I tend to wear conservative clothes and shoes and don't want to stray too far from that, but I was recently taken with a pair of traditional shoes that had a coloured (was it yellow?) sole. Of course, I didn't dare ask the gentleman wearing them where they were purchased.

Mr Dandy: And why not? Who wouldn't feel complimented by another guy appreciating his style? Just think, if you had asked, you might be out wearing the shoes instead of sitting at a computer asking us! Hopefully, when I tell you where to get some of your own, the attention you'll receive will force you out of your shell and teach you to chat to strangers. When anyone mentions contrast, I think of the beautifully made shoes by Mark McNairy, an American designer who makes footwear in the old British tradition. His current collection includes the navy suede and yellow sole Chick Magnet tasselled loafers (about HK$3,000 to HK$3,300; www. markmcnairy.com). I've also seen some of his cool shoes at I.T (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 0667), but you'd better call to check stock before heading there. Cole Haan has caught the drift and has some pretty funky shoes, such as the Franklin wingtip lace-ups with Nike Air 'technology' in hibiscus purple with yellow soles (HK$1,900; Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2265 8386).

Mr Dapper: Dear reader, like you, I am hesitant to approach strangers with personal questions about their attire. Such an advance could too easily be misconstrued in another category of interest. Although I will concede that said quirky footwear has its place, I must protest it is not in the office. For weekends and casual gatherings, I recommend the navy blue Oxfords with yellow rubber soles by Sergio Rossi (HK$5,070; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872). When I think of modern interpretations of the classics, Rachel Comey comes to mind. She has introduced new twists on dress shoes, including some with coloured soles (HK$3,300 to HK$5,500; Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388).