5 Dress Shoes Every Guy Needs

The simplest and most classic of shoe styles, the Oxford is as versatile as it is stylish. First rising in popularity among students of (you guessed it) Oxford University back in the 1800s, the minimal design and closed lacing has become popular the world over. A conservative choice perfectly poised as a business or wedding shoe.

So named because of the monks that originally wore them, this shoe traditionally comes in single and double strap versions with a buckle on each strap. A similar shape to the Oxford, they can be worn with jeans or sharply cut suits, making them a great smart-casual choice when teamed with tees or shirts alike.

Favoured by King George VI of England, the loafer didn’t really take off until it became popular in the US in the 1930s. Commonly made of leather or suede, the modern incarnation of this informal shoe is more akin to a moccasin than a royal slipper and thus a great option for informal suits and smart fitted jeans.

The dress boot harks back to the Victorian era when men had far less choice when it came to what they put on their feet. The boot cut is still a popular alternative to lower cut shoes styles and are available in varying height and decorative styles.

A brogue is more an adoration of a traditional Oxford than it is a shoe style in itself. Brogueing refers to the decorative perforations (that’s the dots) that appear in various patterns on Oxford, Derby, and Monk Strap styles. Originally used to allow water to pass out easily when crossing boggy terrain, the style is now extremely popular among modern city folk too.