1 Piece, 3 Ways: Saddle Shoes

Happy Wednesday! You know what that means – Intern Gabi is on deck to provide the college girl’s perspective on guys’ style. All you grads, listen in, too. She knows her stuff…

Back when you could dance six inches apart and still be considered promiscuous -Ooh! Scandal!- saddle shoes were the shoe du jour. These kicks harken back to a time of more refined style: when zebra print was only found only on zebras and not in car interiors,

To me, saddle shoes say “Grease Lightning,” although as it turns out, they were actually introduced several years prior. Originally a tennis shoe, some smart person realized they were too stylish to be reserved for the court, and began marketing them to be worn post-game/set/match.

Thankfully, they’ve made a resurgence of late – or have they really just been chilling in the background this whole time? It’s your call! – so I put together three outfits with saddle shoes for you guys to consider this footwear, if you haven’t already decided to invest in these classics.

All shoes by G. H. Bass & Co.

I Got the Blues (For You)

It’s almost March which -in my book- means constantly changing weather. With the sweater, this outfit looks just right the blustery, grey days of March. Swap in an apron to channel your dad (or dad’s dad!) grilling up some ‘burgers and ‘dogs on labor day weekend. Nothing is hotter than a man that can grill AND dress well.

Pants: RVCA, $58

Shirt: RVCA, $54

Sweater: Topman, $44

Belt: Gap, $35

ABC…Americana Business Casual

Why not show your patriotism at work?

Layer different textures and patterns for a fun – but put together – look for the office. These saddle shoes pair well with other patterned pieces. Put on a punchy plaid shirt and some subtly-striped pants that share a background a color from the plaid. Top it with a knit tie and, of course, a tie clip and belt to hold it all in place.

Pants: Land’s End, $98

Shirt: Banana Republic, $80

Tie: Tie Bar, $15

Tie Clip: Tie Bar, $15

Belt: Dockers, $25

 

Off the Road

When we get into the warmer months (or for you west coasters, y’know, now.), feel free to pair your saddle shoes with shorts. Channel your inner beatnik brethren, mixed with their cleaned up cousin; borrow the chic striped sweater but throw it over shorts and a plaid button up instead of jeans.  Pick a short, tailored pair (8″) that does justice to the origins of the shoe. And whatever you do, don’t wear socks! Trust me, we would much rather see your ankles.

Sweater: H&M, $50

Shorts: Saturdays NYC, $98

Shirt: Bonobos, $88

Belt: All Saints, $85

 

 So tell me:

How would you style saddle shoes? What other pieces would you like to steal from previous decades?