Magnificent Bastard

Thursday, December 4, 2025



Ask the MB: Black with Brown (Again)

Black pants, black shoes. Period.
Black pants, black shoes. Period.
Q: So I work in a bank now, and the attire demands shirt and tie. I'd look a little overdone in a suit. Can I wear brown dress shoes with black dress pants? (I know the policy on strictly wearing black shoes with a black suit, but since this isn't a suit...)
--Christopher

A: Christopher, rules are definitely meant to be broken, but to break this one you have to know what you're doing. It has to be just the right black pant and brown shoe combination. In other words, if you have to ask, stick to black footwear with your black pants.

POURCAST

BETA

Hot Toddy

  • 2 shots cognac (or high-quality brandy)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • hot water to taste

Put this all in a warmed glass and stir until the honey dissolves. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

In-Depth Hot Toddy Coverage:

The Clear and Present Danger of the Holidays

×

Currently in
Minneapolis, Minnesota

0° Clear/Sunny

Hot Toddy

Enter any city on earth & start cocktailing. (Zip codes work, too.)

Feedback? editor@magnificentbastard.com


recent posts

ask mb

Got a style question? We're all ears. And antlers. Ask away.

tip mb

If you know about something you think we should know about, let us know (so we can pretend we knew about it all along). Send a tip.

features

channels