Brogues. In a class of its own the footwear is a rare collaboration of art and aesthetics. Everything about brogue shoes is spectacular, from its magnificent history to its inimitable design. In fact, first crafted for the labour class its allure went viral all over the world and what was once famous as country brogue shoes made its foray into men’s fashion, for good reason.
With distinctively innovative perforations and exceptional crafting to its credit brogues take a sharp turn from conventional oxfords and derby route. But this was not true when their journey began in the wet terrain of Ireland.
Brogues shoe trend did not catch on until the lords of mens style turned their attention to it, but the perforation was not a requirement for urban men and this fully functional feature, today remains only as a superficial embellishment.
Oxfords Not Brogues
When broguing is attributed to oxfords they are called oxford brogues. Likewise, derby brogues. Oxfords are closed lace shoes but when wear a layer of broguing the formality declines sharply, for the most part brown oxford brogue shoes are more popular among men for their versatility of blending with various dress codes.
Derby brogue shoes, on the contrary employ open lacing. This style is less common and less stylish then its counterpart.
Four Styles Of Brogues
Brogues branch out into four different styles namely: full brogues, half brogues, quarter and longwing, out of which first two make staple shoe styles for most men.
Full brogues, otherwise called wingtip shoes bear maximum broguing and also enjoy greatest stardom. Half-brogue loses almost half the broguing which makes it suitable for everything from relaxed business or dressy casual.
Rest shoe styles come as a secondary choice and feature less and less broguing.
Quarter brogues maintain a class of their own and clearly veer to the formal side. This style carries only a seam of perforation on the toe-cap, no more, no less. To a newbie these shoes might appear just as oxfords but there is a marked difference of broguing. It pairs superbly well with formal attire.
Longwing brogues are rare to be seen on mens feet; other styles are better preferred than it.
How to choose brogue shoes
It is of key importance to stay within no-mistake zone while selecting your signature brogue shoes. Rules of the game are straight forward.
Formality is inversely proportional to broguing.
More the pattern on the shoe deck more casual it will be. Hence, Wingtips are, conclusively, least formal of the all brogue style and suitable for casual evening dinner and smart casual and casual.
Black supersedes brown
Black is king forever. Choose black for formal places like wedding and business. Wear black quarter brogues with dark formal suits, black trousers. Brown brogues are more fun and a thing of casual nature. You can pair it light colour blazers, brown navy and grey. Less formal suits- i.e. beige or tan suit with medium brown brogue is a powerful way to arm yourself with elegance and novelty.
Choose half brogues when you are in two minds.
Mixed up at which brogue style to fix on? Just chill. Half brogues or semi-brogues are a breeze and the safest investment. Their mild perforation looks fetching and not too intense, therefore they slot into any setting without looking out of place.
How To Wear Brogue Shoes
These shoes from Scotland are not popular for their beauty but also for their practicality with tailoring. Brogues are as versatile with suit, smart casual or even jeans and tee outfit. So following are the ways you can wear these irish brogues.
Wear Textured Clothing
If you have a knack for mixing and matching you need not ponder about producing inspirational outfits. Best way to deploy brogues is to pair them with suit separates, textured blazers.
Think about texture when you have brogues in your shoe collection. Perhaps flannel trousers or a full flannel suit in medium grey shade. Flannel exudes napped finish which echoes relaxed, warm dressing well suited for colder months.
Wingtips are great collaboration with flannel. Both flannel texture and brogue decoration can satisfy the style equation for a sophisticated impression.
How To Wear Brogues With Jeans
At first you might feel at sea when you picture twosome together, but Brogues and jeans play intimately, given all the details are up to the mark.
While you think of jeans with brogue shoes you may want to consider few things.
- First, you must know, brogues are mainly business casual shoes but they are still smart footwear. That is to say, choose dark wash jeans slim fitting but not skinny, long enough to kiss shoe top but not stacking.
- For the upper part crewneck is way too casual and a Henley shirt is odd one out. Think of a collared shirt or polo shirt, either will play up the outfit.
- Prefer a shirt to a t-shirt for a dressier look. Choose pattern for depth and visual appeal. Stripes are acceptable with brogues, so are small checks.
- Adding a relaxed blazer will further elevate the ensemble.
Brogue Shoes & Business Casual?
Brogues stand out with their unique decoration and are capable of lifting any outfit. While other formal shoes are strictly territorial, contrarily brogue shoes are relaxed in nature and don’t mind crossing into hybrid dress codes such as business casual or casual Friday.
Business casual is predominantly middle ground for most men who want to get rid of tight suits and choking neckties. It is an instant way of dressing smart in a more comfortable way. The dress code allows you to integrate an elegant look with minimum coordinates.
Brogues Boots?
An extension of brogue shoe is a boot version. High-top boots with perforations are fun to wear with jeans and add some pattern and texture to the outfit.
Choose brogue boots for rare casual events, but keep in mind they are only casual boots. Don’t swap them for Chelsea or chukkas.
Suede Brogue Shoes
Suede’s texture and nap is world-wide known, and therefore it is an alternative to those formal dress shoes. Suede brogues characterize a casual type of shoe that go well with jeans, patterned trousers, and colourful socks. Men can style them with textured sport coat or a casual blazer.
Especially, brown wingtip suede shoes are popular among all versions of brogues. They are great to pair with smart casual wardrobe.
When Not To Wear Brogues?
If the invitation says black tie, better skip brogues; they will appear too much for the event, especially wingtips or semi-brogues. Likewise, a funeral would be too serious for a shoe design with embellishment and so is the interview where simplicity and elegance should be on forefront.
Oxfords and derby will make you appear decent, sensible and equally stylish in a subtle way.
