Chucks & Jacks - How to wear them, Suit and all

Today's Post is all about Converse Shoes. Chuck Taylor & Jack Purcell Converse Shoes have been a part of the American ethos and fashion since the early 1900s. Chuck Taylors have been made since 1917 and Jack Purcells have been produced since 1935. The shoes rose to prominence in an athletic since in the 40s & 50s. The shoes have been culturally significant for a long time and are a rare fashion statement that passes through multiple generations.

In recent years, Chucks & Jacks have made a resurgence in modern fashion; a resurgence not in the sense of a comeback, since they are ubiquitous, but instead in their use as not only a casual shoe but also as a companion piece for suits. I love wearing slip on Jacks or Chucks with shorts or jeans, but I like wearing them with a suit even more. Once again this is where style has to be personal. If you don't like the look of Chucks with a suit, I am sorry for you, but just don't wear it. It personally fits my style and are shoes that I will wear with any outfit. As long as you aren't wearing Jacks into the office with a suit, anything will fly.

The pictures above are some of my favorite ways to dress up chucks, done by common folk and celebrities. I love the pictures of Pete Marovich and others playing basketball in Chuck Taylors, its really the bees knees. James Dean as always looks so laid back and natural in his style and the pair of worn in Jack Purcells add a great ease to the style.

I like them worn with a simple suit that has good clean lines. Loosen the tie a bit, un-button the top button and don't forget the pocket square. Wear a casual belt or a casual watch, but not both. Leave the socks at home for the day and enjoy that you have comfy shoes on your hogs. Its old school cool with a twist, now act like it.

Chuck Taylors or Jack Purcells - How do you roll?

Here are my favorite Chuck Taylor & Jack Purcell Converse styles. I am a big fan of the slip on Chucks & Jacks. I really dig the slip on Jacks in white with the black accents, as well as the black Jacks with white accents. They are super clean and neat looking, but with enough visual appeal to be interesting. I like Jacks more than Chucks, since they are less common, but I own both. I also like to go with interesting options (flannel gray or seersucker) staying away from the common basic model, but sometimes you just need to stay true to the original and rock it because it is the original way to roll.

Whatever your style, find a pair of Chucks or Jacks that you can make yours and wear them! Wash them or don't wash them. Wear the low tops or the high tops. Wear Chuck Taylors or Jack Purcells. But have a pair in your arsenal. You will need them at some time.