I am just going to put it out there, I love a well dressed man!  There is nothing better than a man who knows how to style himself, whether suited and booted or causal and relaxed.  And being a typical woman in many ways, I always check out the footwear!

It got me thinking, what are the rules around footwear choices for men when styling an outfit (do they even think about it should be the first question)?  Are there any hard and fast rules for a gent (pun intended) or can they take on some style theory I like to utilise when pulling an outfit together?

For example, the shoe swap:

1. Pair a stiletto (dressy shoe) back with ripped jeans and a tee for a ‘dressy’ look or;

2. Throw on a casual flat to pull back a cocktail dress (or suit for a guy) for something more casual.

I decided to put this to the test with my ever willing husband and we styled two looks using a traditionally casual shoe and a dress shoe.  We pulled together a causal day look and paired back with a brogue and then took a classic shirt and suit and paired it with a light brown loafer.

Look One – Wearing: Akubra Capricorn hat, G-Star Blazer with a Marc’s pocket square, H&M Guns ‘n’ Roses t-shirt, Levis jeans (he cut the knee) and the Goodwin Smith Brooklyn Navy/Petrol Blue Oxford Brogue

Look Two – Wearing: Illesteva Murdoch sunglasses, M.J. Bale suit, Austen Brothers French cuff shirt, Polo Ralf Lauren belt and Goodwin Smith Liberty Tan Fringe Monk Strap loafers.

Seems to me like the technique translate well to men.

Thanks for the inspo to create this post, Goodwin Smith!

All photos by me.