The Ultimate Guide to Building a Stylish and Functional Shoe Closet: 6 Essential Pairs Every Man Needs

2023-09-10 12:05:03

A good dressing room is a well-organized and functional dressing room. We have already mentioned the essential clothes that every man must have in his wardrobe.

But as a look must be designed from head to toe, it seems important, nay?, essential to devote a similar article to shoes. Ankle boots, sneakers, derbies… Here are the 6 fashion basics to put on your feet, gentlemen!

If you don’t have these 6 pairs of shoes, you’ve failed your look life

We often have the image of women with a closet full of pairs of shoes (heels, sneakers, boots, etc.). In this case, I tell myself that it is better that I am not a woman, because I believe that I would have made the fortune of many shoe brands or stores that sell this type of item!

How can I explain it to you? For me, a pair of derbies is as exciting as the Monaco Grand Prix for Formula 1 fans !

But if owning around thirty pairs of shoes may seem utopian, it is still important to have “the basics” in your wardrobe. I will therefore try to present to you what I consider to be the ideal shoe closet. I say “try”, because I really had to take it upon myself and do a lot of work on my passion for beautiful leathers and pretty shoes to have a relatively reasonable list.

Come on, enough of the bla-bla, here it is the 6 pairs of shoes to have in your closet to have style while multiplying the styles.

1. The derby, the basic shoe

There is nothing pejorative in my term “basic”, quite the contrary! In my opinion, derbies are the queens of shoes. With this type of shoes on your feet, you are always sure to get away with it if you opt for a classic pair in smooth black or brown leather. Don’t hesitate to play with the color of the laces if you want to add a touch of originality.

Personally, and this is just me, I prefer to wear them with chinos, a t-shirt and a denim jacket. I like to take the piece out of its initial context, as you know.

The model I recommend:

Derbies Azzaro Valmi : 159€

2. The Richelieu, committed chic

“To arms citizens, form your battalions…” This little song probably means something to you, right? Certainly, Mr. Cardinal did not end up under the guillotine, but the shoe that today bears his name is a committed shoe, with a strong personality.

Few men still dare to wear Oxfords and that’s a shame. Note that the difference with derbies is quite subtle : it is located among other things at the level of the lacing, more closed on the Richelieu.

If this type of shoe is more refined than the derby, this does not limit its wear to formal outfits. For example, take a pair of raw jeans, a floral print shirt and a khaki bomber jacket from your wardrobe. Then put on your light brown shoes and you’re ready to go out. In any case, I will easily have a drink dressed like that.

The model I recommend:

Richelieu Bexley Winford : 159€

3. Converse, the vintage touch

Radical change of register here, with THE timeless shoe par excellence! Well almost. Because some may remember that not so long ago, we were sometimes ashamed to wear these shoes. Yes, yes, the teenager who still lies dormant in me remembers it!

But since history is full of surprises and fashion is an eternal beginning, remember that in the 2020s, you MUST have your own pair of Converse to be fashionable. Preferably a white pair. And if possible a little worn and dirty to clearly mark the vintage side.

How would I wear them? Thank you for asking me the question. Already, I would opt for the Chuck Taylor All Star montantes. Then, I would combine them with light blue jeans ripped on the front (and perhaps at one of the back pockets), a t-shirt with a print of an American university or a phrase “ so philosophical » . Maybe a cap and an Eastpack backpack to complete the outfit… Well, you get the idea, right?

The model I recommend:

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi M : 69,99€

4. Sneakers, made for everything… except sport!

As with Converse, just because a shoe has a casual look doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. I really like sitting quietly at an outdoor café and observing people passing by to study their style. This is how I was able to observe a “new” trend which has reached me, I must admit, which consists of wearing sports shoes to… not do sports.

Basically, you take a pair of sneakers (preferably white) usually intended for going to the gym, you put on slim jeans pulled up to the ankles, a plain tight t-shirt, a pair of Ray-ban Aviator glasses and a backpack sports bag. And BOOM, you have a comfortable and stylish look, which I wear quite a bit every summer.

The model I recommend:

Sneakers Lacoste L-Spin : 120€

5. High-top sneakers, to reach heights

OK, the joke is easy, but I felt obliged. We can now refocus the debates on more stylistic questions and I will explain to you why I consider high-top sneakers essential in your closet.

I’ve said it before but I love going back to years gone by and reworking the looks that gave us nightmares. Remember, we were all a little skeptical of those 90s rappers who wore Reeboks or Nike high-tops with visible socks, right? So, to give his shoes a second chance, I made them friends with chinos, a thin round-neck sweatshirt and a watch with a Milanese mesh bracelet.

But beware ! The little tip to know and above all to keep in mind so as not to ruin your style: you have to tuck the pants into the shoe. For what ? Do the test of putting the hem over your sneakers, you will quickly understand.

The model I recommend:

Baskets montantes Made in France Jules & Jenn : 160€

6. The ankle boot, my big favorite

I’m waiting for winter with patience because I’ll finally be able to go back to skiing (strangely, ski boots are not part of the selection) and especially take out my pairs of ankle boots. It’s really heartbreaking to have to put them away for the summer season, because I’m a huge fan of boots of all kinds.

In my eyes, the perfect ankle boot is a smooth black leather ankle boot, well varnished and above all well waterproofed. With a suit, black jeans or dress pants, it will go with everything.
My favourite outfit ? My black slim jeans with a blue and white striped shirt and a navy wool trench coat. If I want to go all out, I add a black towel and a small burgundy cashmere scarf.

The model I recommend:

Chelsea Boots Finsbury : 330€

And There you go ! I bleed myself to the four veins to put aside all other models of men’s shoes. I don’t dare admit to you that I have more than thirty pairs at home (well, yes, it’s done). But of course, there’s no need to have so many models at home: with 6 pieces, you already have a functional shoe closet that’s truly ready for all occasions.

Don’t hesitate to choose them in several colors and, above all, to maintain them well: clean your white sneakers and waterproof and moisturize your leather shoes.

For further :

The 30 Shoe Brands a Man Should Know

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