THE GENTLEMANâS GUIDE TO STYLE: Types of Shoes and When to Wear Them. pt 1/?
OXFORD - closed lacing. low heeled. exposed ankle. & generally good all round dress shoes.
Dress code: Oxfords are considered perhaps the classiest dress shoes. they are usually for white tie and black tie events.
Patent Oxford - âsimple yet elegantâ the classiest form of an Oxford shoe. only worn at white tie events.
Cap Toe Oxford - called captoe because thereâs an extra piece of leather is added across its toe. is probably the most widespread Oxford shoe style in existence & the ultimate shoe for business wear.
honourary mentions: wholecut, kiltie, saddle, wingtip
Dress code:Â derbies are more versatile than oxford shoes. they can be paired with denim, shorts, and business suit. can be worn with socks or sockless.
Plain - the most formal among the various types of derbies.
Brogue/Wingtip - it has pointed toecap shaped like a âWâ or a âMâ or âUâ. considered the most informal of the lot, hence âoxfords not broguesâ.
Apron Toe - has an additional piece of sewn leather covering the top of the vamp like an apron.
!! common mistake !!
people use the term derby and blucher interchangeably however derby has 2 quarters that are sewn together and a vamp with a tongue, the blucher has small pieces of leather sewn onto the vamp creating the lacing system.
MONKSTRAP - no lacing. closed by a buckle and strap.
Dress code:Â monkstraps are moderately formal shoes, although less formal than a pair of oxfords but more so than a slip-on. there are two types of monk: single strap and double strap (pretty self-explanatory).
LOAFER - slip-on shoes. no laces, buckles or straps.
Dress code: casual and for mid-range business attire.
Tassel - self explanatory. became very popular amongst ivy league students in 1920s (apparently).
Belgian loafer - soft sole construction, unusual colours, has a small bow thatâs easily recognised. if you enjoy extravagant shoes, these are for you.
honourary mentions: gucci loafer, penny loafer
*Â i am, by no means, an expert in menswear so some of these might be a bit off. if so, feel free to drop me a message & correct me. another note: i might do part two on colours & doâs and donâts.Â