Mastering Style: 7 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Dress Shoes

Finding the right dress shoes can elevate your style and complete your outfit. Whether attending a formal event or dressing for business, following these seven steps will help you select the ideal dress shoes.

From examining the leather quality to considering the toe shape and heel height, these guidelines will ensure you make a confident and fashionable choice.

Step 1: Assess the Leather Quality

When choosing dress shoes, opt for genuine leather. Look for smooth but not overly shiny leather with a subtle sheen that doesn't reflect your image.

Beware of shoes that appear excessively shiny or have a plastic-like texture, as they are unlikely to be made of genuine leather. Choose shoes with high-quality leather for durability and a sophisticated look.

Step 2: Find the Right Toe Shape

Strike a balance between squared and pointed toes when selecting dress shoes. Avoid extremes and opt for a moderately shaped toe. This versatile style will complement various outfits and enhance your overall appearance.

Step 3: Consider the Heel Height

Choose dress shoes with a heel height of less than one inch. Striking the right balance is crucial, as excessively high heels can give the impression of lifted heels and detract from your overall look.

Aim for a heel height around or slightly below the one-inch mark for a comfortable and stylish choice.

Step 4: Prioritize Laced Shoes for Formal or Business Professional Settings

For formal occasions or professional settings, opt for lace-up dress shoes. Traditional options like Oxfords and Derbies with laces exude professionalism and sophistication.

While slip-on shoes may be more convenient, laced shoes are essential for creating a polished and refined appearance.

Step 5: Embrace Slip-On Shoes for Business Casual Attire

In more relaxed settings, slip-on shoes are ideal. Consider loafers or boat shoes when you need a dressier option than sneakers but less formal than lace-up Oxfords. These slip-on styles strike the perfect balance for business casual attire, providing comfort and style.

Step 6: Choose Versatile Black Shoes

Black shoes offer exceptional versatility and pair well with various colours, except brown. Black dress shoes will be your go-to choice if your wardrobe predominantly consists of black, grey, or blue suits.

Additionally, black shoes can be paired with khaki pants or jeans for a stylish, put-together look.

Step 7: Opt for Brown Shoes for Variety and Backup

While brown shoes are still considered dress shoes, they require more careful coordination. Brown and tan suits are best complemented by brown shoes, with various shades available.

Pay attention to colour matching, ensuring that the brown shoes you select harmonize with the brown clothing items in your wardrobe.