Mens Fashion Tips - Simplified Shoes

Accessories can be some of the most difficult choices in men's fashion because of the countless possibilities. In contrast to the finite number of designs for, say, ties, so many designs exist for items like rings and bracelets. Shoes are no exception, and are more important than other accessories because they're necessary for almost any outfit.

Formal Feet
Only leather shoes will satisfy events announced as 'formal, 'office attire' or 'black tie.' Wearing shoes made of any other material will send the formalness of your outfit to rock bottom, not to mention your next invitation down the toilet. Mismatching the colors of your shoes could also be just as egregious an error.
Just two styles of shoe are permissible for formal affairs. First is the more traditional Oxford design, which features a stitched down portion where the lace holes are located. Oxfords typically had few brogues (the small holes or perforations that make up a design on the vamp) but heavily brogued designs have become common in recent years.

The wing tip comes second, with all its holes and embellishments. It'd look similar to the Oxford were it not for the little v-design on the front. This little shape gives the shoe its name, as it looks like a bird spreading its wings in flight. Wing tips are considered a slightly riskier but much more fanciful choice than Oxfords for formal events.

Smart Casual Soles
As long as you're wearing a suit, Oxfords and wing tips will still fly for more casual flings. But now that the host has stepped the formalness down a notch, you've got much more liberty with regard to your choice of footwear.

Loafers, for example, are back on your list whenever you're dressing up for smart casual gatherings. They go well with a casual jacket-and-pants outfit, and will add a bit of sophistication to an otherwise too-casual jeans-and-shirt combo. Wearing loafers always suggests casual and laid back atmospheres, so take it all the way: leave the tie at home and the top shirt button open.

If you feel like you're up for a little fashion challenge, try wearing a pair of monkstraps to a smart casual party. Slightly dressier than loafers because of the hardware, this type of shoe usually goes with just very tailored looks and clothes that fit impeccably.

Casual Clogs
Now that you've reached the other end of the fashion spectrum, Oxfords and wing tips are definitely out of the question. Even monkstraps might become a little iffy to match with an outfit. Fortunately, you have a few extra alternatives for casual wear.

Loafers are still an option for casual days because they'd still look classy with a pair of jeans and a pique polo. Another option for the least dressy end of the style spectrum is the driving shoe. Also known as a moccasin (which is a more general term, really), driving shoes are less detailed, less thick and less structured than loafers.

Here's a quick rule of thumb: wear loafers for jeans and driving shoes for shorts. Jeans and pants will offset the details of your loafers, whereas the fabric (or lack thereof) of shorts complements the minimalist and laid back attitude of driving shoes. For the latter, pick a safe color like black or brown and then forget the socks when going out.

No matter the venue or the situation, there's a shoe that'll fit every kind of event and code of dress. It's all a matter of having the right shoe for the right outfit, so it's a good idea to soon get as many shoes as possible from the ones mentioned in the lesson.