The Summer of Suede Shoes

 

Summer time means hot temps, and hot temps means a hot body, and not in the attractive sense. When the mercury rises, so does your body heat, but that doesn't mean you should shudder from wearing suede on your feet. Choosing a suitable pair of shoes for the months between May and September isn't an easy task, but you can definitely count on a choice that involves lightly colored suede to keep you current, and cool - in all senses of the word. Almost all of the classic footwear styles now come in a suede variation, with pops of color, or toned down hues for the more serious gentleman. Some of the untouched suede choices are the classic pair of bucks from Gucci or the insanely cool and chic brogue. But some of the new choices include classic boat shoes decked out in suede along with some basic sneakers, both variations being transformed into something outrageously stylish and really appropriate for summer time.

Not Sick of Dr. Martens

Gritty, right? Don't worry, everything in that pictures repulses me as much as the rest of you... except for the boots. If I remember one thing from growing up with three sisters, it's that Dr. Martens were The thing to have... I remember not being to enthused with them back in the 90s, but that's probably because I was still had cartons on the bum of my underpants. Enough about my bum, the English shoemaker is back and ready to rumble, so to speak. Having started production in the 1960s, and being loved by the British workforce, they soon transitioned into the shoe of choice for skinheads. So there's that. Now that their consumer has hopefully grown some hair, and compassion for other races, they are making quite a statement. I personally think that they were brought back after the Prada platform Brogue situation from a few seasons ago. But either way, they have some really nice looking pairs. My favorite shoe they offer is the Beckett, which is the blue number with the white sole at the bottom - reminiscent of Givenchy, another high-end fashion house. Either way, these are a great choice for adding a solid foundation to any look, literally. And the price point is really conservative for a well-made shoe, remember, they were originally made for British workman.

Brogue in Vogue

 

Oh the joys perforated leather. Well okay, maybe anything perforated isn't that exciting, but if said perforations are on a pair of shoes, then I am ten kinds of excited. The brogue shoe (or boot) is as classic as footwear can be, especially when it comes to menswear. Brogues are a great example of how menswear remains classic, yet still gets infused with different trends that make them current. The basic design of the brogues have been around forever, but they have recently been worked over and changed up to remain as classic as they've always been, but with a little bit more stylistic detail. The color schemes, the designs, or even the material on brogues have all changed recently, and the prime example is Prada's Wingtip Espadrilles (pictured below). The innovative color designs, espadrille infusion, and quality leather are all subtle changes to the classic design. My favorite innovation to brogues is the use of suede, instead of leather. Marc McNairy makes a great suede brogue that can be worn both casually or professionally.

 

Marc McNairy

 

Grenson

 

Grenson

 

Churches

 

Grenson

 

Prada

Tied Up, Shoes for Fall

Since we're pretty much into the glorious season of Fall, I tend to gravitate towards my Wolverines boots to wear on a daily basis. But there are certainly other options to prance around in when the leaves have fallen to the ground. It's definitely time to put away your boat shoes, and tie the laces on a nice pair of boots, or buckle the straps on a beautifully crafted double-monk strap shoe; all these are valuable options, and you can always remember the classic suede driving shoe is actually perfect any time of year. Obviously the design of the shoe needs to be kept in mind, but the the material also needs to considered; any kind of leather or durable suede are great options, while the maximum coverage, but not going past the few inches above your ankle, is key as well. And remember, no flip flops outside the house. 

Prada Brogue

Tod's Driving Loafer

Ovadia & Sons' Double Monk Strap

Steven Alan for J. Crew Chukka

Top photo courtesy of The Coverteur

Walking on Suede

Fall is always the funnest season to dress in; one can layer up, but does not have to worry about dressing to stay outstandingly warm, it's the perfect weather. And naturally, guys can kick their boat shoes to the back of closet when September comes, they won't bring any warmth to your toes in the brisk and crisp weather, plus there are better options than the thin leather shoes that only cover a small portion of your feet. This Fall, men should be sporting suede footwear. The back-sided leather fabric on shoes is always an elegant touch, or a classic standard; this Fall, suede shoes will get your through any occasion and make you cool while doing it. Luxe's favorite option is the chukka by Alden for J. Crew, it's the perfect dark(ish) brown color for Fall time, and the style is casual enough to wear on the weekends, but suitable for a pair of khakis at the office. Any suede shoes this Fall, in any color, in any style will definitely make an statement. 

Run of the Mill shop, Collaboration with Mark McNairy

Del Toro slipper

Alden for J. Crew Chukka

Mark NcNairy New Amsterdam

Oliver Spencer Brogue Boot

Christian Louboutin Tasseled Loafer

Ovadia & Sons Milford Double Monk Strap

Cool & Comfortable, Steven Alan for Keds

Dressing your bottom half for summer can be difficult, especially when it comes to a mans feet. Shoes in the summer can be very limiting, and I hold a strong opposition to men in sandals. So for the a casual weekend, or even a casual Friday in the office, I would turn to Steven Alan and his collection for Keds. His classic interpreation of a low-rise sneaker, along with a Chukka high-rise are the perfect shoe for balmy weather. The calming colors but strong material of rubber and and rawhide will make anyone feel cool and comfortable, and ultimately look cool and comfortable. 

Is There a Breeze?

I seem to get a lot of flack for showing a little ankle everyday when it's warm outside. I cuff most of my pants, whether they're denim or chinos because I like the clean-tailored look... and they make me look a little bit taller (or at least I think so) and they show off my shoes too. Now I am not going Thom Browne short by any means, I'm just eliminating the break, so it's a straight shot from the waist to the ankle. Also a tight roll (works best in a chino) will give the pant a slimmer leg, which I also like very much. Cuffing or rolling the bottom of your pants is definitely a throw-back to another time or preparation for a torrential downpour, but I understand why it was so popular. Speaking of downpours, an elevated cuff has actually saved some of my pants when getting caught in the rain, rather them brushing along a wet sidewalk. Also, I am looking forward to the cold winter months when I can keep the cuff, but show off some fancy socks as opposed to my ankles. 

All images courtesy of Lavin Style Tumblr

Except image 2, courtesy of Sartorially Inclined