The right shoe for every dress code
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Shoes finish an outfit, and the wrong pair can undo it. The rule of thumb is simple: the more formal the occasion, the sleeker, darker and smoother the shoe.
Black tie and formal events
Black oxfords in polished calf leather, or patent leather for evening wear. Closed lacing, a slim sole and no broguing. Nothing else comes close.
Business and the office
Dark brown or black oxfords and derbies are the backbone. Brown works beautifully with navy and grey suits; keep black for the most formal days. A sleek penny loafer in dark leather is acceptable in most modern offices.
Smart casual
This is where the loafer shines. Penny loafers in brown or burgundy and tassel loafers in suede pair well with chinos, flannels and even dark denim. Add a blazer and you are ready for dinner.
Weekends and travel
Suede loafers, chukka boots and clean leather trainers. Choose minimal designs in neutral colours so they work with everything you pack.
Colour cheat sheet
Black: formal events, charcoal suits.
Dark brown: navy, grey, olive and almost everything else.
Tan and suede: summer, linen, chinos and lighter tones.
Burgundy: grey flannel, navy and denim.
Make them last
Use cedar shoe trees, brush after every wear, polish monthly and never wear the same pair two days in a row. Good shoes, well kept, last a decade.
Find your next pair in our loafers and shoes collection.