I have to work in the Big City every now and again (that’s London for our international readers – yes Chuck in Arizona, I mean you). This involves donning an elegant pinstripe suit, cutaway collars, a colourful yet understated tie, and freshly polished shoes. I like to make an effort.

So if I can. Then so can the rest of you.

I am getting sick and tired of seeing people wearing a nice suit and letting themselves down by finishing the look with a pair of tatty trainers (that’s sneakers to you Chuck). Frankly, it looks ridiculous. I’m sure there must be what seems like a very good reason for this, but it’s not like you’re jogging to this office is it?

I assume it’s some sort of fashion statement – and it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been a little behind the curve when it comes to sartorial elegance – but it just doesn’t look…right.

If someone is wearing a pinstripe suite, whether it’s a man or a woman, and the outfit is completed with a pair of faded Nikes, then the entire ensemble reeks of ‘tramp’. And not the good, morally-loose female kind. I mean the piss-stinking, sleeping-in-a-doorway kind. It’s almost like you’re wearing it because it’s the only outfit left in the charity shop.

A pinstripe equals formal. Trainers equal Sport. Simple. Posh and Sporty do not work well together, just look at the Spice Girls.

So, if you’re wearing a nice suit to the office today, promise me you’ve left the trainers at home.

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