Holiday fashion tips

Johnny’s Issues

As Grimes County’s Best Dressed Businessman for two years running, and with the holiday season already upon us, I feel compelled to share with you some simple fashion tips and ideas.

First, let me revive the 1980s adage that it’s better to look good than to feel good. There is nothing wrong with being the best-dressed person at your family gathering. Surprise your relatives by dressing up a little bit. Sure, you may take some heat for wearing something other than your usual shorts and a tee. But by paying attention to your appearance, you show respect not only to your hosts, but also to your fellow guests. Not to mention, think of all the family photos taken during the holidays. These are the kinds of pictures that can live in infamy within the family albums for generations. Wouldn’t you rather be memorialized in your family’s history dressing more high society and less duck dynasty?

So, let’s get to it. First, keep it clean. No matter what you wear, make sure it is clean and wrinkle-free. Yes, that may mean doing a little ironing, and, yes, that applies to jeans too. So, get on it.

As for shoes, shine them. The whole process will take five minutes and, in terms of your overall appearance, can make a world of difference. It’s like brushing the teeth of your whole outfit. I can’t stress enough the importance of this one item.

Next, match your belt with your shoes. Do I really have to say this? While it may seem basic, it is important. Wear brown with brown; black with black. If you are wearing sneakers or sandals, sorry but you are on your own, dude.

Selecting what shoes to wear with what outfit can be tricky. (Note: skip this paragraph if you are wearing cowboy boots.) It seems the trend lately is that wearing brown shoes are somewhat universal. They are worn with pants of just about every color under the sun except for black. I am still not sure about wearing brown shoes with blue suits, but nevertheless...

Mixing brown and black? Sure, why not. If done right, it can look pretty good. And please don’t underestimate the importance of a good shave, the use of a comb and an overall stepping-up of your hygiene. We will all appreciate the effort.

These are just some basic fashion-sense ideas. There is definitely more to it but, bottom line, if you do half the things listed here, chances are you’ll look mah-velous. And I’m not just saying that.

Johnny McNally is Grimes County’s Best Dressed Businessman advocating for Grimes County.