"You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes" is a popular saying in the sartorial community, and rightly so, because a man's shoes can define a lot about his personality, social status, etc. Nowhere is this saying truer than when it comes to formal shoes.
Formal shoes are a staple in any professional man or woman's wardrobe. Whether you're heading to the office, attending a work event, or dressing up for a special occasion, formal shoes can elevate your outfit and leave a lasting impression.
If you want to buy a good pair of formal shoes, look no further. This article serves as the ultimate guide to formal shoes, and it will shed light on topics like types of formal shoes and the best formal shoes for different styles, outfits, and occasions. So, without further ado, let's get right into it.
What are Formal Shoes?
Formal shoes are typically worn for special occasions, such as business meetings, weddings, or other special events.
Formal shoes are characteristically designed to be more elegant and polished than casual shoes. They are often made of high-quality materials such as leather and feature sleek, understated designs. Formal shoes are meant to complement a formal outfit and add a touch of sophistication to the overall look.
Formal shoes have been a part of fashion and culture for centuries. In the 17th century, men began wearing heeled shoes as a symbol of status and wealth. The modern formal shoe, as we have come to see it, gained traction in the 19th century in the form of modern Oxford worn by Oxford University students.
Today, formal shoes are a staple in everyone's wardrobe, worn for special occasions, work, and everyday fashion. The formal shoe design has evolved exponentially, from classic oxfords to modern loafers and heels. There is a style for every taste. Common styles of formal shoes include oxfords, derby, monk straps, brogues, and loafers.
Best Formal Shoes to Buy
Oxfords
Loafer shoes are characterized by their sleek silhouette with closed lacing system | Real Men Real Style
Oxford formal shoes are a type of closed-lacing dress shoe characterized by their elegant and classic design. They typically have a low heel, sleek silhouette, and are constructed with high-quality leather.
Oxford shoes are characterized by a closed lacing system, which means that the vamp (the part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot) is stitched on top of the quarters (the sides of the shoe).
This results in a clean and polished look that is perfect for formal occasions and business attire. Oxford formal shoes are a versatile and timeless option for men and women who require stylish and sophisticated shoes for dressy events.
Derby
Derby shoes are characterized by their open lacing system | Men’s Health
Derby formal shoes are a type of men's dress shoes characterized by an open lacing system, where the quarters (part of the shoe where the eyelets are attached) are sewn on top of the vamp (front part of the shoe).
This design allows for adjustability in width, making Derby shoes more comfortable for individuals with wider feet. Derby shoes are considered a versatile and classic option for formal occasions and can be worn with suits, dress pants, or smart-casual outfits.
Monk straps
Monkstraps are a type of dress shoe that features a single or double-strap closure instead of traditional laces. This style of shoe is considered more formal than traditional lace-up dress shoes and is often worn for business or formal occasions. Monkstrap shoes typically have a sleek and polished appearance, making them a popular choice for professional settings.
Loafers
Loafers are cool and trendy footwear type that come in a wide variety of styles | Zee Zeest
Loafers are a type of men's dress shoe that combines the casual style with the formal silhouette of a dress shoe. They typically feature a low heel and a slip-on design without laces. Loafer formal shoes are often made of high-quality leather and are suitable for formal occasions such as weddings, business meetings, and other dressy events.
They provide a comfortable and stylish option for men looking for a versatile dress shoe that can be worn with both formal and casual outfits.
Brogues
Brogues have decorated perforations on the leather and often come in two-tone color scheme | Barker Shoes
Brogues are a type of formal shoe that originated in Scotland and Ireland. They are typically made of leather and feature decorative perforations, known as broguing, along the seams and edges of the shoe. Brogues are typically characterized by their wingtip design and are considered a classic and stylish option for formal occasions. They are often worn with suits and other formal attire.
Checkout the full variety of formal shoes at lower rates than market.
Best Formal Shoe Brands in Pakistan
Hopkicks formal shoes: HopKicks is Pakistan's premier destination for footwear. Hopkicks has a wide variety of formal shoes, and you can get your favorite pair delivered to your doorstep at amazing prices.
Hush Puppies formal shoes: Hush Puppies is well-known in Pakistan as a reliable formal shoe brand. They offer their shoes for sale online and in physical stores, allowing customers to visit and try on the formal shoes if they have sizing concerns before making a purchase.
Bata formal shoes: Bata is the oldest formal shoe brand in Pakistan. The brand is known for high-quality formal shoes at a reasonable price. The brand operates both online and through physical stores enhancing convenience for the customers.
Best Materials for Formal Shoes
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Formal shoes are typically made from high-quality materials to ensure they exude class and refinement for the wearer. The most common materials in formal shoes include leather, patent leather, suede, or PU leather.
Formal shoes need such coveted materials because these shoes are treated as statement pieces of the outfit. That being said, there is a wide variety
Leather
Leather is the most common material used in formal shoes due to its durability, flexibility, and elegant appearance. It is a natural material that breathes well and molds to the shape of the foot, providing a comfortable fit.
Some high-end formal shoes may be made from exotic leather, such as alligator, ostrich, or snakeskin. These materials are known for their unique patterning and luxurious feel, but they also come with a higher price tag.
Suede
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. It is commonly used in dress shoes to add a touch of luxury and style. Suede shoes are often seen in more casual formal settings.
Patent leather
Patent leather is a type of leather treated to give it a high-gloss finish. It is commonly used in formal shoes, particularly for black-tie events or formal occasions.
Synthetic Materials
Inexpensive formal shoes may be made from synthetic materials such as PU leather or textiles such as satin or velvet. While not as durable or breathable as genuine leather, synthetic materials offer a more affordable option.
Formal Shoes Styling Guide: Tips & Tricks for Elevating Your Outfit
Match formal shoes with the Suit
Guide on how to pair the right shoe color with a suit | Nic Harry
When it comes to suit, the whole point of the garment is to make the fit look harmonious. The last thing you want is to wear a shoe in a heavily contrasting color as it will catch to much attention and destroy the sophisticated appeal of the outfit.
Shoe color with Black Suit
The black suit is the prince harry of suit. It is the most classiest and formal outfit a man can adorn. Therefore, with a black suit you should only wear a black shoe. Ideally, try opting for a black wholecut or an black oxford as they look the best with a black suit.
Shoe color with Charcoal Suit
The charcoal suit is less formal than a black suit but on the formal scale it still ranks above a navy or a grey suit. With a charcoal suit you should only pair black or dark brown color shoes.
Shoe color with Navy Suit
The Navy suit is the most versatile suit a man can have in his wardrobe. Navy suit can be worn on formal events, fine dining, business meetings - you name it. The best shoe color for a navy suit is dark brown.
Ideally, if you don’t own a dark brown formal shoe yet, opt for a dark brown monk strap. Not only will a dark brown monk strap look fantastic with a navy suit but it can also be worn semi formally with a chino.
Shoe color with Grey Suit
The grey suit screams business. Look around the wall street or the central business district of London and you will find investment bankers, fortune 500 executives and other high network individuals wearing grey suits.
Due to the versatile nature of the grey color is goes with a number of shoes. A good shoe combination for grey suit is a black or dark brown oxford. However, if your suit has a light grey color with a texture fabric like a fresco weave, then you can also opt for a tan suede loafer.
Match the materials of your accessories
It is a good rule to match the material and color of the belt and watch strap to the color and material of your shoes for a cohesive and put-together look. This attention to detail will help you elevate your outfit and make a great impression.
For example, when wearing black leather shoes, opt for a black leather belt and a watch with a black leather strap.
Pairing the right socks with formal shoes
Raphael from Gentlemen Gazette shows a bit of flair with his choice of socks when paired with a grey suit and brown shoes | Gentleman’s Gazette
A common detail that many folks overlook is the importance of pairing the right sock with their formal shoes. For formal occasions, it is best to opt for socks that are a similar color as the shoes or a shade darker. This ensures a cohesive and polished look.
Additionally, choose socks that are made of high-quality, breathable materials such as cotton or wool to maintain comfort throughout the day. For a more stylish touch, consider subtle patterns or designs that complement the overall outfit. Remember to always ensure the socks are clean and free of holes or wear, as this can detract from the overall appearance.
Conclusion
To conclude, formal shoes are not just footwear; they're statements of sophistication, style, and professionalism. From the timeless elegance of oxfords to the versatility of loafers and the intricate detailing of brogues, there's a formal shoe for every occasion and personal taste.
We've explored the various types of formal shoes, highlighted the best brands in Pakistan, and delved into the importance of choosing the right materials. Additionally, we've provided valuable styling tips to help you elevate your outfit and make a lasting impression.
In the world of fashion, the devil is in the details, and your choice of formal shoes can truly make or break your ensemble. So, embrace the elegance, express your individuality, and step into each occasion with style and grace. After all, as they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and with the right pair of formal shoes, that step will become your ultimate statement.