Men's Shoes

Men’s formal or business shoes are designed for formal events or settings. Their structure, material and overall aesthetic reflect a combination of streamlined sleekness, compactness and presentability, featuring sharp edges and premium finishes. Harmoniously bringing any ensemble together, formal shoes for men complement traditional articles of clothing, including suit jackets, button-down shirts, trousers, vests and cashmere wool sweaters. Men’s formal shoes are also included in dress code requirements at corporate offices and dinners, black tie or white tie events, and cocktail parties.

If you are looking to dress down your men’s vest for a more relaxed look, there are plenty of options. Instead of pairing your vest with a custom-tailored suit jacket, layer it over a breezy linen dress shirt. Still offering that air of class and authority, this type of casual styling will not look out of place in less formal settings.

Additionally, if you are still required to wear a suit jacket but the event isn’t overly formal, our collection of smart and casual suits may be the perfect option to pair with your stylish men’s business vest.

There are various men’s formal shoes that are suitable for classic occasions and formal outfits. It’s always beneficial to understand the types of men’s formal shoes before choosing to wear them during formal, corporate or dressy settings. To elevate and complement your attire, here are the most popular styles that you can add to your corporate wardrobe rotation:

• Oxford — Oxfords are traditional tailored men’s shoes with a closed lacing style and a non-rubber sole.
• Derby — Derby shoes are available in a range of colours and are suitable semi-formal shoes for men that can be paired with suits, button-down shirts and well-tailored trousers.
• Monk strap — Monk straps are unique, laceless formal shoes for men looking to create a sophisticated footwear statement during dressier occasions.
• Loafer — With an elevated seam, loafers are slip-on leather men’s formal shoes that do not contain laces.
• Chelsea boot — Chelsea boots are ankle-high formal men’s shoes made out of a single piece of leather with a plain toe.

Made famous by University of Oxford students who donned this classic style in the 19th century, Oxfords are now one of the most popular types of men’s formal shoes. They are available in various styles and shapes, such as plain toe, wing-tip, cap toe, and whole cut. The sleek and slim silhouette makes Oxfords the perfect footwear option for a range of formal and semi-formal ensembles. Most men select black, dark brown or tan colours when putting together their corporate ensembles. You should always opt for a shiny patent leather Oxford style for tuxedo dress codes.

When it comes to selecting the right footwear and styling men’s formal shoes, consider factors such as the shoe material, sole, lining, lacing style, and the number of eyelets. At Woolcott St., we can help you decipher what attire is appropriate for various formal occasions and whether you should opt for a customised body fit, a double-breasted suit or a sophisticated and carefully hemmed black-tie tuxedo.

The secret to a formal outfit lies in the minuscule details. From how your pocket square is folded to the knot in your tie, small stylistic elements influence the level of sophistication your attire exudes. That’s why it’s essential to consider how you lace your men’s formal dinner shoes. The three styles of lacing include:

• Criss-cross — The classic style works well with open lace footwear such as Oxfords or Derby shoes.
  
• Diagonal — This style offers a modern twist and adds an appealing visual element to our contemporary ensemble. The diagonal lace-up style works well with both Oxfords and Derby shoes.
  
• Straight bar — The versatile lacing style is an elevated way to add a personal flair to your formal outfit. This lace style is ideal, regardless of can be the number of eyelets on your shoes. 

Whether you’re attending a summer wedding or a business meeting, grey suits pair well with brown, black, or even burgundy tailored men’s shoes. If the suit you’ve selected is a lighter hue, we recommend black men’s formal shoes. If you’re planning on wearing a dark grey suit, complete your sophisticated ensemble with a clean pair of men’s shoes in a dark brown hue.

Colour combinations can make or break a formal outfit. Maintain a dapper and sophisticated style by pairing your formal trousers with men’s formal shoes. The hem of your formal pants decides how visible your shoes will be. If you want to add a touch of character and charm to your attire, Oxford or Derby shoes and experiment with your sock patterns. Chelsea boots are also a suitable option for formal winter occasions. Alternatively, you can opt to wear Monk straps or leather loafers with fitted chinos pant styles — this combination will keep your overall ensemble visually balanced.

If you’re looking for men’s formal or business shoes in Sydney, you’ll find a range of sophisticated and high-quality styles at Woolcott St. For expert advice on selecting the right footwear, you are more than welcome to drop by our flagship store to visit our tailoring experts. We would be happy to accommodate all your queries regarding our men’s formal shoes, tailored smart casual suits and suit accessories. If you have any questions, get in touch with our team of menswear experts today.

At Woolcott St, we understand that your time is a precious commodity. To streamline and simplify the bespoke tailoring process, we offer online consultations that you can schedule from the comfort of your home. You can start by answering a series of questions online before meeting in person to undergo a measurement assessment.

If you’re interested in visiting our Sydney store for expert guidance on matching your custom shoes with a bespoke suit, we’ll be happy to guide you through our process — from understanding your vision and taking your measurements to constructing garments that complement your silhouette.