Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally. – Christian Louboutin
Classic formal shoes originate from all over the world, with alterations and practical changes occurring over time to leave us with the designs we know and love. No matter where they originate from, each of these formal shoes has a history and a unique look that makes them the perfect accompaniment for your formal wear.
Shoes play an essential role in the definition of an ideal man’s overall appearance. They are not only worn to protect the human feet but to add the final touch to the style you are trying to create. Shoes have the final statement to make on an outfit and as such must be keenly considered.
“Shoes are the finishing touch on any outfit and it is important to complete a look with the perfect pair!” – Tracy Reese Shoes come in different shades of colours and designs and each has a specific purpose to accomplish in your quest to make a fashion statement. When looking to improve your overall appearance, failing to impress in the shoe department is a mistake you shouldn’t be making. A good pair of dress shoes will dramatically improve your overall style, and when worn right they even smarten up a casual outfit.
A shoe is not only a design, but it’s a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you’re going to move is quite dictated by your shoes. – Christian Louboutin.
When it comes to men’s formal shoes, black has traditionally been the go-to shade for most men as it tends to go with everything, and works for most occasions. In recent years, however, we have seen the evolution of bright colours and suede shoes becoming a little more acceptable as an alternative for formal events. The arrival of a plethora of bright coloured and suede shoes has challenged the conventional black leather shoe and opened the door to an abundance of different combinations.
The unwritten rule is that black shoes work with every shade of suit in your wardrobe, hence making it a popular choice. However, pairing your suits with brown, suede or two-toned shoes is certainly on trend at the moment. There are a few different trouser and shoe combinations, and this becomes especially useful when you’re dealing with formal wear. The sometimes tricky suit can be tamed with a number of formal shoes, and you’re fairly open to what colours you’d prefer to use.
People notice shoes! It’s one of those things that seems small and throwaway, but can ultimately be one of the most important aspects of your outfit. Get your shoes right and your outfit will follow. A good pair of shoes can be styled in a number of ways, from classic to alternative outfits, and versatile looks can be achieved by working with different materials and combinations
The best common types of formal dress shoe styles
The Brogue
A real classic is what we must invest in. The brogue is perfect with any kind of trouser, including jeans and chinos. Tan pair adds a subtle statement, but remember to go for quality. Also, the brogue boot is an option if you want more of an edgy style. The brogue style is the most flexible design because it is made from multiple pieces of leather. This allows different leather and fabric combinations, known as the two-tone shoes to be created. These shoes are often seen worn with a suit, to achieve a polished, smart look. Brogues are now seen as an acceptable business shoe in black, a smart, yet relaxed option in brown or an edgy alternative with two tone coloured leathers. You can get brogues in a hobnail boot design; with the extra grip providing a perfect base if you’re trekking through cobbles or uneven ground. The best brogues are the ones that can be mixed with smart and casual outfits to create a clean, sophisticated finish.
The Oxford (aka Balmoral)
The Oxford shoe, a traditional formal shoe, for years has been associated with the English aristocracy. However, the original design actually originated from Ireland and had a completely different name, ‘The Balmoral’. Depending on where you come from, the oxford shoe continues to have different names, with the U.S calling them Bal-types and the French referring to them as Richelieus.
Regardless of what name you use though, these are the epitome of elegant formal shoes, and with the amount of designs available from a wide range of retailers these really are the perfect affordable dress shoes. The Oxford shoe is the ideal style for every formal situation. Due to the sleek shoe design, many businessmen wear a black oxford to go with their suit. The Oxford shoe is perfect to be worn at weddings, christenings, job interviews and basically any formal event.
If a shoe has a simple slit in the top of the shoe, with eyelets either side that pull together with laces, then you can call it an Oxford. The Oxford comes in different styles, which means that you can have Oxford toe-caps, Oxford brogues and Oxford semi-brogues.
Derby (aka Blüchers)
The Derby is a very similar shoe to the oxford shoe but the difference is in the lacing which is sewn outside of the shoes (showing visible flaps). This more noticeable lacing style makes this shoe style less formal compared to the classic Oxford. Derby/Blüchers come in any colour, brogue and non-brogue, cap- toed, wing tipped, as well as many different types of leather and linen. Derby shoes are perfect for a smart-casual dress consisting of jeans, dress shorts, and sport coats. They are less suited for suits but do make a good shoe choice for business attire on rainy days due to their more rugged construction.
Monk Straps
The term “Monk strap” refers to the buckled strap that replaces shoe laces. Monk straps come with one, two, or even three straps that are available in any colour. They can be made from a wide variety of different leathers and can be cap toed as well as wing tipped. Monk strap shoes are perfect for those who seek a more unique type of shoe that will draw attention. When matching the shoes, make sure that the colour of the clasp (typically silver, brass, or gold) matches your belt buckle, wrist watch, and cufflinks (should you choose to wear those).
Loafers
The loafers are the original slip-on shoes. They are the perfect balance between smart and casual footwear. From suede, leather, velvet or patent finishes design, loafers will add that preppy look to your outfit.
Loafers are lightweight shoes, sometimes of moccasin construction making them perfect for the warm months. They often have stitched or cemented soles, making them suitable for more everyday work shoes as they tend to be quite durable.
The name loafer relates to the action relaxing or loafing around in them. Both derivations are to do with the very relaxed nature of the shoe which is a result of the way they are made.
Formal Pumps
The formal pump (aka Opera pump) is a formal type of loafer made from shiny black patent leather. Typical is a grosgrain ribbon decoration on the cap of the shoe. Formal pumps are only suited for formal black tie or white tie ensembles and do make a good alternative choice of shoe to formal patent leather oxfords which are typically worn for these two formal dress codes.
Dress Boots
Dress boots are a sleek and minimalistic boot style that can be worn with jeans, odd trousers, and suits (in rainy or snowy weather). Dress boots come in a wide variety of styles such as brogue, wing tip, monk strap, and cap toed.
A quality pair of shoes will not only have you looking stylish, but will give you a confidence boost. A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. It doesn’t matter if you have the most amazing suit in the world, if you have bad shoes.
In every man’s wardrobe, it is important to have a few pairs of reliable formal shoes that will come in use for occasions such as weddings, balls, office, christenings, funerals, job interviews etc. Whether for business or for that hot date, nothing will make you look more successful or sexy than a great pair of shoes.