Your guide to smart shoe dressing

All designer shoes weren’t created equal which is why it’s important to have the knowledge to know how they differ, what they are made from and which pair of shoes will meet the needs of your casual or formal outing. While some of our favorite brands and styles are multipurpose for pretty much every occasion, others are best suited for particular stylish events. So, use this guide below to learn about the types of shoes there are and how you should go about selecting the right pair for your next trend-setting affair. 

Oxfords

Oxford shoes take the top spot for the most formal and alluring footwear on our list. While they’re also known as Balmorals, Oxford shoes are typically made from leather and possess a low instep, featuring a thin, non-rubber sole. However, the most distinguishing characteristic is the closed lacing, which is part of what makes them your most elegant option. Cap-toes are also a common embellishment for Oxfords, considering they’re finely featured among the Oxford collection of the Mezlan shoes lineup. Give you closet the luxury it needs with a pair of Oxford shoes from Upscale Menswear. 

Brogues or Wingtips

Now, it’s time to climb the ladder and broaden your knowledge of shoe dressing. So, if you take a leather dress shoe with added decorative stitches, perforations and serrations across the top, you’ve got yourself a pair of brogues. Gentlemen that love a good tradition when it comes to their everyday style will adore a broguing shoe that has so many ornamental, fancy details to admire. 

Derbys 

While the Derby has a very similar look to the Oxford shoe, there’s one key difference, the lacing that’s sewn inside of the shoe. This design method creates visible flaps, which makes Derbys more casual than Oxfords. We carry many men’s shoes that follow the Derby pattern, made in a variety of colors and materials. Keep in mind that although they’re versatile, use Derby shoes as a way to dress up a smart-casual outfit, not dress down your most refined suit. 

Loafers

The best part about the loafer shoe is that it can be both dressy and sporty. That being said, there is one distinctive, intriguing feature about this type of shoe, it lacks laces or buckles. The classic loafer is a slip-on shoe, that possesses a wide, fairly flat heel. It also contains some decorations on the shoe, including tassels, metal snaffles or a leather strap. As per usual, the sleeker and simpler the design is, the more formal it will be. However, make sure that you wear socks with your loafers, especially if you’re flaunting the Mezlan shoe line. 

Monk Straps  

Monks are making their comeback as a popular men’s fashion trend. Like the loafer, monk strap shoes don’t have laces, but unlike the loafer, monks are made in slip-on and possess a metal buckle at the upper portion of the shoe. They come in one, two or three straps and are ideal for men who crave drawn attention while wearing one-of-a-kind footwear. 

Which worldly pair or design shoes will be making an appearance in your closet? Drop a comment below to share.