Business Casual Shoes for Men
What types of shoes should you wear in a business casual environment? This guide has everything you need to know.
Going to work where you are expected to wear more formal looks doesn't have to be complicated. The key to perfecting "business casual" is variety. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one pair of dress shoes in your wardrobe, regardless of whether you work at a casual office or not. Being able to rotate shoes will result in a much better and longer lifespan of your shoes.
Five Business Casual Shoes
Oxford Shoes
The Oxford is often referred to as the most elegant one amongst all of the dress shoes. It's characterized by the closed lacing construction where the shoelace eyelet tabs are attached under the vamp.
The Oxford is the most formal shoe of them all, but they are not all created equal. There are differences between a plain-toe Oxford in calf leather and an Oxford in suede with decorative perforations.
How to wear them: Wear them smart. What we mean by that is to wear them together with dressier clothes such as a suit or at least dressier trousers and a nice shirt.
Related: What is the difference between an Oxford and a Derby Shoe?
)
)
)
)
Derby Shoes
Derby shoes with brogue details are a less formal alternative to the Oxford. It’s more relaxed and for many considered the perfect daily companion to both denim and tailored garments.
How to wear them: A pair in dark brown, burgundy or black calf works well with a suit while suede often adds a casual yet polished touch to denim or chinos.
)
)
)
)
Penny Loafers
If you don’t already own a pair of penny loafers, it’s time to add it to your collection. These shoes are an obvious essential item for any man. They can easily be worn in both casual or more dressed-up settings.
How to wear them: A typical outfit at the Morjas office usually consists of straight-legged jeans, knitwear for the season, and a pair of penny loafers in suede or calf. You can also dress them up together with a suit. It will be more formal but not as formal as it would in a pair of Oxfords.
Related: How to wear loafers with jeans & How to style the Penny Loafer?
)
)
)
)
Chelsea Boots
The Chelsea Boot comes in many shapes and sizes and they are often a bit more polished and dressier than other types of boots due to the sleek and minimal look.
How to wear them: If you want a more casual look then go for a pair of suede Chelsea boots together with denim or chinos. Want to take it up a notch and be a bit sharper? Go for the calf and wear it with a pair of smart wool trousers or even a suit.
Related: How to wear Chelsea boots & Two Essential Winter Shoes
)
)
)
)
Sneakers
Wearing sneakers in a business casual environment may feel a bit strange. But the key here is to make sure that they are clean, sleek and not too bold, preferably in muted colours. A good rule is: Bend the rules but don’t break them entirely.
How to wear them: You can wear them more casually together with a heavy knitted polo and a pair of denim, or dress them up with wool trousers and a cashmere sweater.
Related: The Sneaker & What to Pack for The Weekend Getaway?
)
)
)
)
