Th(re)e Dress Shoes
Dress shoes find their place in your wardrobe, naturally, as you improve your style. Finer fabrics and styles call for a shoe upgrade. Up to now, we’ve been quite vague in describing how to “improve” your style. Of course, quality clothing will be a good starting point. However, without a healthy foundation, there is nothing for you to build on.
From an abstract point of view, the “foundation” is the color choices you make that define your style and guide the overall aesthetic you’re working towards. That is a lesson across many posts and would better be described in a video. More practically though, the foundation of your outfit is your choice of shoes.
Sneakers and boots will get you through nearly all events these days—dress code being all but non-existant in today’s workplace. This is honestly not something I say as a lived experience, as I saw nearly no men wear a suit in my childhood in any capacity. Though there is no denying that every man requires at least one pair of dress shoes, regardless.
I would even argue three.
TLB Mallorca Bryan Oxford, click photo for their website.
Every shoe collection requires an Oxford shoe. Minimal broguing (those are the small holes you may find on some shoes, commonly on/around the stitching) and in a dark color. Brown would be the easiest to wear outside of your most formal outfits. Black is the usual first choice, but wearing them outside of a very dressy situation is, more often than not, too much.
A dark Navy, nearly black, could be a fun alternative. That is, if you’re intending on being a center of attention at every event. If your oxfords will be your only dress shoe for weddings, funerals, and similar dress code parties then I would recommend against it.
I will always make a case for buying quality shoes over quantity, so spending upwards of $500 US (if you can afford it) is really going to ensure you have a well-made, comfortable, long-lasting shoe that will be in your closet for 20+ years—depending on use.
$200 US and above ensure you aren’t buying plastic, which don’t breath and look horrible almost immediately. This price also tends to lean towards a Blake Stitched shoe or being goodyear welted, meaning when they wear out you can have the bottom (sole) replaced. This is fairly inexpensive and the minimal waste is very good for the enviornment!
Buying quality will be a topic covered in a future post, but for now press the “I Believe” button and step into this new path in your life (minding your fiscal responsibilities) without the regret of buying multiple pairs of useless or pairs.
The other two styles will be discussed further in other articles. For simplicities sake, some variation in styles and leathers is a great way to have more outfit opportunities and espress your style.
Loafers (first photo) are very fun, comfortable, and at the end of the day—Slippers! I used to hate the idea until I bought them. Now they’re easily my most worn pair of shoes. Black is great, but a light brown can be amazing for a warmer climate. These should fill the gap between your Oxfords and Derby shoes. Overall, they cover shorts to suits, and I believe they’re the only pair of shoes with that capability. They’re an addition you’ll never regret.
Derby shoes (the two photos on the right) in a pebbled grain or suede are great for any outfit from very casual up to a suit. Plus the lacing style they use allow, much like a boot, you to wear heavier socks. Making these (if you buy them with rubber soles) your winter/rainy day pair of dress shoes, therefore minimizing wear on your nice oxfords.
Shoes are the failure of too many “would be” amazing outfits. Finding something you appreciate and that make you feel good will be reflected in your outfit as much as your attitude. Plus, they’re a great talking point if you enter a room with a well maintained pair of quality leather shoes.
On the affordable side, here is my go-to brand since the beginning—Beckett Simonon. Affiliate link here to check out what they have.
At the end of the day, just buy something you can’t get rid of. Something that you can appreciate having around, and are glad to have in your closet.
