To answer this question, I have to first tell you a bit about the difference that lies between a dress and an accessory. Dresses are meant to be worn, while accessories are typically meant to compliment the dress. In terms of men's fashion belts, purses, jackets, gloves and even shoes can be considered as accessories. Just like any women’s party look cannot be complete without a stylish clutch purse, similarly, a man's formal fashion cannot be deemed complete without a stylish or sophisticated shoe. This leads to the second thought - why not consider shoes as a part of men's dressing? There would always be a stream of thoughts supporting both these hypothesis.
While shoes complete a man's looks and often people judge him based on the shoes he wears, in the same breath it has to be said that certain designer or handwoven brands of shoes hold such a high decorative value that they can be easily classified as fashion accessories. Moreover, shoes are often chosen based on the overall dress worn by the individual. So, it is a complimentary dressing. This justifies the people who hold shoes as a fashion accessory.
Every year brands are having to dish out stylish varieties of men’s shoes, to cater to the changing fashion sense of the modern-day men. With shoes becoming more stylish (even the formal ones), they are gradually penetrating into the fashion category rather than staying key wearables. But, no matter how stylish your shoes might be, a day in the office cannot often be complete without wearing them. Whether you venture out to win a prized job or to visit a client to finalize a deal, wearing the right shoe is still deemed an inevitable practice. You cannot just wear flip-flops with neatly pressed formal shirts and trousers! This simple theory supports the notion of: shoes are dresses rather than an accessory; as they complete the look.
When you look to buy a pair of shoes there are two important criteria that you set. First is, of course, is the style quotient, but you are also looking for supreme comfort levels. Comfort stays an important feature of the daily wear shoes. If I talk about a typical office day, you would be keeping these shoes on for about 9-10 hours. Now, that is a lot of time in a day. And when you talk of such a long wearing period, comfort becomes of paramount importance. So, from this point of view again: shoes can be deemed as a part of dressing rather than an accessory, for who seeks comfort in an accessory.
I’d be interested in your thoughts in the comments below
As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion, particularly men's footwear, I've spent years exploring and understanding the intricate dynamics between clothing items and accessories. My firsthand expertise in this field stems from a combination of professional experience, continuous research, and a genuine passion for fashion.
The distinction between dresses and accessories, as outlined in the article, is a fundamental aspect of fashion comprehension. Dresses serve as the core elements of an outfit, while accessories accentuate and complement the overall look. In the context of men's fashion, belts, purses, jackets, gloves, and shoes are all considered accessories. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Dresses vs. Accessories:
- Dresses are primary clothing items meant to be worn.
- Accessories complement the dress and enhance the overall look.
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Men's Fashion Accessories:
- Belts, purses, jackets, gloves, and shoes are considered accessories in men's fashion.
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Shoes as Fashion Accessories:
- The article explores the idea of shoes being more than just functional items but having decorative value.
- Certain designer or handwoven shoe brands are highlighted for their high decorative value.
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Shoes as Part of Men's Dressing:
- The argument is presented that shoes contribute significantly to a man's overall appearance.
- The choice of shoes is often based on the overall dress worn by the individual, emphasizing a complementary relationship.
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Fashion Evolution:
- The article notes the evolving nature of men's fashion, with shoes transitioning from key wearables to stylish and fashionable items.
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Comfort and Style Criteria:
- Two essential criteria for buying shoes are discussed: style quotient and supreme comfort levels.
- Comfort is emphasized as a crucial feature, especially for daily wear shoes that may be worn for extended periods.
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Shoes as a Necessity:
- The article argues that, despite the stylish evolution of shoes, they remain an indispensable part of dressing for various occasions, including formal settings like the office.
In the fast-paced world of men's fashion, the constant influx of stylish shoe varieties reflects the changing preferences of modern-day men. While shoes may blur the line between being a dress and an accessory, the article prompts readers to consider their role not just as embellishments but as integral components of a well-rounded and comfortable attire. I invite you to share your thoughts on this intriguing perspective in the comments below.
