Dress shoes are characterized by many different factors rather than a single feature. In this blog post, we’ll look at the variables that determine whether a shoe is dressy or not.
You may follow the advice below to buy burgundy men’s dress shoes.
#1. Practicality
To begin, the degree to which a shoe may be called “dressy” is determined by its use in daily life. In other words, the most formal shoes are the least flexible and serve no practical use.
Conversely, the most casual shoes like men’s grey casual shoes have a practical purpose, such as most kinds of boots and shoes that may be worn outside. Sneakers, for example, are for athletics, whereas boots are for labourers, and so on.
There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. Consider Brogue shoes, which were initially intended with holes to aid drainage during marches. The governing elite has largely adopted this look, which is now considered somewhat dressy. Nonetheless, it has kept its outdoor associations and is one of the most casual dress shoes.
On the other hand, delicate opera pumps and tuxedo slippers are entirely unsuitable for wearing outside. They are limited to the city and indoors and would be utterly worthless in a more rural setting.
That’s why they are seen as more formal since their usage is limited to rare events that need the wearing of extraordinary attire.
#2. Materials & Leathers
The leather and material used to create a shoe, regardless of style, will significantly impact its formality. This is related to the preceding point in that the most robust and durable materials are also the least formal.
Meanwhile, the most traditional materials are delicate and immaculate materials like patent leather and velvet. These are typically designated for the most extraordinary dress standards and are only worn on rare occasions.
A regular business suit, for example, would appear especially strange when combined with patent leather Oxford shoes. Smooth calfskin shoes, on the other hand, maybe deemed dressy depending on the conditions.
The rougher the material, the less formal it gets in general. Things may become extremely informal if you start wearing anything that isn’t smooth leather, such as pebbled leathers, canvas, and suede.
The same may be true about shoes’ soles. Rubber soles are less formal since they are less expensive and more practical daily. When dressing up for formal events, the soles will likely be leather.
In fact, the leather used in a shoe may have a significant effect on its formality. For example, suede Oxfords (if such a thing exists) become much less formal than calfskin Derby shoes.
#3. Color of Shoes
The deeper the color, the more formal it is. Starting with black, the most traditional color, you may work your way down to dark brown and cordovan, which are both slightly less formal.
When you start wearing medium browns and tans, the colors become less formal and more relaxed. When you’re wearing non-leather colors like white, red, and green, you’re in a very informal dress code.
