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Feeling a little bit stalled with your outfits or has the wife been nagging at you to get some new shoes? Whatever your New Year resolution is this year, one great way to start it in the most stylish of ways is with your footwear. In fact, Daisy Lowe, British model, has been offering her opinion of men's shoes recently, and you'll want to have your smartest shoes on where she's concerned.
In a recent interview with MrPorter.com, model Daisy Lowe was asked what the first thing she notices on a man is, she said; “Shoes, you can always judge a man by his shoes. I couldn't tell you what makes a bad pair of shoes, but if I saw them I would just know.” Indicating the fact that shoes aren't just a necessary addition to your outfit when you step out the door, but they're a fashion accessory too.
It is far too easy to step out in those same comfortable shoes that really need throwing out but they're just so comfortable. However, it's time to shake it up a little bit and add a touch of style to your wardrobe and we've got some simple changes that you could make with your footwear that could reinvent your entire wardrobe. What's more, just one pair of shoes will suit a variety of outfits and can give your style a real boost; here's some examples:
Smart Shoes
We'll start with the most obvious of categories – smart shoes. These are quite simply a must-have in your wardrobe and whilst you'll more than likely have that pair of smart work shoes and dress shoes, just how stylish are they? When buying shoes for work it is so easy to buy a nice cheap leather pair, 'they'll do', but when it comes to dress shoes, style is important not just for setting your whole outfit off but for your confidence too.
A smart pair of men's shoes are such a worthwhile investment as they will remain a staple item of footwear within your wardrobe for many years to come. This is one of the most advantageous qualities of a smart men's shoe, they rarely date, a smart brogue is a sure fire winner for many years to come, and with the right care and attention, they're a worthy investment.
If you're just looking for a classic pair of smart brogues then your options are great; you could opt for your standard lace-up shoe with brogue detailing or the slip-on loafer shoe is another great traditional men's smart shoe. However, many brands also offer a quirky twist on your average smart men's shoe; take Barker's for instance, they've taken the brogue detailing and given it a stylish twist in the Barker Woody, which has a swirl of brogue detailing up the side as opposed to on the toe.
Equally, Joseph Cheaney have adopted the classic brogue, adding a buckle to the top of their Humphrey style, giving it a contemporary edge but with that dateless classic style. Your options are not limited when it comes to smart shoes, and if you're unsure what to go for, a brogue or moccasin is perfect. However, if you're looking for something a little bit more edgy, go for the classic style but with a bit of a twist...or you could even go for the brogue boot!
Casual Boots
Taking a step away from the smart, we'll go for a more casual style with our boots, but it is important to remember that there is a fine line between a casual pair of boots and a scruffy pair of boots! Those walking boots that you wear every morning for walking the dog just aren't going to cut it when you're off to the shopping centre, you need a boot that is a happy medium between comfort/practicality and style.
One brand that does get this balance right with their styles is Timberland with your traditional working men's boot styles but with smart leather uppers that allow you to wear them for a whole variety of occasions. The classic Earthkeeper styles are ideal for wearing on a daily basis and teamed with jeans or smart trousers will allow you to wear them for casual/dress wear quite easily.
If you're looking for something with a little bit more of a quirky twist then it's time to hold onto your hats and go Western as cowboy boots are an ultimately distinguished boot. Whether you opt for the traditional cowboy boot with a low heel and western stitching or the classic harness boots, both styles are ideal if you're wanting a boot that will suit both casual and dressy occasions.
Another fantastic style of casual boots is Red Wing, an American heritage footwear brand that offers a range of boot styles that are classic in style but have a distinguished edge with their white soles, stitch detail and Red Wing touches. A pair of Red Wing's are the ideal casual/dress shoes, perfect for teaming with a pair of jeans or smart trousers for everyday wear.
Moving into more traditional styles with the Chelsea style boot, we'll take a look at Australian brand R.M.Williams who offer the perfect smart/casual boot. As a smart, leather pull-on men's boot, these are ideal for wearing with jeans or smart trousers both for everyday casual wear and dressy occasions. With R.M.Williams' boots you can be assured that you have a timeless style that will continue to be a stylish, classic option year after year.
These are just a couple of examples of just what can be achieved through your footwear; don't stick with the old, bring in the new this year with a stylish new pair of shoes or boots.
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