Romanticized by F Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, the Hamptons have long been synonymous with elegance, style, sophistication and fashion.
Parties in the Hamptons aren’t much different than in Jay Gatsby’s day. They’re all about who’s there and what they’re wearing. And gentlemen are no exception.
In the Hamptons, “Clothes make the man”, starting with his shoes. The chic, casually elegant of The Hamptons and East End Long Island require that every gentleman’s wardrobe contain stylish footwear for a variety of social occasions where everybody is watching what you wear.
Whether you’re at a lavish gala, an oceanside cocktail party, shopping, dining out, at the beach, or merely enjoying an evening at home with friends, you always have to put your best foot forward. Here are 5 pairs of shoes every man visiting the Hamptons should plan to wear:
Gucci Loafers – A Timeless Fashion Statement
The traditional Gucci loafer with it’s signature horse bit buckle is an essential part of any gentleman’s resort wardrobe. Especially in the Hamptons where sophistication and style mean everything.
Aside from it’s timeless elegance, the Gucci loafer is one of the most versatile shoes you can pack. It’s perfect to wear with jeans and a Ralph Lauren polo shirt at lunch in a waterfront cafe in Sag Harbor … or a casually elegant resort ensemble shopping at a chic boutique in South Hampton …. or with an Armani blazer at a neighbor’s cocktail party down the beach.
Versatility, practicality and style make Gucci loafers one fashion item that must be packed for any stay in the Hamptons.
Prada Sandals – The Hallmark of A Hampton Man
A man wearing Prada sandals exudes confidence, sophistication and success … the Hallmarks of the Hampton man. Ideal for wearing white linen pants and shirt or a Tommy Bahama Ralph silk tropical shirt and shorts, Prada is the ideal sandal for enjoying the carefree Hamptons lifestyle.
Deck Shoes – Landlubbers Can Look Like Yachtsmen
Every gentleman visiting the Hamptons wants to look like they just stepped off a yacht … even if the mere thought a cruise around the bay makes them sea sick. A pair of traditional brown deck shoes or top-siders by a top boating shoe manufacturer like Sperry or Sebago are rugged, waterproof and always in vogue in the Hamptons. Avoid colors like red salt washed, blue and green that show you’re a landlubber and sea-faring wannabe. Deck shoes are the perfect shoes to wear just about anywhere… with just about any casual ensemble, day or evening.
Ralph Lauren Obrian Calf Shoe – Lord Of The Manor Elegance
With double brass buckles and luxurious natural calfskin, this equestrian style shoe makes you look like and feel the part of a squire … even if you’ve never been on a horse and your idea of being in the country is a stroll in Central Park. Ralph Lauren’s distinctive country squire design adds a patina of masculinity to any spring, summer and fall wardrobe. Not only are these shoes the epitome of style, they’re extremely comfortable and cost a mere $1200.
Armani Beach Thongs – Walking The Walk Everywhere
Cosmopolitan and chic, these black and white, Italian made thongs ideally complement European designer swim suits and cabana sets. Their casual elegance makes them ideal for the beach and casual parties. At only about $100, they’re worth every penny, because they double as slippers and knock around at home shoes. Even in relaxing around your Hampton home, you always need to put your best foot forward, because you never know just who may drop by to say hi.
Footwear in a fundamental part of dressing for social success in the Hamptons. Shoes, sandals and even flip-flops make the mab. Packing these 5 basic shoes will assure you make the right fashion statement and are “fashionably fit” for the Hampton Lifestyle … and all the fun that goes with it.
