Lifestyle

A Basic Guide to Men’s Classic Dress Shoes and When to Wear Them [Infographic]

by . November 4th, 2014

The average entrepreneur will likely need to meet more people, and this significantly raises the chances of having to to attend formal events.

While no one expects you to look like Gianni Agnelli or Alain Delon at the next cogs and sprockets convention, it really does help your personal brand to at least look put-together. And few things can anchor a look more than your choice of shoes.

Nice Laundry has put together this useful, if rather conservative infographic on men’s shoes and what they deem are the socially acceptable occasions to wear them.

What do you think?

 

Presented By Nice Laundry

Observations

  • In the US, Oxfords are often called Balmorals, and derby-type shoes are often called Blüchers.
  • Some people (with misplaced priorities) may consider Oxfords, Balmorals, Derbys, and Blüchers to be four different types from each other. Well, whatever.
  • Now that you know which shoes are what, you’re free to bend the rules a little bit more in your favor.
  • The infographic describes the boot as a “high top oxford” which means closed lacing but it shows a derby-style boot with open lacing. 
    Derby vs Blucher

 

    • Unless you lurk style forums or work in the fashion industry, the distinction doesn’t really matter.
    • If you’re a guy, you’ll want at least one good pair of black Oxfords for formal events.
    • Women have way more options for shoe options generally speaking, and Oxford-type shoes are making inroads in women’s fashion
    • Oxfords, due to their heritage as a city shoe are considered by nitpicky old-fashioned types as more formal than derby-style shoes. However, if you got high arches, it’s far easier and cheaper to find a ready-made derby shoe that fits comfortably.
    • While good shoes can be incredibly expensive (anywhere from $200 to $5,000 for a bespoke pair), they can also be a lifelong investment. For instance, Prince Charles has used the same pair of black Oxfords for over 40 years, and very few people attend as many formal events as he does.

 

charlesshoes
 

  • Supposing you spent $300 on a bespoke pair and they last 15 years, that would come down to a little over $20 per year, not including maintenance costs. Spend $100 on a not-so-good pair, and they probably won’t last 3 years.
  • Good quality leather can develop a patina that just looks better with age.

 

Patina
 

 

  • Most women love a snappy dresser, as do most men who prefer other men. Something worth keeping in mind!
  • Rules are meant to be broken — by people know how best to break them.

 

 

Image credits: www.readsfootwear.co.ukamphl via photopin cc

What other basic entrep wardrobe tips can you share?

Not everyone knows we have infographics. Check these out, they’re pretty sweet!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Arthur Piccio manages YouTheEntrepreneur and has managed content for major players in the online printing industry. He was previously BizSugar's contributor of the week. His work has appeared multiple times on The New York Times' You're the Boss Small Business Blog. He enjoys guitar maintenance and reading up on history and psychology in his spare time.