Shoes are essential in creating your look for a wedding, yet choosing what pair to wear may be overwhelming.
Classic styles are always reliable choices; an oxford in a dark colour will get you through any formal event, while derby shoes with closed lacing are less formal options that work great with casual clothing.
Oxfords
Oxfords from Johnston & Murphy offer men looking to elevate their dress shoe game a classic aesthetic and will pair well with any suit or jeans. Their closed-lacing design creates a sleek silhouette that pairs nicely with slim-fit pants; pair these shoes with dark socks for even more flair!
Florsheim makes black oxfords that add a sense of formality that pairs beautifully with any tuxedo or evening coat. Their cap-toe adds another element that adds sophistication.
For something less traditional, consider mens formal shoes like those by BP. Their open lacing makes these casual yet sophisticated shoes an excellent addition to jeans or coloured chinos.
Brogues
Brogues are not limited to mens formal shoes styles; many other kinds of footwear, such as oxfords, derbies and boots, feature details similar to brogueing for an authentic appearance. What sets apart a brogue from other footwear is its perforation pattern with various size holes known as “broguing.”
Brogues were originally intended as outdoor walking shoes in Scotland and Ireland, with perforations meant to allow water to drain through, aiding movement through wet terrain. Today they’re most frequently worn as leather dress shoes or casual footwear.
Though some styles border on statement territory (a full or wingtip brogue), most styles tend toward subtlety; one such shoe that Huntington Beach, Calif.-based personal stylist Jim O’Brien considers his “super versatile, daily go-to” is this single monk strap style with perforations for visual interest that won’t overpower an outfit is this single monk strap pick with treated leather that improves with age.
Monks
Monk strap shoes are an elegant and sophisticated addition to any look, making them a popular choice among men looking for stylish dress shoes. Typically comprising one or two leather straps with metal buckles to fasten them – unlike their Oxford and Derby counterparts which use laces – monk strap shoes provide the perfect touch.
Elegant dress shoes are an investment worth purchasing for any man’s wardrobe, making them an indispensable essential. Perfectly suitable for formal events and casual jeans, they come in various colours and styles, so you’re sure to find a pair to complement your taste and personal style.
Broguing was originally used to allow water out when crossing the wet terrain. Today, these tiny holes can be used to create decorative patterns on the cap toe of shoes – full brogue, longwing brogue, semi-brogue, and quarter brogues are just a few options for designers who create these styles in various colours and materials.
Derbies
Derby shoes are one of the most versatile dress shoes available; they are perfect for smart-casual attire and pair well with slim navy suits. Florsheim crafts their cap-toe version expertly in Spain using Goodyear welted rubber soles, soft calf leather uppers and vertical storm welt construction for extra durability.
Allen Edmonds’ no-fuss Derby shoes provide an ideal way to make a stylish return to the office or accommodate last-minute wedding plans with minimal hassle. Crafted from one piece of black calf leather and featuring an ergonomic shape for maximum comfort, this handmade plain-toe Derbys from Allen Edmonds features plain-toe construction for classic looks with added supple lining for softness.
Crown Northampton’s Grove Desert Shoe provides a laidback style, featuring both the lace-up construction of a Derby shoe and the soft crepe soles of a desert boot for ultimate smart casual appeal. Wear these shoes with your jeans rolled up to the knee for an effortless smart casual look!
Wingtips
While trainers may be all the rage these days, we believe dress shoes like Oxfords, derbies and monk straps should remain essential for every man’s wardrobe. Oxfords, derbies and monk straps boast sleek silhouettes that work with any formal style, while their comfortable designs ensure you can wear them all day long. Our testers praised these Allen Edmonds models for being lightweight yet supportive enough for long wear time; our podiatrist and professional stylist agreed they have a streamlined shape that fits well while providing ample support.