5 Shoes Every Man Should Own

Whether you’re going on a first date, heading into a big conference, or are just running errands around town, you like to dress to impress. While most men focus their attention on their suits, they often forget about the finishing touches, including their shoes. In fact, some might argue that your shoes can make or break your outfit. So where do you start?

Start with the basics! As long as they are the right ones, all you need is five pairs of custom-made shoes to take your look to the next level.

Black Oxfords

Occasion: formal, business, or professional attire
Material: leather

A wardrobe staple, a pair of black oxfords is a must among must-haves. The black-leather cap-toe Oxford’s sleek and elegant design will become your go-to for formal and semi-formal events. Featuring a closed lacing system along the bottom, the bottom of an Oxford shoe’s lacing section is sewn closed. From job interviews and formal occasions to black-tie events, these versatile dress shoes will soon become a favorite.

• Our Favorite Combinations:
  – Dress them up with a formal bespoke black suit or tuxedo.
• – Wear them to work with your favorite C&C bespoke suit and crisp white shirt. Be sure to add a pop of color or print with a silk pocket square and complimenting a sevenfold tie.

Brown Derby

Occasion: professional or casual attire (think smart to smart casual)
Material: leather

A footwear go-to for modern men, brown derby shoes were originally designed with real holes to help drain the water from the marshy bogs of Scotland. The traditional perforations along with the shoes upper section, called the brogueing, provide this style of footwear a distinctive element others shoes simply lack. Although made in many shades of brown, we recommend opting for a shade of medium brown, which will pair with almost any color slacks or chinos other than black. Less formal than the oxford shoe, brown derbys provide a smart and refined look while remaining comfortably chic.

Our Favorite Combinations:
– Bespoke chinos with a collared dress shirt and a pair of two-toned brown leather derbies.
– Pair them with your favorite grey blazer and white dress pants.

Tassel Loafers

Occasion: semi-formal, business casual, and casual
Material: suede or leather

Originally designed by King George VI, the charm of the tassel loafer continues to withstand the test of time. Less formal than their brown derby and black oxford counterparts, their laceless silhouette features an elegant design for a highly versatile style. Often worn sockless, these shoes are ideal for warmer climates and events. Whether you dress them up with a light-weight linen suit or keep it casual with a button-down shirt and pair of chinos, you’ll wear these bad boys over and over again.

Our Favorite Combinations:
– Pair your tassel loafers with your bespoke linen shorts and a casual shirt for a stylish summer look.
– Wear them with your favorite crew neck and bespoke pinstripe suit for the perfect business casual look.

Double Monks

Occasion: semi-formal or business casual
Material: suede or leather

Unique and fashionable, the double monk shoe is an ideal choice for the contemporary gent. Featuring two buckle closures, instead of traditional laces, monk shoes were originally worn by European monks in the early 1400’s. Offered in a wide range of colors and materials, double monk shoes typically are crafted from leather or suede in black, brown, or burgundy. Depending on the event, you can wear them with socks (formal events) or without socks (casual events).

Our Favorite Combinations:
– Pair your brown double monks with a pair of bespoke classic trousers and navy blue cardigan for a sharp office look.
– Match your burgundy double monks with your favorite pair of blue dress pants, white dress shirt, and classic blazer.

Leather Boots

Occasion: business casual or casual
Material: suede or leather

Rugged and dressy, a pair of leather boots will compliment just about any of your daily looks.
In particular, leather brogue boots work with suit trousers and jeans and everything in between. They’re the perfect voice to inject a smart edge to your rugged look. Similarly, the Chelsea leather boots provide an easy slip-on style of boot, similar to a loafer. Chelsea boots can take you from the office to dinner with friends with ease.

Our Favorite Combinations:
– Team your leather Chelsea boots with a bespoke suit jacket and your favorite jeans for a contemporary take on business casual.
– For a more professional look, pair your leather boots with your favorite pair of chinos.

Collars & Cuffs Handcrafted Shoes

Are you looking to enhance your shoe collection? Well look no further! Leveraging our partnership with TLB, our custom shoe artisans take pride in merging the lineage of unrivaled skill and craftsmanship with modern innovation, ushering the spirit of bespoke into the modern age for your pleasure and enjoyment.

In addition to our custom shoe offerings, we also carry their famous collection of ready-to-wear leather shoes in various sizes. Our in-house offering of over 25 unique styles is designed and crafted by the skilled artisans of TLB and is held to the same intricate design process as our bespoke offerings.

Contact a member of our team to learn more!