Oxfords vs brogues

Oxfords vs brogues

The world of men’s dress shoes is vast and wonderful. There are so many different styles 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 learn what is an oxford shoe, what is a brogue, and what is the difference between oxfords and brogues, then check out Saint G’s ultimate guide below.

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 work and fancier events, take a look at Saint G’s premium leather oxford shoes.

Brogues

This style of dress shoes is suited for people who have a more modern and eclectic style. Named after the characteristic perforations on the shoes’ upper, brogues add formal flair to any outfit. Whether it’s a formal suit to a casual t-shirt and jeans, you can find a pair of shoes to match with your outfit on Saint G. 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. Oxfords are classic styles of shoes that do not have any prominent design detail on them, while brogues can be any style of shoes that have broguing details.

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.

How to nail the smart casual look with brogues

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.