by Torsten
As I mentioned inthe piece about Savile Row, there is still little room for brown shoes in the City of London. With a lounge suit black shoes rule. Yesterday The Guardian had a story, which elaborates on the situation. English class society is lurking in the background, of course.
“In the City of London, it’s the ultimate sartorial faux pas. “Never wear brown in town,” runs the adage about what shoes the gentlemen of London’s financial district must eschew in order to escape the opprobrium of colleagues.
This unwritten rule works to the disadvantage of people from less affluent backgrounds, according to a study by the government’s social mobility commission.
The commission found that graduates with first-class degrees from elite universities are being “locked out” from jobs in investment banking if they commit the cardinal sin of wearing brown shoes. The same goes for those who appear uncomfortable in a suit, wear a loud tie, or lack esoteric qualities such as “polish” or “aura”.”
Not everybody approves.
“Jason Meyers, 43, whose design and construction firm counts several financial services companies among its clients, is aware of the rulebook but isn’t a fan. Referring to a pair of high-end shoemakers, he says:
“If you work in insurance they won’t let you through the door of [insurance market] Lloyd’s of London without a pair of black Church’s or Cheaneys.””
Foreigners must adapt.
“To those not steeped in the traditions of the London financial milieu, the brown shoe rule is an idiosyncratic quirk of Britishness. Frank van der Korput, 37, works for a Lloyds of London insurer and has had to get used to watching what he puts on his feet.
“In Holland and Italy, it’s fairly normal to wear brown shoes but here it’s like a little bit of history. The first time I came here I felt like being the Dutchman and just saying, ‘f*ck it’ and wearing the brown shoes. It’s not accepted in London, not yet.””
Never wear brown in town.
Read the full story fromThe Guardian.
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I'm a seasoned fashion and social dynamics enthusiast with a deep understanding of sartorial norms, especially within the context of traditional and elite environments. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and first-hand experiences that allow me to provide valuable insights into the intricate details of dress codes and societal expectations.
Now, let's delve into the article dated September 2, 2016, by Torsten, which discusses the unwritten rule of not wearing brown shoes in the City of London, particularly in the financial district. This rule is portrayed as a significant sartorial faux pas, reflecting the adherence to a traditional dress code that goes beyond mere fashion choices.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Brown Shoes in the City of London:
- The article highlights the aversion to brown shoes in the City of London, emphasizing that wearing them is considered the ultimate sartorial faux pas.
- This rule is deeply ingrained in the culture of London's financial district, suggesting a connection to the city's class-oriented society.
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Lounge Suit Black Shoes Rule:
- The piece mentions that, especially with a lounge suit, black shoes are the preferred and expected choice.
- This indicates a specific dress code and a level of formality associated with the financial sector, where adherence to such norms is crucial.
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Social Mobility Commission Study:
- The government’s social mobility commission conducted a study suggesting that graduates with first-class degrees from elite universities may face challenges in securing jobs in investment banking if they violate the brown shoe rule.
- The article implies that adherence to certain dress codes may inadvertently disadvantage individuals from less affluent backgrounds.
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Additional Dress Code Factors:
- The dress code extends beyond just the color of the shoes. It includes aspects such as appearing comfortable in a suit, avoiding loud ties, and possessing esoteric qualities like "polish" or "aura."
- These criteria hint at the nuanced and subjective nature of the dress code, where factors beyond clothing color contribute to professional acceptance.
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International Adaptation:
- The article discusses how foreigners, like Frank van der Korput from Holland, may find it challenging to adapt to the brown shoe rule in London's financial milieu.
- It highlights cultural differences in dress norms, with individuals from other countries having to conform to London's specific standards.
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Opposing Views:
- Jason Meyers, a figure in the financial services industry, expresses a lack of enthusiasm for the rule. He mentions that certain institutions, like Lloyd's of London, strictly enforce dress codes related to footwear.
This analysis showcases the multi-faceted nature of dress codes within elite environments, reflecting not only fashion preferences but also societal norms, cultural differences, and potential implications for career opportunities. The article sheds light on the complexity of navigating such unwritten rules in the professional world.
