How to Choose Black Dress Shoes for Men to Wear with Confidence
When it comes to men’s fashion, there are many ways to elevate your style, and your footwear is certainly the most critical. Shoes play a vital role in every outfit and can complete your look. I think that just like every woman needs a little black dress in her wardrobe, every man needs a pair of black dress shoes.
You don’t have to be a suit wearer to own a pair. Black is versatile and can make you appear classy, which is one of the main reasons it’s a preferred choice for formal events. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with black shoes.
How to Choose a Pair
While brown and navy shoes have become popular lately, black shoes remain an all-time favourite with men. However, choosing the right pair can be a challenging task. If you’re looking for shoes to complement most outfits and occasions, you can buy black dress shoes for men, designed to become a wardrobe staple. They are usually made of leather and come in more sophisticated styles than any other black shoes out there. Here are some suggestions.
Oxfords
These are some of the most sought-after men’s dress shoes. They’re laced-up leather shoes with a pointed toe and slight heel, featuring a closed lacing system and a narrow fit. A pair of black Oxford shoes is probably the most versatile pair of shoes a man can have, suitable for both formal wear and smart casual.
Derby Shoes
Similar in design to Oxford shoes, Derby shoes come with a wider fit and an open lacing pattern. A round-toe shape characterises them and makes them a great footwear choice for a business casual ensemble.
Monk Straps
Monk straps are very similar to Oxford and Derby shoes, but instead of a laced design, as the name suggests, they feature a large strap over the shoe. Thanks to their design, they’re often considered less formal.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are some of the most stylish shoes for the fashion-forward man and a versatile footwear solution for various occasions.
Patent Leather Shoes
If you want to make a statement with your footwear choice, then this is the right pair for you. Patent leather shoes have a glossy coat, creating a shiny finish and are designed to be worn with very formal suits or tuxedos.
Outfit Ideas
The versatility of black dress shoes often makes it hard to decide what to wear them with. Whether you attend a wedding, a business meeting or any other formal event, here are a few outfit ideas to help you create an effortlessly elegant look. And always remember to own your unique style by trying different combinations.
Black Oxfords and Black Pants
Add a classy and sophisticated touch to your look by pairing black Oxford shoes with your favourite black pants and a blue denim shirt. It’s the easiest way to a fashion-forward look that’s comfortable and chic. If you like monochrome, you can try black pants with a black polo or black full-sleeved shirt. Accessorise the look with a black belt matching the shoes.
Black Derbies and a Blue Suit
For a classy, stylish appearance with an elegant touch, pair black Derbies with black pants and a blue suit. Complement your look with a black crew neck tee and you’ll get a look that will surely make you stand out in the crowd.
Black Monk Straps and Black Pants
This is an impressive and sophisticated outfit combo that goes perfectly well with a white or beige shirt. Also, you can pair your black monk straps with a black-striped suit or a polo with a blazer.
What About Wearing Socks With Black Dress Shoes?
Attention to detail. It’s all that matters when it comes to making your clothing choices. However, when it comes to putting together a finely tuned-outfit, it matters even more. Pairing socks with black dress shoes? There’s only one simple rule. Don’t worry about the shoes, just make sure to pair your socks with your pants.
Yes, you got it right. Pair your socks with your pants because it can help you create a smooth transition from the socks to the pants making you appear taller and well put together. To stay on the safe side, stick to black, blue and grey socks and pants. They go very well together, so feel free to mix and match them with black shoes at any time.
Final Thoughts
From Oxfords to Derbie shoes, Chelsea boots and more, black dress shoes for men come in various designs and styles, crafted with comfort and elegance in mind. Whether for formal events or smart casual gatherings, they allow you to create impressive outfits with a timeless touch.
An extra tip: a quality leather pair of shoes can be polished and refurbished, so even an old pair of shoes can look and feel as good as new. Investing in durable and long-lasting footwear can save you money in the long run and you can always look like someone who embraces style and keeps up with trends. Just make sure to focus on fit and comfort when buying your new pair of dress shoes and take proper care of them.