One of the most difficult things when putting together an ensemble can be your shoes. There are so many types out there, and many men mistakenly think that just because shoes are black they can go with any level of formality.
If you are going to a black tie affair, very view shoes will actually work for the event. You don’t want to show up wearing moccasins, monk straps, or a Chelsea boot. You need to have something very formal.
On the other hand if you wear black leather Oxfords with jeans or a casual suit your shoes will be over dressed.
On this episode of Real Men Real Style Antonio takes out the confusion of what dress shoes you should wear by ranking 10 of the most common types of dress shoes. Download this episode today to learn what shoes you should be investing in, and what to wear to your next event.
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10 Men's Dress Shoes Ranked:
- Black Oxfords
- Oxblood/Dark Brown Oxfords and Balmorals
- Wholecuts
- Derbys and Bluchers
- Brogues
- Chelsea Boots
- Monk Straps
- Loafers
- Dress Boots
- Moccasins and Driving Shoes
Highlights:
- Generally the simpler the construction, the more formal it is.
- Know the difference between closed and open lacing systems.
- Leather is reserved for black tie.
- Rubber soul is generally less formal, leather is more formal.
- Wholecuts are a “modern classic”.
- Brogues designed to let water out.
- Chelsea boots were big in the ‘50s/’60s among artists.
- Monk straps were a change up on sandals monks used to wear.
- Loafers were designed to be a comfortable dress shoe.
- The soul of a dress boot really determines how formal it is.
- Moccasins and driving shoes are both very casual, but dressier than a running shoe.
Mindset Takeaway:
The right shoes can really bring your attire together, while the wrong shoes can make you look like a clown.
