Derby Shoes: A Complete Style Guide for Men

Tags - How to Wear Derby Shoes?

Once you have a dapper outfit put together, the last thing you need to bring it all together is the right pair of shoes. 

Thankfully, Derby shoes are an all time classic and a must have in every man’s wardrobe as they’re suitable for almost any occasion.

Whether you wear them to work, on the weekend or any event in between, derby shoes will have you covered in both style and practicality.

If you’re not quite sure how you can wear derby shoes, don’t worry!

This guide explores the different styles, and when and how to wear them.

What are Derby Shoes?

Derby shoes, like Oxfords, are a classic and comfortable type of dress shoe, suitable for formal occasions where you would typically wear a suit.

With that said, their simple but sleek design means they also look good when paired with smart casual outfits, such as a pair of jeans or wool trousers.

As such, all you need to do is pick the right pair for your needs and while black and brown leather are the more traditional pairs, there are now a variety of options available, such as suede materials or derby boots that appear more relaxed.

Often, many people get confused between Oxfords and Derbies but all you need to look for is the laces; Derby shoes have an open lacing system whereas Oxfords have a closed lacing system that is stitched shut at the bottom - making Derby shoes a more comfortable option.

How to Wear Derby Shoes?

If you’re going to a formal occasion where you’ll wear a suit, then you should opt for derby dress shoes that have a sleek design - preferably leather styles.

In this instance, black works best however darker browns can look good too, and ensure you go for a slim shape with a leather sole for a smarter appearance.

On the other hand, derby shoes can be dressed down too, so for a more casual look you should opt for styles that have a thicker sole and in a lighter colour.

In regards to outfits, pair with jeans or chinos; the overall outfit may look casual but derby shoes will add that polished touch.

Black or Brown Derby Shoes?

When it comes to the colour, black derby shoes offer versatility and can be worn to the office, to a wedding or even a bar; black is a classic option that can work for many occasions.

In addition, although black may seem plain, there are still different style options available, such as a matte or patent leather or even suede, so be mindful when trying to pick the right pair for you.

Either way, with black you can ensure you’ll get plenty of wear.

When it comes to brown derby shoes, the first thing you’ll want to be mindful of is where you want to wear them and what with.

For instance, dark brown derby shoes look good for work or formal events whereas lighter brown in a suede style works best with a casual outfit.

At the same time, brown derby shoes come with a variety of decorative stitchings so be sure to factor this in when deciding which pair to buy.

Leather or Suede Derby Shoes?

As mentioned above, leather derby shoes are great with more formal attire and for good reason too.

Leather derby shoes appear polished and can be worn to the office, a trip to the races or when going out for dinner.

Regarding colour, a classic black or brown pair works best to keep the attention on your outfit - unless you want to draw attention to your feet and in this case try a bolder design; e.g. two-tone colour.

Whilst leather derby shoes are classic, the suede option offers a more relaxed vibe and a great option for smart casual looks.

In addition, suede derby shoes are available in a wide range of colours, which means there’s an option out there for everyone for any event.

The Final Word

You should now have a better understanding of how and when to wear derby shoes.

With them being an all time classic, you can rest easy knowing you’ll always put your best foot forward with this style - as long as it works with what you’re wearing.

Lastly, keep in mind the event you’re attending and choose a pair according to how formal you want to go.

If you’d like to know more, get in touch today.

In the meantime, check our extended ranges of Casual Derby Shoes.

You may also like:

1. 5 Different Types of Loafers for Men and How to Wear Them
2. How to Take Care of Real Leather Shoes
3. How to Keep Your Suede Shoes Clean?