You can tell if someone cares about how they dress by their shoes, it tells you where they want to go. You don’t have to have a huge shoe collection to dress well, but having these key styles will ensure you are ready for any situation.
Formal oxford
A closed laced shoe which is considered more formal than other shoes with open lacing is the oxford. Characteristically the upper of the oxford is made from a single piece of leather with a single seam only at the back of the shoe.
These are a classic style that every man should own (preferably in black) The style is elegant, with a refined sleek profile and compliments a dark tailored suit.
With their conservative and formal silhouette they are perfect for formal events such as weddings and funerals as well as with your business suit in the board meetings.
Casual Derby
The Derby is a shoes which can much more easily switched between formal and casual styles, one of its characteristics is it’s open lacing. With its sleek design of minimal construction and functionality evolved from the original Derby shoes which were designed for country pursuits and became popular in the 1850’s.
The more casual Derby designs sometimes feature rubber soles which are perfect for wet weather in the city.
Trainers
The perfect casual shoes that is also a great statement piece. Even if you aren’t a trainer enthusiast its always worth having one pair in your collection for all casual occasions (pub, dinner and weekends)
If you are new to trainers it might be worth looking at a leather pair which is a natural progression on from your leather shoes, try a black or white pair as they are an easy colour to match to your outfits.
Loafers
The versatile pair of a shoe collection is hands down the loafer. You can wear it with a suit to the office, with jeans, chinos and shorts for casual occasions and weekends.
The have really come back into style in the last couple of years but they have had a long history in gentleman’s wardrobes. With a wide variety of style including penny, tassel and horse bite buckle you can find a style that you love.
Brogues
The brogue is a style of low-heeled shoe or boot traditionally characterised by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations.
The perforations were originally designed to drain water from the shoes as the men wearing them trekked across the Scottish highlands. The brogues have evolved since then but the detailed punching is still a timeless characteristic. The brogues is another shoe that can be worn formal or casual depending on what you style them with.
