Fashion rules are made to be broken. A truth that almost always holds true if you bend them in the right direction. But sometimes, you don't have time to invent and experiment. Like when you're standing in front of the door, the clock is ticking, and you have a few seconds to decide what shoes you're going to wear all day.
It's happened to all of us, sometimes such quick decisions cause a small fashion disaster. That's why here's a guide on how to properly combine shoes with pants.
But before we begin, let's review some shoe terminology, like in the old days in school in front of the blackboard:
Now that we've "got our bearings" with the names of the shoes, let's move on to combining them:
Oxfords & derbies
A good old classic. They have closed or open lacing and are therefore the most elegant due to their clean design.
Brogues
OK, brogues are not a type of shoe, but rather a decoration on the ones mentioned above. But let's not get too smart here, brogues are simply those that have ornaments and other fun things on them.
Monk Strap
A great Italian snack. An alternative to lacing, one or two buckles make monk straps the choice of Italians.
Loafers
Or in Slovak, moccasins, we probably all know what it is.
Chelsea
A slip-on boot without laces, the kind worn by British kings on horseback for centuries. And then all the rock bands of the sixties.
Chinos
It's not for nothing that chinos go hand in hand with the word casual. Consider them the perfect alternative to jeans. However, they are your ideal companion when you want to look a little more sophisticated than in blue denim. Moreover, they look great with almost any shoes. Leather or, in the spring, suede loafers are their number one best partner. In winter, on the other hand, you can achieve the look of an urban lumberjack with high boots. Reach for sneakers if you want to look like you don't care a bit... In short, Italian sprezzatura.
Classic trousers
Traditional trousers are a tough nut to crack when it comes to combinations. When shoes are added to the mix, a hemlock is guaranteed. Very conservative shoes can give the impression that you were simply too lazy to wear a jacket with trousers that look like they are part of a suit. That is why the best combination for these trousers is a golden combination of a classic shoe with elements of leisure, such as a brogue or a derby with a thick rubber sole. That is the first league. Sneakers stand on a cliff between the words super and tragedy with classic trousers, so they need to be approached with respect. Simple and monochromatic are great, while anything more sporty is not so much. In winter, with boots, please, never wear these trousers.
Jeans
Jeans go with everything and everywhere. It's not for nothing that we love them so much. It's the same with shoes. Sneakers, monk straps, loafers, go for it! It's up to you what look you want to create. If you're feeling a little wild, Chelsea boots with jeans and a jacket will give you the real biker image. However, jeans have one and only one rule. Gentlemen, please, high-class black dress shoes, or at least patent leather shoes, and jeans must be kept at least 50 meters apart, otherwise there is a risk of a fashion tragedy.
Suit
A suit, like jeans, has the easiest solution to the shoe puzzle at first glance. A beautiful suit deserves an equally beautiful shoe. Now is the time to pull out your most beautiful oxfords or derbies, whether black or brown. If you would like to show off your fashion sense, monk straps are your number 1 choice of weapon. And when it gets cold, simple winter boots are great, but again, it is a bit problematic to combine them correctly. Avoid eccentric and overly sporty shoes. And most importantly, gentlemen, once and for all, square toes need to be left in 1999.
