Brown men's shoes: how to choose and what to wear with?
Brown shoes have long been recognized as the classics of men's footwear, having become trendy in the last century, and to this day they remain a symbol of elegance.
However, often representatives of the stronger sex, having purchased a brown pair in the store, soon return it back, because they do not understand how to wear such shoes correctly. What are brown men's shoes, how to choose them correctly and what to combine with - this will be discussed in our review.
Color features
Until the mid-30s. XX century, not a single man even had to think about choosing the colors of his shoes - black leather shoes were considered the only acceptable option at that time. They were combined with a traditional costume, while the shade of the clothing did not matter. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the assortment of suits in those years was small, only gray, brown, and also black products were considered acceptable models.
Thanks to the introduction of the latest technology, a real revolution in men's fashion took place, it was then that exquisite brown shoes appeared on sale. Many men took advantage of this to deviate from the usual canons, although some conventions still survived.
In particular, it is not recommended:
- wear brown shoes to events where the dress code suggests a tuxedo;
- come in brown shoes to any wedding party in a classic style (except for themed and informal holidays);
- such shoes are also unacceptable at the funeral.
A couple of decades ago, it was not encouraged to wear any colored shoes, including brown, at any evening events held after 6 pm.
Today this rule is no longer considered relevant, however, many still adhere to it.
Varieties
Brown is rich and attractive, in addition, it is presented in a wide variety of shades - this is what explains its popularity in the manufacture of men's shoes. It is very important to choose a harmonious combination of tones - only in this case your image will be sustained in accordance with the high style. The most popular light shades are:
- nut;
- coffee with milk;
- amber;
- copper brown;
- beige.
No less popular are dark varieties of men's shoes of the following colors:
- terracotta;
- ocher;
- black brown;
- grayish brown;
- chocolate.
Popular models
The most popular models of traditional men's shoes in brown color include the following options.
Oxford
This model is distinguished by a pointed toe, as well as a thin sole and closed lacing. Usually, such shoes are worn in tandem with a laconic suit, although shoes of the same model, made of suede, will be optimal for an urban casual style.
Derby
A truly versatile model with open laces. These shoes can be worn with both a classic business suit and informal clothing. Derby shoes are usually made of leather or suede, so shoes can have a wide variety of textures.
The lacquered version looks very impressive - this model is optimal for creating semi-formal evening bows.
Brogues
A very stylish variety of men's shoes, which is characterized by perforation in the area of the toe in the form of the letter W, it can be located only in the front part or along the line of all seams. Models made in brown tones are optimal for those representatives of the stronger sex who try to look as elegant as possible, but at the same time try to move away from the traditional classical canons with their laconicism.
Monkey
These shoes with a long toe, which are distinguished by the presence of a stylish strap with a buckle and the complete absence of lacing, can be one or more straps. These shoes fit harmoniously into everyday bows, as well as business casual. The suede shoes of this model look spectacular with any free-style clothing. Fashion industry experts advise wearing monks in tandem with tight trousers, in this case the trousers will not hide the stylish decor of the shoes, while the trousers will not cling to the heels.
Loafers
Another piece that is used to create a unique style. Visually, loafers resemble moccasins, but unlike them, they have a stiffer sole and a square-shaped heel. The decoration of loafers is very diverse, most often tassels, buckles and transverse leather stripes with a slot are used. Such shoes are used exclusively for creating informal bows.
How to choose?
When choosing brown men's shoes, first of all, you need to pay attention to the material from which it is sewn. The main criterion is its strength, as well as a presentable appearance. Nowadays, the most popular are:
- suede leather;
- nubuck;
- smooth skin.
Most often on sale you can see brown leather shoes, usually cattle hides are used. This material is durable, long-lasting and of improved quality, while the shoes can be easily cleaned with any standard means.
In the premium segment, there are also models made from the skin of a snake, shark, as well as an ostrich, crocodile and some other exotic animals.
But from the shoes pigskin it is better to refuse, since this material is usually of extremely low quality, it is distinguished by increased rigidity, which negatively affects the comfort of such models. Suede is very popular. - this is a deer hide, it can be fat or formaldehyde tanned, therefore it has a velvety surface on both sides.
Nubuck is a tanned bovine leather, the sheet side of which has been abraded and pressure treated. This material is optimal for warm shoes.
Pay special attention to the joints of the upper of the shoe and the sole, they must be firmly fastened to each other, any delamination will lead to a quick failure of the shoes. Be sure to try on shoes before buying, preferably in the afternoon, when your leg is a little swollen. If you buy shoes after the morning fitting, then with intense wear in the late afternoon, the shoes may begin to squeeze and cause discomfort to their owner.
What can men wear?
Brown classic men's shoes are offered in a wide variety of colors, which is why they fit harmoniously into various bows. Let's say dark brown shoes are optimal for a formal look, they are worn with a suit, and light brown shoes will be the best solution for an informal style. However, even in this case, it is important to take into account the color scheme of the suit itself.
In tandem with a traditional black suit, brown models will be inappropriate - in this situation, one should not deviate from traditions, it is worth buying traditional black oxfords. However, if a man likes a lightweight style, he can always pick up shoes of a dark brown color palette and a strap of the same color - such a bow is optimal for informal meetings.
The dark blue suits are universal, they can be worn at business events, meetings with partners or to work.A blue suit with brown boots can be combined, but in this case, the shoes should be selected in shades of dark chocolate.
The combination of blue and brown tones is optimal for informal events.
As for the gray suit, depending on its shade, it can look both formal and semi-formal. The darker model will be the best solution for business negotiations; dark brown shoes can be worn with such clothes. But a business suit in light gray is not such a restrained option, so it can be combined with shoes of both light and dark brown tones.
Fashionable men usually prefer suits in brown tones - you can also wear brown shoes with them, but in this case, shoes must be darker than trousers. Brown shoes will become a universal solution for lovers of urban and classic styles, but what they absolutely cannot be combined with is sports pants, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Such a tandem will look ridiculous and tasteless.