The occasion shoe guide

Here’s how to find the right shoes to suit the occasion. Whether you are going to a wedding, cocktail party, or a more casual event, here’s what to wear on your feet.

Styles of smart shoe

Here are the types of shoes that can be worn with a suit. While not every style below is suitable for all dress codes, they can be worn with tailoring.

Oxford

If you’re going to have one pair of dress shoes in your wardrobe, the Oxford should be considered. If you look at the top of the shoe, if it has a deep V instead of a set of parallel lines then you’ve got an Oxford. The sleek silhouette is the smarter version of the Derby and in patent leather, it’s the go-to shoe for a black-tie event or any dressed-up occasion. Subtle detailing will dictate how formal or informal an Oxford shoe is. Additions like toe caps and perforated decoration also known as broguing can give some styles a more casual edge.

Derby

The Derby shoe is less formal than the Oxford shoe and is a great workwear staple. It will look good with pretty much any suit, although not a tux. Timeless, it can go from the boardroom to a bar seamlessly. With its recognizable lacing system and being less dressy than its Oxford counterpart but smart enough for any occasion except for black tie, Derby will do you no wrong. If you wear a suit often these will work for date night on the weekend too.

Brogue

With this shoe, it’s all in the detail and it’s that which sets it apart. Signature perforations were originally a functional thing, designed to let water drain out of the shoes when worn in the Irish bogs, but now it's ornamental and a classic dress shoe. It is possible to have an Oxford brogue or a Derby brogue, with the similarities being the broguing to the upper. Panels of leather such as heel cups and wingtips give the shoe a more decorative feel. This is a smart-casual shoe.

Monk Strap

If you’re not a fan of laces say hello to the Monk Strap shoe which is suitable for everything from a cocktail party to a day in the office and everything else in between. This shoe is essentially an Oxford shoe with either a single or double strap fastening to lock the foot in place. Always elegant and stylish, this shoe will always have a place in your wardrobe.

Loafer

This shoe is perfect for less formal occasions or when business is more casual plus it’s an obvious choice as the weather gets warmer and cropped trousers to come out. The slip-on style comes in sleek shapes which makes them stylish enough to wear with a suit. Depending on what vibe you are going for remember that leather is a smarter option and suede is more relaxed.

Chukkas

While some are not meant for dressy occasions, others are refined enough with their streamlined silhouette, narrower toe, and being shorter than the average boot, it makes them sit nicely under suit trousers. To keep the smart vibe, look for a not too chunky-soled version and in a highly polished leather.

Chelsea boot

The ultimate relaxed yet refined footwear, Chelsea boots are simple yet enduringly stylish and will look great with a fitted suit with tapered trousers thanks to their ankle height. From budget-friendly designs that balance quality and cost to innovative creations featuring suede or chunky soles, the look is up to you. Leather varieties will last longer and mold to the shape of your feet, offering that figure-hugging comfort that you don’t get with cheaper synthetic models.

Smart sneaker

Not so long ago pairing a sneaker with any kind of formal attire was a definite no, no. Today it’s perfectly acceptable to wear suiting with a sneaker, providing the dress code permits. Crisp white leather sneakers are always the dressier version and look great with cropped wool trousers. Save your battered old Converse for the park.

What shoes to wear for every dress code

Cocktail
Cocktail parties give you the most freedom when it comes to the choice of footwear. Brogues are acceptable as are monk straps. If you love pushing the style boundaries then suede or leather loafers will also look great here as will smart sneakers. Just remember that cropped trousers and no-show socks work best with these two.

Black Tie
This is a strict dress code when it comes to your outfit and shoes, so to avoid any style disasters, classic black patent-leather Oxford shoes are a classic choice here. But, a regular pair of Oxfords will also be totally acceptable, just make sure they are in good condition, polished, and scuff-free.

The office
As far as the office wear goes the best shoe is the classic Derby as it's timeless and works for dressy and casual and can even look great in your out-of-office wardrobe. Of course, if your workplace is less formal smart sneakers, a Chukka or Chelsea boots are also appropriate footwear.