About two years ago, I was all about sneakers. I even wore running shoes to work. They were comfortable, easy on the feet, and gave me that youthful vibe. I paired my Nike Flyknit Lunars with jeans or even chinos and a shirt. The only pair of dress shoes I owned was an old, moldy pair from Zara gathering dust on the shelf.
I used to wear these shoes almost every day, with every type of outfit.
I wore sneakers almost every day, with just about every outfit. Looking back, it’s a little embarrassing. Sneakers are great, but they’re only suitable for certain occasions and outfits. Many of you probably have the same dilemma: you're not sure how to style dress shoes.
And honestly, that’s a missed opportunity.
After spending months researching, I can confidently say: dress shoes aren't as intimidating as they seem. They don't make you look old, and they can easily be worn for many occasions.
So, for anyone still hesitant about trying dress shoes, here are three options that are perfect for this summer. Criteria: youthful, versatile, and never boring.
Oxblood Brogues: Stylish and Easy to Wear
First things first - what exactly are brogues? Simply put, they’re shoes with decorative perforations. The number and placement of these perforations give us various types: quarter brogues (fewer perforations) to full brogues (aka wingtips, with lots of perforations).
Depending on your style and preference, choose the brogue that suits you. Fewer perforations are ideal for formal outfits, while wingtips are a great choice for those who love smart-casual looks.
I used to be intimidated by dress shoes with patterns like these, but after some time, I realized how easy it is to pull them off. You can wear brogues with jeans, chinos, trousers, or even a suit.
You see, whether a bit fancy or simple, burgundy is always striking and youthful.
When it comes to color, oxblood is both eye-catching and youthful. It’s surprisingly easy to match with various outfits. You can wear them with navy, dark gray, khakis, and other neutral shades. Just avoid pairing them with pants that are too similar in color, as it can make your outfit look flat. Black pants work, but only if the shoes are vibrant enough and the overall look is more casual. For a black suit, however, stick with classic black shoes.
Don’t forget to match your belt to the shoe color for a polished look.
Black Monk Straps: A Bold Choice
Monk straps have been a style staple for over a year now, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. A pair of black monk straps is perfect for anyone who loves black and gray outfits. They’re versatile enough for both formal and casual settings.
I own a pair of single monks quite similar to this, custom-made to my exact measurements by a legend in Vietnam's shoemaking scene.
I own a custom-made single monk strap pair by a legendary Vietnamese shoemaker, and they’ve become one of my favorites. Monk straps come in single- and double-buckle varieties. While double monks are popular, I prefer single monks. For those with wider feet (like many of us Vietnamese), single monks provide a sleeker, more comfortable fit.
Black monk straps are ideal for coordinating with black and gray outfits, making them super easy to style.
While some monk straps come with extra decorative details, I recommend opting for a plain pair - let the buckle be the focal point without adding unnecessary embellishments.
Navy Loafers: Casual Summer Vibes
Loafers are the perfect footwear for summer, and a pair of bright navy loafers can make a great statement. Whether you’re wearing chinos in different colors or dark jeans, navy loafers add an exciting pop to your look. Just remember one rule: avoid shoes that are the same color as your pants to keep the outfit fresh.
There are three main types of loafers: penny loafers (with a leather strap across the shoe), Gucci loafers (with metal detailing), and tassel loafers (with, you guessed it, tassels). If you prefer something simple, go for penny loafers. For a slightly more stylish look, choose Gucci loafers. Tassel loafers are generally reserved for more formal events.
Navy loafers are perfect for casual wear, so don’t wear them to work or overly formal settings. You can go with regular leather or suede, with suede being a more laid-back option.
So, which dress shoes are you considering for this summer? If you’re shopping for your first pair of dress shoes, which style catches your eye?
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