Dress to Impress: What are the ideal Types of Men’s Dress Shoes

guys dress shoes

Dress shoes are the luxurious finish of a gentleman’s attire. They are certainly one of the most important investments a man can make regarding his smart wear. They upgrade the shoe game, accentuate the suit and create a perfect irresistible look. Sometimes, however, finding the perfect type might be a bit confusing as there are a lot of models you can choose from and you might be unsure as to which type would be a perfect match for which choice of attire. There is no need to fret though, as you can read about the most popular guys’ dress shoes and pick a favourite.

Oxfords – The Ultimate Basics

brown oxford shoes

Leather Oxfords are simple, sleek and perfect for any formal occasion. They are usually made of box calf leather and should not have any broguing. You can combine them with business attire or any other formal wear. However, they should be avoided for casual events and can rarely if ever be properly paired with jeans or khakis. This type of guys dress shoes are characterized by closed lacing which means that the facing is stitched under the vamp. This way the Oxfords’ design provides a slim silhouette that shapes the foot’s contour and you can find them in different colours including dark brown, cordovan, English tan and black. And because of their minimalism, the Oxfords are ever popular.

Brogues – The Contemporary Hit

brown brogues shoes

This type of dress shoes originated in Scotland and has the traditional perforations on the shoes’ upper, the brogueing which makes them very distinctive from the other dress shoes. This special design feature gives them a special character no other type has. They are less formal guys dress shoes than the Oxfords and can work seamlessly with different combinations. That being said, you can wear them for occasions ranging from smart to smart-casual. They also come in different colours and you can choose from light to dark brown to chestnut and chocolate tones.

Loafers – The Laceless Casual

mens loafers

The Loafers offer an elegant design without the laces and are highly versatile. There are two types of loafers and the first one is slip on which renders the possibility to go sockless and that makes them a great choice of footwear for warm locations. And the second type is the penny loafers which, in fact, are the most popular choice because of the level of comfort they provide.

Monk Strapped – The Attention Seeker

monk strapped shoes

The monk strapped guys dress shoes are the classic alternative to laced dress shoes and they can add a touch of flamboyance to any style. They are similar in design to the Oxfords but instead of an eyelet closure, these have a wide swath of leather stitched across the front of the shoe. They go well in combination with cuffed jeans or with the most dapper of suits.

Slip-On Boots – The Rugged Smart Boots

mens slip on boots

If you want to upgrade your shoe game, then purchasing a quality pair of slip-on boots is the thing to do. They complement any look because of their versatility and come in various styles from semi-casual lace-up boots to dressier slip-on Chelsea boots. You can pick a pair of leather brogue boots if you want to make a combo with suit trousers or jeans or lace-up leather boots for a casual touch to the outfit, or maybe the Chelsea type which renders flexibility while you are at work in the office, or on a night out in the city.