Footloose fashion if you dare to bare

There's a lot of debate in men's style magazines and blogs as to whether sandals on men are acceptable. Purists and conservatives argue that such footwear has no place in a man's wardrobe: sandals are just too gauche and unbecoming for any self-respecting gentleman.

The other camp, the modern, fashion-forward kind, begs to differ, especially since it is apparent that sandals are the anointed footwear of the season by labels from Bottega Veneta to Burberry.

Visit the shoe sections of Lane Crawford, Harvey Nichols and The Swank and you will find shelves and shelves of sandals, some with price tags that could rival the fanciest pair of wingtips from Church's. At boutiques such as Dior Homme and Hermes, men's sandals compete for display real estate with shoes.

I am all for sandals - they are a great alternative to loafers and lace-ups in hot weather. They are perfect for summer weekends, especially with linen trousers or a pair of shorts. A lot of designers have also given us ways of dressing up sandals, matching them with suits for that smart-casual vibe.

If you plan on wearing sandals this summer, there are a couple of things that you need to consider. First, get a pedicure. Say goodbye to long, dirty toenails. And while you're at it, trim any hair that grows on the knuckles.

Second, those Birkenstocks from your college years in the 90s or those horrid plastic Crocs just won't cut it.