Shoes play an essential role in every outfit. After all, the right footwear can quickly make or break your look. So, if you want to appear stylish, it’s important to have the right shoes on hand to complete and complement your every ensemble. Luckily, we can point you and your feet in the right direction. From running errands to attending a formal gala, we’ve narrowed down a selection of footwear that will fashionably see you through every occasion.
Brogue
Like so many types of dress shoes, the brogue was conceived as a far more utilitarian shoe than the way we wear them today. The holes and perforations in brogues were originally there to help drain water after crossing bogs and swamps in muddy Ireland (the originator of the Brogue).
Opt for dark brown brogues for formal occasions and lighter brogues for casual days. Black brogues work best with a suit but don’t get carried away and wear them to a black tie event.
Suede Chukka
Chukkas have surged back in popularity over recent years, having first become popular in the ‘40s. The shoe is a minimal, round-toe, ankle-high boot with just two or three lacing eyelets.
Opt for a pair of tan or cream suede chukkas as the next addition to your wardrobe. These shoes find themselves at a more casual end of the pool, offering an elegant alternative to sneakers. Combine chukkas with a pair of jeans or chinos and a polo shirt for the best look. They also give you a safe option to dress down an outfit that threatened to become too formal with brogues. By combining a pair of chukkas with a sports jacket, you can make your outfit appear more approachable.
Loafers
Originally of Scandinavian origin, the loafer has developed into the sartorial styling of preppy culture and is now a streamlined shoe style.
Low and lace-free, loafers are a mainstay of smart casual dress and are a favorite shoe style for summer months. A pair of brown loafers will suit a range of palettes and will work for both casual and formal looks. Navy is also a good color to compliment tones like whites, beige, and greens. If you are after a pair of loafers to suit neutrals, beige will work well and complements tanned skin.
Oxford
The Oxford is characterized by its closed lacing unlike the open lacing system of the Derby shoe. The design was originally a plain shoe made of leather, but over the years it has evolved and now includes a broad range of fabrics and detailing.
Most men already own a good pair of black Oxfords which they wear for more formal occasions; however, this shoe also looks great in a tan color for casual events.
Sneakers
A pair of comfortable but stylish running sneakers is a must-have for every wardrobe. While running sneakers are designed to feel good, rather than look good, we do have a few tips on choosing the right pair. For versatility, choose a style with minimal branding.
Bright colors also work well for a statement street look. White sneakers will appear beaten and bruised within a few weeks so a good shoe care routine will need to be in order.
Casual Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are extremely versatile and can be successfully worn with both casual and more formal styles. Their straightforward and clean design means that they can complement a range of outfits without clashing or seeming uncoordinated.
So, whether you wear them with jeans or a suit, these shoes can look great.
Author: Adesokan Segun Yusuf
