If you could only wear one shoe for the rest of your life, a derby wouldn’t be the worst choice. A pair of derby shoes would be a better choice. Working equally well for work, the weekend or a wedding, derby shoes can be dressed up and down to fit nearly every occasion. What separates a derby from an oxford is the open laces, which can feel a little more casual than the closed laces of an oxford. If you do plan to own a pair of both, your best bet is a black oxford, which means you should opt for a brown derby, so that your two-shoe-wardrobe runs the gamut.
THE DERBY SHOE: H BY HUDSON, $160
A brown derby is one of the most versatile shoes a man can have in his closet.
MONDAY
Shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt, $110 | Suit: Suit Supply, $499 | Watch: Nixon, $125
Belt: Maximum Henry, $95 | Glasses: Warby Parker, $95
Tie: The Tie Bar, $19 | Pocket Square: Jack Spade, $22
Wear it well: Keep it classic for work by pairing your derbies with a navy suit.
TUESDAY
Shirt: River Island, $40 | Jacket: Vanquish, $275 | Pants: Reiss, $210
Socks: Happy Socks, $20 | Cologne: Doc Elliot, $18 | Belt: Anderson’s, $160
Wear it well: A fun jacket over your work clothes can make any outfit ready for a night out.
WEDNESDAY
Tee: Topman, $35 | Pants: Obey, $69 | Jacket: Publish, $168
Watch: Jack Mason, $185 | Hat: Brixton, $59
Wear it well: Elevate your tee and jeans with a sleek shoe and soft yet structured jacket.
THURSDAY
Shirt: Everlane, $55 | Chinos: J.Crew, $75 | Glasses: Steven Alan, $205
Bag: Will Leather Goods, $395 | Belt: Whistles, $45
Wear it well: Go business casual with colorful chinos and a tailored denim shirt.
FRIDAY
Short Sleeve Shirt: AMBSN, $32 | Jeans: Norman Porter, $250
Jacket: Carhartt WIP, $104 | Sunglasses: RETROSUPERFUTURE, $168
Wallet: First Settlement Goods, $148
Wear it well: Roll up your jeans and skip the socks for a rakish look.
TELL ME:
WHERE DO YOU WEAR YOUR DERBY SHOES?
Want to see more ways to wear your favorite pieces for summer? We show you how to style the chambray shirt, colorful chino and souvenir jacket, 5 ways.
If nothing else, this post just reminded me that I am in need of some low-cut leather shoes. As it is, I only have leather boots and considering that summer will be on it’s last legs, it’s high time for me to get me some derbies. They’ll be a decent substitute for my desert boots and chukkas, especially for work and going out.
Oh yeah, and Tuesday’s and Friday’s look rock my socks!
There’s no better way to show off some dope socks than a low-cut leather shoe! And I have a feeling you probably have a pretty dynamic sock collection, Joseph…
There’s no better way to show off some dope socks than a low-cut leather shoe! And I have a feeling you probably have a pretty dynamic sock collection, Joseph…
Sock-rocking is what we were aiming for. Glad we nailed it! 🙂
If nothing else, this post just reminded me that I am in need of some low-cut leather shoes. As it is, I only have leather boots and considering that summer will be on it’s last legs, it’s high time for me to get me some derbies. They’ll be a decent substitute for my desert boots and chukkas, especially for work and going out.
Oh yeah, and Tuesday’s and Friday’s look rock my socks!
I wear them everywhere and have 4 pairs (with broguing and in different shades) in my rotation they are so versatile. The question is more where you can’t wear them.
I wear them everywhere and have 4 pairs (with broguing and in different shades) in my rotation they are so versatile. The question is more where you can’t wear them.
With so many options, is there anything in particular that makes you choose one pair over another? Or do you have certain pairs you like to wear to certain places or with certain looks?
Tan > Dark brown I find if you want to look a little more fashion forward and less formal (the European guys differentiate themselves this way).
My tan Allen Edmonds strands tend to be my go to shoe as the tan is less formal and the broguing makes it less dressy too so they go with everything.
When I am trying to blend a bit more I have a pair of dark brown semi brogues that always look dressier (and polish up nice).
I bet they do!
Wearing either of my two pair of derby shoes in casual or work environments has elevated my style more than any piece of clothing except maybe a sport coat. I want to wear them every day but my wife won’t let me wear them with my bathing suit.
If it’s a very tailored bathing suit….
hahah
You really can’t go wrong with a pair of derby shoes. I’m wearing a pair of grey suede wingtips right now with a pair of navy chino joggers and a floral button up.
I love that Tuesday look! I haven’t tried the banded collar yet, but it’s on the list.
And Friday really is my jam. I rotate my jacket choices (from denim to bomber to blazer), but a pair of jeans, a short sleeve button up, and a pair of derby shoes is like my Friday uniform.
Would love a pic of your current outfit, Enrique! I could totally see you rocking a band collar. And love that Friday’s look is your Friday uniform!
Same!
Here you go:
Short sleeve floral button up from Free Planet; navy chino joggers from Old Navy; grey suede wingtip derbys from Calvin Klein; 2-tone tote from Maker & Co.; blazer (which you can barely see slung over my shoulder) from Uniqlo; watch is Original Penguin; sunglasses are Aldo
YASSS work it! Can never get enough of a short sleeve button up with a rolled sleeve.
I’ve been doing it ever since that post a year or two ago about rolling short sleeves. Button ups, polos, tees – if it covers more than a third of the bicep (aka most short sleeved shirts), it gets rolled.
As usual, looking good!
This is the year I get white jeans! I can eat and drink like an adult!
I love the patterns and textures that are going on through the week. Tuesday’s pants look nubbly and Friday’s tepee design says “fun weekend”. It’s also pretty clear I need a souvenir jacket; hopefully my friend will mail me one from Taiwan later this year.
We believe in you!!
I’ve always wanted a nice pair of leather Derbies. Has anyone tried Hudson before? I’ve seen this model but never tried it, has anyone got any thoughts on it?
I’ve always wanted a nice pair of leather Derbies. Has anyone tried Hudson before? I’ve seen this model but never tried it, has anyone got any thoughts on it?