What I’m talking about here is not exaggeration, because if you like to wear “formal clothes”, it’s quoted because many formal clothes that we now think are things that were very casual. . . Then, matching shoes must be a must.
Although we have seen many fashionistas or stars matching suits with white sneakers, it is a bit cynical by gentleman’s standards. The purpose of this article is to buy the least number of shoes, but it can meet the demand.
Oxford
First of all, Oxford shoes and Derby shoes should be regarded as the two most common styles, among which Oxford is more formal. How to distinguish them?
Is it clear enough, that is, the area where the shoelaces are tied, is the bottom sealed or open? Maybe some people think that open shoes should be more comfortable to wear, but actually they won’t. The shoe last has a good version, and these will not be a problem.
Then, what kind of Oxford is the most suitable first pair of Oxford? Cap Toe。
The one in front is called Cap Toe. Basically, this design is not more elegant, but it is more rigorous and powerful.
What about the color? Black. This pair is the most formal pair of shoes in your shoe cabinet, which is needed for important business or ceremony. Therefore, the most solemn color of black is a must.
Anything else to pay attention to?
That’s decorative things, not as good as the shoes, styles and colors above, but there is Brock on the dividing line, which is not needed, because we just want a pair of boring, rigid and old-fashioned shoes. Therefore, the following pair is the perfect first pair, or a must-have Oxford.
It’s boring, right? Yes, that’s the purpose of these shoes.
Derby
Then, except for extremely important occasions, you need a pair of shoes to match your suit, or trousers with different colors, or even corduroy trousers with woolen coats. Then the derby will appear at the right time.
What color should I choose? Brown is a good choice, burgundy can also be considered, but relatively speaking, you will encounter such products less. Brown, the second common color in leather shoes, can be matched with more colors. For example, if you wear more beautiful colors, black is definitely out of harmony, but brown is fine.
Then, in the choice of styles, there are very simple ones like the above, and there are many lines like Wingtip.
And as far as decorative Brock is concerned, there are more and less. As such a pair of shoes, we want them to be interesting and versatile, so the perfect first pair of derbies looks like this.
Loafer
In China, people’s love for loafer is far greater than that of Oxford and Derby, and we affectionately call it “slip on”. Loafer styles are very, very many, from relatively formal to almost close to the styles of boat shoes and driving shoes. But as an entry-level gentleman (an old and experienced gentleman who knows how to break the rules without losing its charm), Penny Loafer is the most suitable one. Look like this.
It is also the most formal model of Penny Loafer, which can be divided into the one with a horizontal belt and the one with tassels. Which one to choose depends entirely on personal preference. Of course, with tassels, it is more coquettish.
Three pairs of shoes are very, very enough. Next, if you think it needs to be warmer in winter, then a pair of boots is appropriate.
Chelsea Boots
This is the most popular and indeed the most suitable boots for modern gentlemen. It is simple and graceful.
In terms of materials, although there are both smooth leather and suede leather, it is smooth leather that really reflects its aesthetic feeling. Then the color, in fact, is the same as the Derby, not black, not black, not black. This requirement is suitable for all shoes except the most boring Oxford. Please don’t get me wrong. I think shoes should be black. From the beginning to the end, there is no such thing. The suit is the same. If you wear a suit for a long time (not for work or attending any occasion, but everyday), you will never see him wearing black every day. It must be rich in color and collocation!
The perfect Chelsea boots are like this.
Summary
With these four pairs of shoes, gentlemen are not afraid to travel all over the world. Besides, you are already a high-end gentleman. So, if I just want to buy one pair, just one pair, which pair should I choose? Derby. Because as I said just now, it is the most versatile, and compared with the other two, it is closest to Oxford. That is to say, when you should wear Oxford, it is certainly inappropriate for you to wear that pair, but it is better than wearing the other two to get you out.