Magnificent Bastard

Friday, January 23, 2026



Ask the MB -- Black Shoes & Brown Pants

Ask the MB -- Black Shoes & Brown Pants
Q: What's the rule for wearing black shoes and brown/tan pants together? The easy rule is that you never do it. But I've seen the combo out and about before. Is this kosher? Under what circumstances?
—James

A: James, great question. It's a tough one because there is no hard-and-fast rule. It requires "feel" and feel can be hard to cultivate. What style are the pants? Is there a pattern? What are they made of? These things play a role. We're going to do our best to give an answer by providing you with the following chart as a rough guide:

magnificent brown pants/black shoe guide

POURCAST

BETA

Polar Vortex

  • 3 oz American rye whiskey
  • 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica)
  • 1/8 ounce Fernet Branca
  • 2 dashes Regans' Orange Bitters
  • 1/8 ounce yellow Chartreuse

Shake the whiskey, vermouth, Fernet Branca, and orange bitters. Swirl the yellow Chartreuse in a chilled martini glass and slowly pour in the arctic cold cocktail. Finish with an orange peel.

In-Depth Polar Vortex Coverage:

MB Pourcast: Polar Vortex Cocktails for Everyone

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