After featuring a pair of orange and beige two-tone lace-ups from my vast brogues collection recently, I mentioned that I might dedicate a whole post to the best styles out there this season… Here is that post!
There are lots of styles of brogues available for AW17 – and I mean a LOT. They’ve been around forever for men (do they really ever go out of style for them?) and to be honest they never really go out of style for women. The details may change a little, but the classic brogue never dates.
What can date them is the basic shape, the heel and the sole. What’s more important, however, is to go for a style that you like, that suits your personal style and that flatters you (i.e. your ankles and calves). For example, I personally like a chunkier sole because I don’t have super slim ankles – the very thin soles can exaggerate chunkier legs.
I’ve been wearing them for what seems like forever (maybe because I have about 14 pairs?)
My favourite pair is the unusual coral-coloured classic brogues and my comfiest pair is the silver and white brogues with the foam sole. The red patent brogues never fail to brighten up an outfit.
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IF YOU FEEL YOU MIGHT LOOK FRUMPY TRY THE SPORTIER STYLES FIRST. THEY LOOK GREAT WITH PEG LEG OR WIDE LEG TROUSERS AND WILL ALWAYS MAKE SMART TROUSERS LOOK MORE CASUAL AND EVERYDAY.
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You can go for a sportier look with a platform sole (these are great for cushioning impact and are perfect for being on your feet all day), or for a smarter look go for the more traditional very low, block heel.
Similarly, if you feel you might look frumpy try the sportier styles first. They look great with peg leg or wide leg trousers and will always make smart trousers look more casual and everyday.
Tips for looking feminine while wearing brogues
I know some women fear looking too masculine in brogues – you can still look ultra feminine in masculine-style shoes with a few clever tricks:
- Choose softer colour brogues: pinks, creams and even warm metallics like bronze will immediately stop any masculine feels in their tracks.
- Avoid jeans and choose wide leg trousers instead. Wide legs trousers with sneakers, sporty lace-ups or flats is a very modern look that is actually very feminine and elegant (even Victoria Beckham wears this combo).
- Choose softer fabrics like cashmere or silk or pretty prints (florals) for the rest of your outfit – stick to feminine colours and looser, draping fabrics rather than structured tailoring.
- Go all out with your hair and makeup! Soft waves and pretty makeup or a bold red lip will prevent even the most tomboyish outfit looking too hard.
Remember that adding contrasts of masculine and feminine in an outfit is a great tip and always works well… I often resort to this style of dressing when I want to do the comfortable thing but still want to feel feminine, see the outfit below:
For this outfit I’m wearing a lot of masculine pieces: Brogues, navy tailored trousers, a longline blazer, a flat cap – but I’ve contrasted it with softer, feminine elements with florals and curled hair.
So if you hanker after a pair of brogues, just go for it… I’ve included three groups of styles: Classic (blacks, navys and tan brogues), Coloured (all the brights and more unusual colours) and Funky (does what it says on the tin).
Embrace the brogue and your feet will thank you, I guarantee it!
ARE YOU A BROGUES OR OXFORDS KIND GAL… IF SO HOW MANY PAIRS DO YOU HAVE (AND WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITES HERE)? COMMENT BELOW…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Classic brogues and Oxfords
Top: La Redoute Tan Brogues £39.00
Middle Pier One Navy Lace-Ups £59.99
Bottom: Hobbs Black Brogues £169.00
You can’t go wrong with classic colours and styles – black, navy and tan are the classics to go for.
More classic brogues and Oxfords to shop…
Coloured brogues and Oxfords
Top: Anna Field Blue Lace-Ups £32.99
Left: Asos Metallic Flat Brogues £25.00
Middle right: SPM White Lace-Ups £53.99
Bottom right: Etsy Handmade Black and Red Brogues £179.00
Probably my favourite brogues in my collections are the bright and more unusual colours. There are loads of pinks, creams and soft greys available right now.
More coloured brogues and Oxfords to shop…
The funkiest brogues and Oxfords
Top: Zign Lace-Ups Animal Print £53.99
Middle: Pinto Di Blu Two-Tone Lace-Ups £53.99
Bottom: Aldo Bronze Lace-Ups £59.99
These are the fun styles – and there are so many to choose from (I love metallics)! Brogues don’t have to be boring.
More funky brogues and Oxfords to shop…
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Oooooo… I love a brogue!
The tomboyish / androgynous / gender-fluid look really appeals to me.
Brogues can be all of these things as well as VERY feminine.
They are the most versatile of shoes.
You are VERY bad to tempt me with those amazing ones from Aldo… and you surprised me with the Hobbs pair, Black shoes I actually like!! :oP
A great post that pushed all of my shoe buttons!
Clicking through now….. (the bad lady made me!…..)
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous | Style and fun with fashion, over 40
Those baby blue suede ones are amazing! I have four pairs, one tan, one navy suede, one off white and one blush pink. All Clarks! They are a year round favourite, baring heatwave and snow storms!
Wonderful, surprised with the amount of beautiful collection you have. I like all these pairs of shoes but my favorite is black and blue color.
https://myboho.co.uk/ | Stunning Boho Jewellery Store
Those black studded lace-ups from Zalando are amazing!
I love brogues but only have 2 pairs (classic tan and bronze). Find it tricky to get funkier ones in leather at an affordable pric but will keep searching!