Oxfords vs brogues
The world of men’s dress shoes is vast and wonderful. There are so many different types of shoes to choose from, but oxford shoes and brogues are especially popular. Both types of shoes are extremely versatile and can be worn with almost any clothing item. So, if you want to understand what an oxford shoe is, what a shoe with broguing means, and how they differ, here is a refined guide based on the essentials.
Also, don’t forget to check out our expansive range of men’s formal shoes so that you can find the perfect style of shoes for yourself!
What are oxford shoes and brogues?
Oxford shoes
If you are new to buying formal shoes, then oxford shoes are a great place to start. The sleek and simple design of these shoes makes them a very versatile piece to have in your closet. They are characterised by the shoelace detail being under the vamp, which is the upper part of the shoe. If you need a versatile pair of shoes for office wear, evening, take a look at Saint G’s premium leather oxford shoes.
Brogues
Brogues refer to styles that feature decorative perforations. These markings refer to the decorative patterns originally created for utility but now used purely for design. A shoe with these punch-hole details is called a brogue. Broguing can appear on various designs, including Oxford constructions, derby style, and slip-ons.
Choose from classic shades and modern colours across Saint G’s range. We carry brogues in a variety of colours.
What’s the difference between oxfords and brogues?
People often forget that oxford shoes and brogues are not entirely different styles of shoes. An oxford shoe can be a brogue, and many brogues can be oxfords. The only difference is the design elements in both the shoes. Oxford refers to the shoe’s construction. Brogue refers to its decoration.
This means an Oxford can be a brogue if it includes decorative perforations. In contrast, a plain Oxford with no patterns falls under classic shoes.
There are also variations such as the semi brogue, which features subtle detailing limited to specific areas.
Does it have to be one or the other?
It is absolutely not essential to choose between oxfords and brogues, you can easily have both styles of shoes in your closet. Both styles serve different purposes. A plain Oxford works well for the most formal moments. Brogues allow you to keep your outfit relaxed but still refined. Having both gives you flexibility.
How to Style Brogues for a Smart Casual Look
Let us now talk about how to style brogues in order to achieve a stellar outfit.
For a date
A pair of brown brogues is the absolute perfect choice for a date outfit because you can dress them up or dress them down. They pair perfectly with simple jeans and a t-shirt for a smart casual look. You can even roll up the cuffs of your jeans for a more personalised and relaxed look.
For a party
When going for a party, it is advisable to stick with a smart but casual look. Our grey leather toe lace-up décor shoes are a great choice, because they can be paired with garments of different colours and designs. Whether you’re opting for a casual look with jeans or a more formal look with trousers, grey brogues are versatile enough to match both looks.
For office
Because of their similarity to traditional formal footwear for men, brogue shoes are an easy choice for office footwear. Not only can you pair them with suits and formal wear, but a pair of men’s brogues also works perfectly with trousers and chinos to create a refined but playful smart casual office look.
For brunch
A classic navy-blue polo shirt, some linen shorts, and a pair of brown or blue brogues are a great choice for a smart casual daytime event like brunch. The addition of the brogues adds a certain sophistication and stylishness to the look. For a brunch event, you can even pair your tan brogues with some linen trousers and a button-up shirt for a chic aesthetic.
Conclusion
Both Oxfords and brogues have their own place in men’s wardrobes. Oxfords offer a clean, structured look with their closed lacing and slim silhouette, while brogues bring character through decorative perforations. Having both styles gives you flexibility for work, casual outings, and formal events. Explore the range at Saint G to find the classic shoes that match your style.