Four Pairs Of Shoes Every Guy Should Have In His Closet
“When you turn 25, buy yourself a tailored suit.”
I’m sure every guy has heard this saying as they were growing up either from their parents or from someone who is extremely distinguished like Sean Connery. No matter where you heard the saying, its actually a very good tip to follow and one of the key essentials of becoming a fashion icon.
But that’s far from all the essentials you’ll need. In fact, it’s only a small detail in the plethora of essentials that make up a fashion icon. Here’s a small tip on one of the things us guys tend look over: Shoes.
Classic Dress Shoe
While I was growing up, I only wore one type of shoe; Converse. No matter if it was raining, snowing, tornado or hailstorms, I wore my Converse with every outfit. I even wore them to the Homecoming Dance.
When I look back on it, it was huge mistake on my part.
Every guy should have a nice pair of Classic Dress Shoes. Usually men tend to go Oxford or Derby when it comes to dress shoes and both are great in my opinion. I prefer, however, the Oxford shoe because they’re a bit easier to walk in than a Derby. It all depends on your comfort level with these shoes as well every other dress shoe.
Despite them being dress shoes, its quite alright for you to wear them everyday. Just don’t try to play sports in them.
The Brougue
The infamous Brogue shoe is not one of my favorite pairs of shoes but they are making waves in the fashion industry. Although they look very similar to all dress shoes, their distinct “hole” pattern around the shoe makes them unique. I rarely wear these shoes unless I’m going to a very upscale event and I’m trying to cause a stir when I walk through the door (which you should want to do everywhere you go).
They should be worn with dark dress pants and suits but I’ve seen many people wear them with a similar dark denim jean. Unlike the Classic, these shoes shouldn’t be worn for casual strolls around the park mainly because these shoes are usually very costly and are not intended to be worn down like hiking boots. Wear them to a cocktail party or maybe the Opera if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Loafer
I have a confession to make. I despise laces. I prefer shoes that I can just slip on when I need to go somewhere. That’s why “Loafers” are my all time favorite shoe to wear! Aside from them being lace-less, a good pair of Loafers go a long way. Despite their basic appearance, Loafers come in many different design styles making it the best universal shoe to wear just about anywhere.
Usually they range from a light brown color to black and you’re able to wear them with jeans, khakis, and dress pants. My favorite combo is a nice dress shirt, khakis, and my favorite pair of Loafers. It makes your appearance look effortless and fashionable in any situation. And I can’t tell you enough how comfortable and easy they are to wear! You’ll probably never want to take them off.
The Sneaker
Believe it or not, people get confused with what type of Sneaker to buy. It’s a thin line between fashionable and looking like a 70-year-old middle school English teacher. There are many types of sneakers out there but there are also many types of “fitness shoes” that shouldn’t be treated as a sneaker.
The most favorable pair of Sneakers are the Converse All-Stars. Towering over all on comfort spectrum, Converse should be worn daily with jeans or chinos (not the Homecoming Dance). They’re unique design makes them able to adapt to just about any style you want to pull off but most people wear them as part of a “street style” ensemble.
There you have it. The four pair of shoes you should have in your closet. Now I’m not telling you to go out and buy all of these at once (unless you’re making that kind of money) but be mindful of these essentials next time you go on that little shopping spree you do to “treat yo-self”. Pretty soon, you’ll have an amazing arsenal of shoes that’ll make anyone jealous of your style.
-Syd
The 11th House 