Dress Code

A good pair of black shoes. They'll get you out of more trouble than a thousand card tricks. You want to know the first thing a client will look at? Your tie and your shoes. These days, you don't have to wear a tie, go open necked, but until the day the air scrams out of you, you'll need a good pair of shoes. English made. A shoemaker, find a shoemaker. Watch him turn them out of leather. Bang nails into the heel. Think of his handiwork as you sink into them. Tie firm knots. Wear them securely. Polish them thoroughly before each show, until you can see yourself in them; and reflect. A good pair of shoes will last longer than your material. By the time you've finished with them you'll have a new set. But wear the same suit. Wear nothing but the same suits. In two or three colours. A good cut. A strong cut. Get a look. Have a look. Three looks. Looks that match ties and match shirts. Find a shirtmaker. Request French cuffs. Cuffs that need adjusting. And for God's sake learn a crisp knot. No less than a full Windsor. Learn to tie it in the dark, on the tube, in the hail and storming rain learn to tie it. Your cuffs and tie; it's good to have something to adjust. But if you can't manage all that, a good pair of black shoes. They'll get you out of trouble.