How to Choose Footwear for Every Occasion: A Guide for Modern Men?

What you wear on your feet is a big deal, so choosing the right footwear for every occasion can be a challenge in itself. The following guide is here to help you, the modern man, in finding the right footwear, whether you are heading out on a date, staying in and having a few drinks with the boys, or preparing for your first day in the office.

Staying In

Everyone loves a good night in, especially as we get older. If you struggle to look stylish when dressing for comfort, fear no more. The right shoes can dress up any lazy look, even your favourite pair of grey joggers.

Long gone are the days that men’s indoor footwear consisted of slippers, CrepStars are here to change the indoor footwear scene completely. These men’s CrepStars trainer slippers look exactly like a pair of sneakers, following the latest fashion trends to offer you a smart new way of staying in. They are also designed to be worn without socks, so you can look and feel great whilst soaking up the football with friends.

Dating

Dating can be a tricky one, as the lucky lady and the place for the date can really set the scene. You can find a pair of shoes for any dating scenario though and it helps if you know where the date is and what the dress code is like. Before the big day, search online to scope out the place, as this will give you a better idea of whether trainers are suitable, or whether you need to go with something a little more high-end.

You don’t want to turn up for your date and not be able to get in, so on most occasions, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. A Chelsea boot is a fine first date choice, as it looks classy, sophisticated, and shows your date that you’ve made an effort with your outfit. You can team these with some chinos, or a pair of trousers and a loose-fitting shirt.

Unless you are going to a 5* Michelin restaurant, Oxfords should be avoided, as they are best kept for suits. Canvas sneakers can also be worn for a more laid back date, such as watching a movie or bowling. Just remember to wear clean shoes, not your old trainers that have washed out and become all tattered. Trust me, your date will notice and this is not the time to make a bad first impression.

Formal

If you are heading somewhere formal, such as a wedding, christening, or interview, you want to dress to impress and this starts with your shoes. There is no use investing money into an awesome new suit if you are going to ruin the image with a pair of sneakers. Whilst some men can pull this off, mostly, it just looks like you’ve given up halfway through your outfit. The best formal shoes are Oxfords, derby shoes, or loafers which you can find at Del Toro Shoes.

This will depend on the occasion and what goes best with your outfit. If it’s a formal occasion but not quite suit and tie, loafers are a laid back option that is both formal and tasteful. For an interview, a pair of Monk shoes can look both professional and classy. Monk shoes are a little more interesting than your standard Oxfords, with the buckle adding a modern flair.

Smart Casual

This has got to be one of the most difficult dress codes out there, as it can be so hard to determine what smart casual entails. A big no-no for smart casual is gym trainers. Although there might be some trainers that are suitable for a smart casual look, anything that looks athletic should be avoided. If you do want to go for trainers, make sure they are stylish and smart, and try to opt for something in a neutral colour, such as black or white.

For a smarter look that can be dressed down, consider a pair of penny loafers or boat shoes. Loafers can make you look dapper, are versatile and minimalistic, and have the added bonus of being extremely comfortable. For smart-casual events, suede is an excellent choice. Dressed with chinos and a shirt, you will be nailing the smart casual look every day.

Gym

Looking good at the gym can make you work out better, prevent injury, and boost confidence, so what you put on your feet is more important than you realise. When searching for the perfect gym shoes, trainers are a must. This shouldn’t just be any trainer either, as not all shoes are designed for exercising. The most suitable style is anything that has added cushioning for support and comfort. Trainers that have shock-absorbing support is essential if you spend a lot of time on the treadmill.

You should keep your gym shoes for gym time only, as this can help get you in the right mindset for working out. Many stylish and modern sporting trainers are perfect for weight lifting or running, no matter your preferred workout. You can style your new gym shoes with men’s leggings or sports joggers and a loose t-shirt to finish off your gym look.

Don’t Forget About Colour

When choosing the right footwear for any occasion, colour is something you need to take into consideration. If you really love bright and vivid colours, you should check out what outfits those bright yellow trainers would go with before making the purchase. If you like dazzling shoes, the rest of your outfit should remain more neutral to compensate. If you own a black suit and are going to a formal event, brown shoes are the most common choice to break up the suit and add more style.

Looking for the perfect pair of footwear for every occasion? Follow this guide to style the perfect smart casual look, discover how to dress up for staying in, or make the best first impression on your date.