What chic footwear should you wear for an evening out?

At a special event, one always strives to look their absolute best; much like a fine three-piece suit, footwear must be carefully selected to perfectly complement the image you wish to project. There are several styles of highly sophisticated footwear suitable for such occasions; here is an overview of the best chic shoes to wear for evening events.

For a perfect look, choose Oxford shoes

The Richelieu shoe is undoubtedly the most iconic choice if you aim to achieve a highly chic and polished look. It possesses a unique characteristic: it is crafted from a single piece of leather. The quarters (the area where the laces are located), the tongue, and the vamp (the front section) blend seamlessly, all fashioned from the same leather, lending a unique and exclusive character to the final product. The average price for such a pair is commensurate with the exquisite finish and the craftsmanship of the artisan who created them; you should expect to invest several hundred euros to achieve true excellence.

How to care for Oxford shoes?

Just like your footwear, your attire should be impeccably elegant. Since this style of shoe is reserved for very rare occasions, your outfit must be equally sophisticated; a fine three-piece suit would be most appropriate. Naturally, you should aim for color harmony. The ideal approach with this type of shoe is to opt for understated elegance, typically utilizing dark tones—a black or navy suit paired with a matching or crisp white shirt.

Finally, due to their very rigid construction, these shoes are naturally quite narrow; they should be avoided if you have very wide feet, unless you consult a bespoke shoemaker for a custom-made pair.

The derby shoe: a chic alternative

The derby shoe is a much more accessible style of footwear. When discussing accessibility, we are not only referring to price—which, it must be acknowledged, is more affordable than a pair of Oxfords—but also to style; these shoes appeal to a wide range of men’s aesthetics. In fact, unlike Oxfords, derby shoes, which have Anglo-Saxon origins, are constructed with two leather elements, making them more flexible and easier to wear. Furthermore, this style of chic men’s footwear can be worn by individuals with wider feet, as the lace overlap is broader.

How are derby shoes holding up?

This shoe is versatile enough for a wide range of occasions. Whether attending a formal ceremony, a conference, or wearing them for work or leisure, these shoes will adapt perfectly to any setting; they are designed with a flexible nature to ensure maximum comfort and prevent any discomfort. Furthermore, with their relaxed vibe, you can easily mix and match styles—pairing these derbies with jeans or chinos, for instance—as they offer a less formal look than traditional oxfords.