Recently, I was watching a VH-1 special on Michael Jackson, and I noticed something that only Mike should do. As a matter of fact, maybe he shouldn’t either. White socks with dress shoes and dark pants - a fashion disaster! This brought to mind the sighting of several men in today’s society, that for whatever reason, think following in MJ’s footsteps (at least fashion wise) is acceptable. Let me go on record as saying in the words of Angree Brother. “If I see you in that, I’m gon have to smack you.”

Gentlemen, today’s tidbit on style states: Please match your socks with your attire.

Below you will find a few helpful hints on a piece of you wardrobe you are overlooking.

1. When wearing formal attire please wear black socks; no other color. If you are truly a stylish man, you can add color to your attire by wearing black socks with accenting colors of your date’s dress or accents in your bow tie and cummerbund.

2. If you are a brother confused with what color socks are appropriate, remember this rule: “Gym socks go with gym shoes.”

3. Now for the real deal. You should make sure one of your most essential accessories becomes a signature of your style.

• Make it easy on yourself. Socks should match your pants. Not hard at all.
• Socks can match the color of the shoe you are wearing. Not hard at all.
• Tidbit extra: your belt should match your shoe color.

Now I am going to give a lil’ something to you fellas out there that think you are fly. If you really want to take your style up a notch, use socks as a style piece that people know you by or that gives that last bit of flair to an already nice outfit. I personally like to make sure that my socks match my shirt when wearing khaki’s or slacks (at least most of the time; sometimes even I go “Plain Jane”). Also, when I am suited-up, I usually look for subtle colors, either in the shirt or tie that I am wearing, and play the socks off those tones. Just remember that this is daring, and if you are not bold and confident with yours, you will look like an idiot. And since that is the case more often than not, most of you will just need to remember rules 1-3.

Gentlemen, step up to that plate and get in touch with your sense of fashion. MJ may be the “King of Pop,” but he should certainly not be one of your fashion icons!

Remember the white glove??? You know you had or wanted one! DON’T FRONT!!!

** Have a question or comment for Shortnizm? You may e-mail her at highergroundonline@highergroundonline.com**