Friday Fashionista -- Flip Flops

A weekly column by my pal MattyDale. No, this column, titled "Flip Flops" is not about Mitt Romney. It's about feet apparel. And not to step on MattyDale's message (get it), that, at left, is what I'm wearing on my feet in my office today.

Let me just begin by saying that today’s edition of Friday Fashionista may seem like a rant, I assure it is not. It is merely suggestion based on what is fashionable and what has become acceptable.

I recall back to the late 70’s and early 80’s when I was growing up in rural Pennsylvania and flips were fairly popular. Perhaps it is me, but the trend at that time did not seem to have the wide spread appeal that flips of this day and age enjoy. Regardless, they were less than casual, rarely comfortable items back then. Today, they have been updated for any budget in a wide array of styles and materials. No matter what you wrap it up in, it’s still the same old flip – a piece of attire that is not quite a shoe that is best when reserved for public showers, the pool, the beach, or casual wear around the house (or if you are in DCDD, Band Camp).

The fact of the matter is that everyone is wearing flips all over the place for occasions they are not suitable for, let alone practical. In the city, where streets are dirty and feet take a beating, it never ceases to amaze me how many people wear these to work. From the angle of fashion, it must be said that Flip Flips are not the way to finish off all the other great things you did from the ankle on up.

What to wear – there ARE comfortable alternatives to the summer shoe dilemma that men face. A comfortable slip on or loafer, a pair of Keen Hybrid sandals (these things are even machine washable and come in a variety of colors and materials for different budgets), the more hip and modern alternatives to sneakers by Diesel and Puma and Le Coq Sportif, or the old standby – the Converse. These suggestions fit a variety of styles and budgets.

The key thing that I want to reiterate is that comfort need not be a sacrifice to fashion. You can look good, be casual, be comfortable, and not sport a Flip Flop.