Shoe Styles and Formality Levels

Men’s Style

Men’s shoe styles are just as diverse as women’s, offering a variety of options to suit different occasions and dress codes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to men’s shoe styles and a shoe wardrobe makeover for an elevated personal style.

To elevate your personal style, start by reviewing your shoe collection. Ensure you have classic Oxfords for business formals, brogues for smart casual events, and loafers or trainers for casual wear. It’s essential that your shoe collection extends beyond just two pairs—one for indoors and one for outdoors. The goal is to have the right items in your wardrobe while ensuring the longevity of your shoes. Giving your shoes time to breathe and air out between wears will help them last longer.

Elevate your personal style effortlessly by investing in a well-rounded shoe collection that meets the demands of various occasions and dress codes.

Shoes help to complete the look and to convey your sense of personal style. Here is a basic shoe guide to enhance your wardrobe.

1 pair of business formal oxford lace-ups ideally black and brown

1 pair of business casual chestnut brown wing tips

1 pair of monk straps and/or loafers, black or brown, especially if you are required to take your shoes off when visiting Asian homes and office (like in Taiwan). While these can be worn for business casual occasions, their level of formality is lesser than wingtips.

1 pair of classic casual trainers. A must have for every stylish guys wardrobe. Trainers come in a range of colours, styles and materials and help make a personal style statement even for the most informal occasion.

1 pair of sports shoes

1 pair of stylish slippers for the warm weather to pair with your shorts

Style rules for footwear:

• Ensure you have at least two pairs of formal shoes in your collection—one black and one brown, both crafted from high-quality leather.
• Opt for shoes made entirely of leather, as this signifies superior quality. Look for shoes with soles that are stitched rather than glued, as stitching enhances durability and craftsmanship.
• To maintain the original shape of your shoes and extend their lifespan, alternate between pairs to allow them to breathe.
• When matching your shoes to your belt, adhere to the same color for formal looks. For casual attire, belts can match closer to the color of your trousers, as casual shoes often come in a variety of colors.
• For specific combinations:
• Pair black shoes with black trousers.
• Pair black, brown, or oxblood shoes with navy or grey trousers.
• For a tuxedo, ensure your black Oxfords are polished to a high shine.
• Lastly, choose dark socks for formal occasions and lighter socks for summer suits, aligning with the formality and seasonality of your outfit.

Image consultant’s tip:

Stuff your shoes with newspaper to help absorb the moisture and get rid of any perspiration smell. Resole your leather soled shoes to make the original sole last longer and prevent slipping. Finally, shoes should fit from the moment you try them on and you should not have to ‘break them in’ to be comfortable.

For help to understand formality levels, update your wardrobe or find quality items that last, contact us here.