A Guide to Men’s Party Shoes
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The festive season is approaching, and whether you’re having a family get-together, a work Christmas do or a virtual cocktail party, it’s important to look the part from head to toe. You’ve got your outfit sorted, but what about your shoes? From loafers and brogues to Chelsea boots and dress shoes, read on for a complete guide to the best party shoes for men, for every type of celebration.
The best party shoes for men
The best party shoes for a smart-casual party
A smart-casual dress code is infamously ambiguous, but in reality, it allows you to combine laid-back comfort with sophisticated flair. Team your outfit of trousers and an unbuttoned shirt with a pair of loafers - a leather pair like Claude Plain will add extra formality to your look, while a suede pair like Morven Sun will help you perfect the relaxed look, especially in its eye-catching navy colourway.
A pair of lace-up boots is a great alternative option, adding an element of ruggedness to your attire. The Batcombe Lord, in dark tan or black, have a vintage air about them, with traditional brogue detailing keeping them smart.
The best party shoes for a casual party
If you’re keeping things casual this season, then look no further than a pair of trainers as your going-out shoe of choice. The only rule? Go for smart rather than scruffy - it’s a party after all. A sleek pair of leather trainers like Un Costa Lace – available in a choice of five colours – will ensure you don’t look underdressed, while the Hero Air Lace will add a retro touch to your look.
If you’re worried that trainers are a touch too casual for a party, then a pair of our iconic Desert boots or Wallabees will put you at ease and look just as stylish. Choose a neutral tone if your outfit is already colourful, or go for a bold primary hue to let your shoes stand out.
The best party shoes for a business-casual party
Smarter than smart casual but less formal than black tie, a business-casual dress code generally means no jeans, but no full suits either. The best party shoes for such an occasion are smart, leather shoes. These could be Oxford shoes or Derby shoes if you want to err on the side of tradition, like our Oliver Lace or Oliver Cap, which both celebrate classic English footwear.
Alternatively, you could wear a pair of loafers or brogues for a slightly slight twist on the smart-shoe look. A smart black brogue like the Stanford Limit brings you the best of both worlds, made from premium leather with classic brogue detailing. Whichever shoe you choose, ensure they’re smart and well-polished.
The best party shoes for a formal party
A formal, black-tie affair calls for the smartest of shoes, and a classic dress shoe like an Oxford or a Derby fits the bill perfectly. Suede tends to be regarded as less formal, so stick to leather for very smart occasions.
You may not associate boots with dress shoes, however the right style of boot – a Chelsea boot in this instance – can be the ideal finishing touch to your formal attire too. A black leather style like the Oliver Top looks incredibly smart when buffed to a shine and worn with a suit.
No matter the occasion, discover our full range of men’s smart shoes. For more inspiration, read our guide to this autumn’s shoe trends, for both men and women.