER FROM RON WHITE, $275, REASON SHOES, 20 N. LEMON AVENUE, SARASOTA.

 

Italian-made Calfskin Low-Cut Boot from Ghost, $585, Eleganza Leather, 1477 Main Street, Sarasota.

ITALIAN-MADE CALFSKIN LOW-CUT BOOT FROM GHOST, $585, ELEGANZA LEATHER, 1477 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA.

Home Page Thumbnail:  Hugh Green-Washed Wing Tip Boot from Bed|Stu Cobbler Series, $230, Black Bird Lifestyle, 1540 Main Street, Sarasota.