Shoes are a wardrobe essential that help express your personality. Fashionable shoes are in vogue these days as they make your appearance stylish and attractive.
Sneakers are having a renaissance and look great with jeans and chinos. They’re also a good choice for workwear, as long as you choose a pair that is a bit darker than your pants or skirt.
Monkstrap
Originally created as a sandal stand-in for European monks, monk strap shoes have walked free from their functional origins and graduated to the rank of dress shoe. Whether you choose single or double monk straps, they offer a playfully rakish element to your look that can be worn with jeans or a pair of trousers in combination with a smart blazer.
Aim for balanced proportions when choosing a monk strap shoe. A shoe with buckles that are too close together will look clunky, while those with extremely wide spacing or placed at the very high or low end of the shoe can also be a little heavy-handed.
A dependable option for building a shoe wardrobe, look to Italian footwear brand Velasca for quality-made monk straps made with smooth calf leather. These workhorses are a great choice for jeans, while a dark brown pair will suit business casual attire and can be worn with an evening jacket.
Chelsea Boot
The Chelsea boot’s popularity exploded in the mid-1950s as trendsetters (artists, designers and socialites like Mary Quant and Jean Shrimpton) began hanging out in the King’s Road area of London. This group, referred to as the ‘Chelsea set’ started wearing them regularly and the name stuck.
The key to making them look good is the design of the elasticated side panels. They should be shaped to sit over the top of the ankle bone. Some patterns have triangular gussets, while others—such as the round toe men’s Chelsea boots by Arthur knight—feature a bulb shape that is both stylish and proportional.
Chukkas work well with rolled blue jeans and casual trousers, but the cleaner construction of Chelsea boots means they can also be worn under formalwear as well. Try a pair of dark brown Chelsea boots from Barbour or a waxy brown suede version from Thursday. Blundstone even makes a model with coloured elastic panels, perfect for adding a bit of colour to your outfit!
Slip-On
As their name implies, these shoes slip right on and off without the fuss of laces. They’re also versatile and easy to pair with a variety of outfits, from jeans to business suits. They’re available in a wide range of materials and colors, so you can find the perfect style for your needs.
If you’re looking for a pair of slip-on sneakers that can transition from casual to professional, try this pair from Naot. The rugged leather exterior looks like a Chelsea boot, while the midsole offers generous arch support and cushioning.
If you prefer a more feminine slip-on sneaker, consider this pair from Vans. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with thick elastic straps that secure your foot. Plus, they’re available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fit for your personality. They also have a rocker bottom design, which limits pressure on the ball of your foot and toes.
Heels
Heels are a fashion shoes type that elevates the look of a pair of shoes. They are often worn with formal attire and can be a great addition to a woman’s wardrobe. Heels are also beneficial for women who want to shape their body figure. High heels can make a woman’s butt stick out and her chest appear more forward, which can help create the appearance of a slimmer waist.
Heels can be worn in many different styles, including strappy sandals, pumps, and peep-toes. Some brands of heels are even designed to be comfortable and include features like foam linings and rubber-and-leather soles that provide cushioning and flexibility. However, if heels are worn too often, they can cause short-term problems like corns and calluses and long-term issues such as hammertoes and bunions. In addition, they can also cause pain in the back, knees, hips and ankles. Heels can also make a person’s legs appear longer, which can help to improve posture.