Gray and Black with Bordeaux in the Middle

This blog writing stuff is not always easy. Though the modest successes are visible, the failures usually remain out of sight behind the scenes. And what can the sight of bordeaux hose clad calves be construed as but failure?

Indeed, those calves were intended to play a part in the re-enactment, if such it could be called, of a simple shoes and socks installment illustrating how gray trousers and black shoes are complemented by hose which do not attempt to match the trousers in question. But the requisite photography did not work out, leaving little to choose from in the way of illustration.

Now, if we can turn our thoughts from those disturbing calves for a moment, bordeaux or maroon are in my opinion perhaps the best mis-matched hose to wear with gray trousers, followed closely by bottle green (forget the darker shades of blue, which are not terribly compatible with black in the first place). And if one is to break the recommendation of clothing writers everywhere that one's socks should match one's trousers, said mis-matched color should be just that. Keep it complementary to but different from everything above the waist lest the whole look appear too contrived.

How can that be, you might ask? Well, that gray suit could be worn with a pink shirt and a charcoal necktie in which case bordeaux hose might be just the ticket. Or replace the pink shirt with tan and choose bottle green socks instead.

Only be sure to get fully dressed before someone starts snapping photos of your calves.