Buckle up: here’s how to ride the new shoe trend.

In the world of the traditional dress shoe, the monk strap is for the devil-may-care gentleman or the exceptionally lazy, given the ease with which you can slip them on and off. Originally the preferred option for the monastic who wanted a snazzier shoe than the humble sandal, the monk strap has become the go-to for the sartorial devout.

Offering a palatable hint of rakishness rather than full-on rebellion, the monk strap is still a strong shout on the formal front, sitting somewhere between Oxfords and Derbies. This distinctive crafted element makes it a magnet for the style connoisseur who is looking to add a note of individuality to his look.

The monk strap is also playful – to hell with laces! Why have one buckle when you can have two? – which means the rest of your outfit can also benefit from a little ebullience. In that spirit, we’ve lined up three ways to wear this dashing dress shoe.

Arguably the dressiest of dress shoes, monk straps feel destined to be worn in the most elegant environs. Givenchy, however, doesn’t play by those rules. Instead, the progressive Parisian brand injects a bold, streetwear aesthetic into the monk-strap game. The single monk strap is usually the understated option, but here the large buckles paired with rubber lug soles make for a dress shoe with significant heft. This departure from the monk-strap norm fits surprisingly well with classic tailoring, such as these wool trousers from Lanvin.

The monk-strap boot is a green light to start showing off (at least a little bit), so team with trousers, such as these Incotex denim jeans, that demand to be turned up. Not to be outdone by a strong jean, these Edward Green monk-strap boots are a classic of the genre, handcrafted and constructed in impeccable dark-brown suede. The Northampton shoemaker prides itself on craftsmanship that’s remained largely unchanged since the company’s foundation in 1890 – a heritage and exclusivity that are worth parading in all their glory.

The double-strap monk shoe generally offers a punchy look, but in the hands of a craftsman shoemaker, the effects can be subtle. These George Cleverley Thomas shoes have a strong pedigree and are crafted from smooth black leather crossed with two neat buckles. Try wearing them with some smart Paul Smith chinos. The unfinished hems can be altered to work perfectly with the monk strap. Buckle up for a serious but understated style winner.