Oxford, monk or loafer? The formal shoe guide for every occasion

Shoes are the first thing people notice and the last thing most men think about. Here is a simple guide to getting them right.

The four shoes, from most to least formal

• Oxford — closed lacing, sleek and clean. The most formal everyday shoe: weddings, interviews, court, the boardroom.
• Monk strap — a buckle instead of laces. Just below the oxford; adds character to a suit.
• Loafer — no laces at all. Smart-casual by nature; dressy versions work with suits in warm weather.
• Smart sneaker-loafer — dress-shoe upper on a white sole. Perfect with chinos, linen and relaxed tailoring; not for black tie.

The colour rule

• Black — for charcoal and black suits, evenings and the most formal events.
• Dark brown — for navy, grey, beige and cream. The most versatile shoe you can own.
• Cognac and tan — for daytime, lighter suits and weekends.
• Navy — a modern alternative to black with grey, white and light blue.

Match your belt to your shoes, and you are done.

Our picks

• Interview or first day: Upper Hill Oxford in black.
• Office, Monday to Friday: Hurlingham Oxford or Runda Strap Oxford.
• Wedding guest: Lavington Red-Sole Monk Strap.
• Black tie: Gigiri Patent Oxford.
• Weekend: Kitisuru Double-Monk Sneaker or Langata Tassel Slip-On.

Getting the size right

Our shoes come in EU sizes 39 to 46. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. Measure your feet in the evening, when they are at their largest.

Every pair is KES 5,500 (normally KES 11,000) for Black November, with free delivery within Nairobi and KES 500 delivery elsewhere in Kenya.