&#91Style Guide&#93Relax! Slip-on shoes can ease angst of summer

Men often are clueless when it comes to buying casual shoes.
It is, admittedly, difficult to choose the perfect loafers to match a perfect pair of cotton khakis. Casual dressing unmasks mens’ personalities and sensibilities. Shoes epitomize the very sense of style in men.
The spectrum ranges from flip flops to designer sneakers, sandals, deerskin oxfords and penny loafers. But which one is right for this year’s look?
To go with this summer’s relaxed fashion themes, designers have found inspiration in driving and deck shoes.
These flat, flexible, comfortable shoes, which were made originally for driving or boating, have a modern minimalist look. Except for the stitching, there are no design details.
Loafers look leaner and simpler. There are no stacked heels. They’re made of soft leather or suede in a range of pale colors, in off-white, light blue, beige and camel.
It’s their light, smooth, nostalgic shape that matters; think of them as the male version of ballerina shoes.
They look great with the clothes coming from both American and European design houses.
The summer collection by Calvin Klein emphasizes a relaxed, yet sophisticated, look that accentuates practicality. Pants are in neutral colors and generously proportioned. Jackets are light colored with wide shoulders, and are loose-fitting and comfortable.
Hugo Boss’s shirts are made of finely woven handkerchief cotton that looks rugged when lightly wrinkled. The classic white and pinstriped shirts can be worn with casual or dress wear, anything from cargo pants to a sports jacket. How comfortable can you get?
Italian designers Ermenegildo Zegna and Salvatore Ferragamo emphasize white or cream-colored hybrid shirt-jackets. The lightweight jackets, which are constructed without a lining, are worn like a shirt or an informal jacket. There also is a shirt with constructed shoulders, and flap pockets or zippers, which can function as an informal jacket in the summer.
While these sporty, casual designs work well with driving and deck shoes, it’s also possible to combine them with a trendy pair of sneakers.
The sales manager at Riccio, a local company that imports shoes from Italy, says designer sneakers are popular among fashion-conscious men. Riccio sells high-style men’s sneakers for less than 260,000 won (about $215) at its outlet in the Galleria department store in southern Seoul.

by Ines Cho