THE JOURNAL
The best footwear for both the office and the pub afterwards steps forward.
The struggle of working an office job can seriously stifle one’s creativity when it comes to dressing. Sure, suits and button-up shirts are a whip-smart option for any professional environment, but making that style work for night-time festivities could lead to, well, a pretty drab end result. But evolving out of your business cocoon is easier than you think. These five versatile footwear styles can easily be worn to the office – and even make your suits seem less stuffy – and transition to after-work hours, too. Should you feel the need to change for dinner, these slip-on-and-go shoes will instantly match a more laidback outfit. (Think minimal effort, maximum impact.) Below, shop five footwear styles that will take you from your office to happy-hour drinks with ease.
White low-tops
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneaker
The white low-top court is a classic sneaker for a reason. Thanks to its minimalist silhouette (it was originally designed as a tennis shoe), it would make a sleek addition to any office suit – and we do mean any suit, from light linens to dark wools. It goes with virtually everything. Bonus: when it’s time to clock out, it looks even better when paired with jeans and a T-shirt, adding just the right amount of refinement to your go-to casual wear. New York-based brand Common Projects has made this style, called the Achilles Low, its signature – and it’s about to become your new wardrobe staple.
Pebbled brogues
Thom Browne Pebble-Grain Leather Longwing Brogues
An elegant brogue is a no-brainer for the office. For those busy days of important meetings, or when you’re trying to impress the boss, a polished lace-up says “I’m here to work”. But is it too stuffy to wear on a night out afterwards? The short answer is no. In fact, the latest brogues are designed with youthful guys in mind, with details such as lightweight rubber soles that are ideal for commuting and living on the go (or standing in bars). New York-based designer Thom Browne added a more youthful spin on the brogue with his signature tricolour pull tabs. Subtle, with just the right amount of showing off.
Jodhpur boots
Saint Laurent Wyatt Suede Harness Boots
For those working in creative fields, a lace-up dress shoe can seem comically buttoned-up. But to stand out in a crowd of sneakers, consider trying on the heeled harness boot for size. (No, not your girlfriend’s heel: a thicker, and lower, Cuban-style heel.) Favoured by stylish gents such as Mr Harry Styles and Mr John Lennon back in the day, the style says rock‘n’roll – but with a hint of sophistication; a rocker with a day job, if you will. Try wearing with a slim suit by day and with a classic leather moto jacket by night. Saint Laurent has mastered the style, offering up its Wyatt boot in several treatments, from black leather to tanned suede.
Tasselled loafers
Gucci Loomis Leather Tasselled Loafers
A common misconception is that loafers are a summertime shoe, and must only be worn sockless. But come autumn, the tasselled loafer, paired with a subtle plaid or argyle sock, makes for a killer office shoe. They look best with a cropped trouser – slightly cropped, not flood pants – and in a simple leather treatment, such as black or a dark chocolate-brown. Come happy hour, they can stick around. Pair them with your favourite jeans – or even shorts, if you indeed forgo the socks. Gucci’s classic Loomis loafer is a fresh alternative to its Horsebit styles, but highly slick nonetheless.
Luxe sneakers
Brunello Cucinelli Leather-Trimmed Nubuck Sneakers
While a white leather low-top court mentioned above is a classic casual day-to-night sneaker, meet its sophisticated sibling: the nubuck sneaker. A treated cowhide leather that has been rubbed to give it the feel of the suede, nubuck is a luxe material that instantly elevates sportier trainer silhouettes. Wear it on casual Fridays with dark denim, then hit the town for dinner afterwards. It also pairs particularly well with other textural pieces, such as a heavy wool suit. Brunello Cucinelli, the master of high-quality fabrics, offers up a leather-trimmed low-top style that’s all about the details.
