The Style Blog

Black brogues are the workhorse of any man's wardrobe. Seriously versatile. But here's the thing – most people wear them the same way day in, day out, missing out on their full potential. I've found that black brogues work brilliantly from morning meetings right through to evening drinks. You just need to know the tricks. Let's break down exactly how to style them for different occasions throughout your day. Why Black Brogues Work So Well Before we get into the styling, it's worth mentioning why black brogues are such a smart investment. They're formal enough for client meetings but have that decorative punching detail that stops them looking too stiff. They bridge the gap between Oxford shoes and something more casual. That's their superpower. Unlike brown brogues, which lean more casual, black ones can genuinely handle everything from boardroom presentations to after-work pints. The colour helps them blend into smarter contexts whilst the brogue detailing keeps things interesting. Office-Ready Looks The Classic Suit Combination Start with the obvious – a well-cut suit. Navy or charcoal grey works best. Black suits? Save those for funerals and particularly formal events. Navy especially looks sharp with black brogues. I'd usually suggest going for a modern slim or tailored fit rather than anything too boxy. The suit should complement the refined shape of your mens oxford shoes rather than overwhelm them. Add a crisp white shirt and a tie that pulls together the whole outfit. Job done. For weddings and occasions, this same combination works perfectly. Just swap in a pocket square and maybe some tweed accessories to elevate things. Smart-Casual Office Days Not every workplace demands a full suit anymore. Thank goodness. Try charcoal or navy chinos with a button-down Oxford cloth shirt. Roll the sleeves up once you're at your desk if you like. Black brogues ground this look and stop it sliding into "weekend casual" territory. Add a lightweight V-neck jumper in grey or navy during cooler months. This outfit works brilliantly for consultancy work, creative industries, or casual Fridays. The key? Keep everything fitted. Baggy chinos with brogues just doesn't work. Don't Forget Your Socks Quick aside – your socks matter more than you think. Match them to your trousers, not your shoes. Navy trousers? Navy socks. Grey trousers? Grey socks. Showing a flash of bare ankle when you sit down isn't the look you want in professional settings. Save that for summer weekends. Transitioning to Evening Here's where it gets interesting. You can't always pop home between work and evening plans. So how do you transform your office look without a full outfit change? Swap the Top Half The simplest transition? Change your shirt. Keep a dark henley or polo shirt at the office. Swap out your formal shirt, lose the tie, and suddenly you've got a completely different vibe. Your black brogues work perfectly because they're smart enough to carry the look without feeling too casual. A black or navy henley under a blazer looks put-together for dinner or drinks. It says you've made an effort without trying too hard. The Blazer Trick If you wore a full suit to work, try this: swap your suit trousers for dark jeans (indigo or black works best) and keep your blazer on. Suddenly you've gone from "office" to "evening" without really trying. The Gatsby collection has some brilliant pieces that nail this smart-casual crossover. Black brogues handle this transition beautifully. They're formal enough that you don't look scruffy, but the brogue detailing stops you looking overdressed for a bar or restaurant. Accessories Make the Difference This is where you can have some fun. A different watch strap – leather instead of metal, or vice versa. A patterned pocket square if you're keeping the blazer on. Maybe swap your work bag for something smaller. Check out the accessories collection for belts, wallets, and other pieces that can shift your look from day to night. Full Evening Looks Date Night Dark denim (proper dark, not faded) with a well-fitted shirt – think white, light blue, or even a subtle check. Leave the top button undone. Roll the sleeves up. Black brogues here look intentional rather than like you've just come from work. The contrast between smart shoes and casual denim is stylish without being try-hard. Add a navy or charcoal cardigan if it's chilly. Keeps things relaxed but pulled together. Dinner with Friends Similar to the date night look, but you can relax things slightly. A quality polo shirt or casual button-down works well. Chinos instead of jeans if you prefer. The beauty of black brogues is they work with pretty much any trouser colour for evening. Navy, grey, olive, even burgundy chinos all look good. Just avoid anything too light – that's when black shoes can look a bit disconnected. Smart Evening Events Theatre? Gallery opening? Fancy dinner? This is where black brogues really shine. A dark suit without a tie, perhaps with an open-collar white or light blue shirt. Or go for a blazer and tailored trousers combination. You'll notice the pattern here – black brogues are the constant. They're the foundation that makes all these different looks work. Practical Tips Keep your brogues well-maintained. Scuffed, dull shoes ruin even the best outfit. Polish them regularly and invest in decent shoe trees. Your shoes will last years longer. If you're building your collection, start with all the essentials rather than jumping straight to statement pieces. Get the basics right first. For those with broader feet, the wide fit collection means you don't have to compromise on style for comfort. Nothing ruins your evening like pinched feet. And if you've got younger family members looking to develop their style, the junior range offers proper leather shoes rather than cheap alternatives. Start them early with quality. Final Thoughts Black brogues aren't boring. They're efficient. One pair of quality black brogues can genuinely take you through an entire day – morning client meetings, afternoon presentations, evening drinks, dinner dates. You just need to think about the other pieces you're pairing them with. Start with the classics. A well-cut suit, a crisp shirt, the right socks. Master those combinations first. Then experiment as you build confidence – try a pair of brown brogues for lighter suits, or break the formality with smart casual brogues worn with chinos and an open collar. For weddings and black-tie events, a pair of formal brogues or patent leather shoes will always outperform standard Oxfords. If you prefer something with a bit more character, chestnut and bordo shades sit beautifully with navy and grey tailoring, and tweed contrast brogues bring real personality to autumn and winter outfits. For colder months, a pair of Chelsea boots – either leather or suede – extend the same principle into boot form. Worth keeping an eye on new arrivals too – trends change, but classic black brogues never go out of style. And if you're looking to grab a bargain, the clearance section often has gems at reduced prices. The key is making your brogues work harder. Most people have the shoes already. They just need to rethink how they're styling them.

Choosing between brown and black shoes might seem like a small decision, but it can make or break an outfit. The right colour elevates your look and shows attention to detail. The wrong choice can make even an expensive suit look mismatched. The good news is that the old rigid rules have relaxed considerably. While your grandfather might have insisted on black shoes for everything formal, modern style offers much more flexibility. At London Brogues, we make both brown and black shoes across our entire range, and we see customers successfully wearing both in situations that would have raised eyebrows a generation ago. That said, there are still guidelines worth following. Here is everything you need to know about choosing between brown and black shoes. The Formality Spectrum The fundamental rule still holds: black is more formal than brown. This does not mean brown is casual, but when maximum formality is required, black remains the safest choice. Formality Level Shoe Colour Typical Occasions Most formal Black polished leather Black tie events, funerals, formal ceremonies Formal Black or dark brown Business meetings, court appearances, interviews Smart Brown, tan or black Weddings, office wear, smart restaurants Smart casual Any colour works Weekend events, casual Fridays, social occasions For truly formal occasions, particularly evening events and funerals, black patent or highly polished black leather remains the standard. Our Albert patent leather brogues are designed exactly for these moments. Matching Shoes to Suits This is where most people get confused. Different suit colours work better with different shoe colours. Here are the combinations that work: Navy suits: This is where brown shoes really shine. Tan, cognac and mid brown all look excellent with navy. Black works too but can feel quite severe. If you own one brown pair and one black pair, wear the brown with navy nine times out of ten. Grey suits: Both brown and black work well with grey. Lighter grey suits pair beautifully with tan shoes for a contemporary look. Charcoal grey looks sharp with black for formal settings or dark brown for everyday wear. Black suits: Stick with black shoes. Brown and black together rarely works, and a black suit demands the formality of matching shoes. This is not a rule worth breaking. Blue suits: Similar to navy, brown shoes are generally the better choice. The warmth of brown leather complements blue fabric beautifully. Beige and tan suits: Brown shoes are essential here. Black would clash badly with these lighter, warmer tones. Occasion Rules Beyond suit colour, the occasion itself should guide your choice: Weddings: Check the dress code. Black tie means black shoes. For most daytime weddings, brown shoes are not only acceptable but often preferred, especially with blue or grey suits. Our wedding collection includes options in both colours. Funerals: Black is the respectful choice. This is one situation where fashion takes a back seat to tradition and showing respect. Job interviews: Consider the industry. Finance, law and corporate roles often expect black shoes with a dark suit. Creative industries and startups are usually fine with brown. When in doubt, black is the safer option. Office wear: Know your workplace culture. Many modern offices have no preference. Traditional industries still lean towards black for client meetings. The Modern Rule: Match Your Belt One rule that has not changed is belt matching. Your belt should match your shoes: Black shoes require a black belt Brown shoes require a brown belt in a similar shade The match does not need to be exact, but should be in the same colour family This rule applies less strictly with casual outfits and no belt This is why we recommend owning at least one pair of quality shoes in each colour. You will find yourself reaching for both regularly. Shades of Brown: What Works When Not all brown shoes are equal. The shade matters: Tan and light brown: More casual and versatile. Perfect for summer, lighter suits and smart casual settings. Our tan brogues collection offers plenty of options in this shade. Mid brown and cognac: The sweet spot for most occasions. Formal enough for business but warm enough to feel approachable. Works year round with most suit colours. Dark brown and oxblood: Almost as formal as black but with more character. Excellent for business settings where you want to stand out slightly while remaining professional. Building Your Shoe Collection If you are building a shoe collection from scratch, here is the order we recommend: A pair of black Oxfords or brogues for formal occasions A pair of mid brown or tan brogues for everyday smart wear Brown Chelsea boots for casual versatility Additional colours and styles based on your wardrobe and lifestyle With just a black pair and a brown pair, you can handle virtually any situation. From there, you can expand into different shades and styles as your wardrobe grows. When Rules Can Be Broken Fashion has become more relaxed, and some old rules no longer apply strictly: Brown shoes with grey suits are now completely mainstream Lighter brown shoes in business settings are widely accepted Two tone spectator shoes can work in situations that once demanded solid colours Smart casual events rarely require any specific shoe colour The key is understanding the context. A creative agency will have different expectations than a law firm. A summer garden wedding is not the same as an evening gala. Read the room and dress accordingly. Browse our full collection of men's shoes to find the perfect pair in black, brown, tan or any shade in between. Whether you need formal Oxfords or versatile brogues, we have options to cover every occasion.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of slipping on a brand new pair of leather shoes. The rich smell, the polished finish, the promise of years of wear ahead. But if you have ever worn new leather shoes straight out of the box for a full day, you will know the other feeling that comes with them: blisters, pinching and sore feet. The good news is that leather shoes are meant to mold to your feet over time. Unlike synthetic materials, real leather softens and shapes itself to your unique foot profile. The challenge is getting through those first few wears without suffering. At London Brogues, we have helped thousands of customers through this process, and we have put together everything you need to know about breaking in leather shoes properly. Why Leather Shoes Need Breaking In Leather is a natural material made up of tightly woven fibres. When shoes are first made, these fibres are stiff and structured. As you wear the shoes, your body heat and movement gradually soften these fibres, allowing the leather to flex and stretch in the places where your foot needs more room. This is actually one of the benefits of choosing real leather over synthetic alternatives. A pair of our Gatsby brogues or Sidney Oxfords will eventually fit like a glove, shaped perfectly to your feet. Synthetic shoes never achieve this same custom fit because the material does not respond to wear in the same way. The Day by Day Wearing Schedule The biggest mistake people make is wearing new leather shoes for too long too soon. Your feet need time to adjust, and the leather needs time to soften. Here is the schedule we recommend: Day 1 to 3: Wear your new shoes for 30 minutes to one hour around the house. This lets you identify any pressure points while staying close to home. Day 4 to 7: Increase to two to three hours. You can wear them for a morning at work or a short outing. Week 2: Build up to half day wear. By now the leather should be noticeably softer. Week 3 onwards: Full day wear should be comfortable. The shoes are now properly broken in. If you feel any sharp pain or rubbing at any stage, stop and give your feet a rest. Pushing through pain will only create blisters that make the whole process longer. Conditioning Your Leather Shoes Leather conditioner is your best friend during the breaking in process. It softens the fibres and makes the leather more pliable, reducing the time needed to achieve a comfortable fit. Apply a quality leather conditioner before the first wear Focus on areas that typically cause problems: the heel counter, toe box and sides Let the conditioner absorb fully before wearing Reapply after every few wears during the first month Stretching Techniques That Work Sometimes leather shoes need a little extra help to stretch in specific areas. Here are proven techniques that actually work: Shoe trees: Insert cedar shoe trees when you are not wearing your shoes. They help maintain shape and gently stretch the leather. This is essential for any quality leather shoe. Thick socks method: Wear your thickest pair of socks with the shoes around the house. The extra bulk stretches the leather faster. You can also use a hairdryer on medium heat to warm the leather slightly while wearing thick socks, which speeds up the process. Leather stretch spray: Professional cobblers use stretch sprays to target specific tight spots. Spray the inside of the shoe where it pinches, then wear immediately while the leather is damp. Problem Areas and Solutions Problem Area Cause Solution Heel slipping Heel counter too stiff Use heel grips or moleskin pads until leather softens Toe pinching Toe box needs stretching Use a shoe stretcher or the thick socks method Rubbing on sides Width needs adjustment Leather conditioner and gradual wear Top of foot pressure Lacing too tight Loosen laces and try different lacing patterns Arch discomfort Insole not moulded yet Add cushioned insoles temporarily Signs Your Shoes Are Properly Broken In How do you know when the breaking in process is complete? Look for these signs: The leather feels noticeably softer and more supple You can wear the shoes all day without discomfort The shoes flex naturally when you walk There are subtle creases forming where your foot bends The heel no longer slips or rubs Most quality leather shoes from our collection take two to four weeks to fully break in with regular wear. Thicker leathers like those on our brogue boots may take slightly longer than lighter Oxford styles. When Shoes Will Never Fit Sometimes a shoe simply is not right for your foot, and no amount of breaking in will fix it. If you experience any of these issues, the shoes are likely the wrong size or shape: Your toes hit the end of the shoe The widest part of your foot does not align with the widest part of the shoe You have more than a finger width of space at the heel Pain does not improve at all after two weeks of gradual wear If you are unsure about sizing, have a look at our wide fit collection which offers extra room for those who need it. Getting the right size from the start makes breaking in much easier. Caring for Your Shoes During Break In The break in period is also a good time to establish proper shoe care habits. Always use shoe trees when storing your shoes. Rotate between pairs if possible to give the leather time to rest and dry between wears. Keep your shoes clean and conditioned, and they will reward you with years of comfortable wear. A well broken in pair of leather brogues or boots becomes one of the most comfortable shoes you will ever own. The investment of time during those first few weeks pays off every single day you wear them afterwards. Browse our full range of men's shoes and boots, and remember that every pair is crafted from premium leather that will soften beautifully with proper care and patience.

Learn all about the best ways to wear our most popular shoes, Gatsby. Though Gatsby is available in a wide array of materials and colours, we will be focusing on the two-tone style shoe known as spectator shoes.

This article explores the hottest wedding trends for grooms in 2023. We provide useful tips on how to incorporate these trends into the overall wedding look while keeping a balanced and coordinated style.

Are you looking for a stylish, comfortable and versatile shoe option? Look no further than suede shoes! We dive into the world of suede shoes and explore the many reasons why they are a must-have in any shoe collection.

To the uninitiated, it may seem like men get a rough deal when it comes to picking out shoes for special occasions. This just isn’t the case though! There is a huge amount of variety for men to pick their preferences from.

The danger of buying into trends is that they are fleeting. When it comes to footwear this leaves you with two choices: spend a fortune or compromise on quality. With London brogues, there is a third way.

Introducing our new sophisticated brogue shoe for men, Sidney in black or tan. An opulent Oxford shoe, Sidney has the classic colour blocking of a leather Oxford with the charm and decoration of our signature brogue pattern. 

Learn why Tweed and Tan leather are a match made in heaven and why this Autumn you will want to get your hand on some Heritage style brogues.

One belt, two colours of leather and a whole lot of luxurious style with our new reversible men's belt.

Blue is a colour which evokes trust and it’s the go-to colour for most men. It is also a popular choice for any wedding palette. But why limit it to your shirts and your socks? Check out our list of blue accented brogues, for you to find your true blue brogue.

This summer why not get a little tan! By which we mean a little tan treat from London Brogues. Explore our wide range of classic tan shoes and boots for men.

Though traditionally planning a wedding has been seen as something which only one half of the wedding couple takes charge over, in this day and age both members of the wedding party are getting increasingly getting stuck in to making their big day special.

The wedding season is nearly here and so it's time for our yearly round-up of the latest wedding looks for grooms in 2022.

It’s a common myth, when buying leather shoes, that you should have to tolerate excessive discomfort. Often people will buy a shoe which is too small in the hopes that the leather will eventually stretch enough for comfort. Yes leather will become more supple as it flexes and moulds to your feet, but you should always aim for the best possible fit when looking to buy a pair of leather shoes. We have a range of options available to the fashion conscious footwear connoisseur with wider feet. How Can Narrow Shoes hurt Wide feet Regularly wearing shoes which are too narrow can lead to painful problems for your feet such as blisters, corns and bunions which can have short to long term consequences. Shoes at a lower price point can often compromise on fit for affordability. At London Brogues we never compromise on quality and comfort, and instead save costs through dealing directly with our manufacturers and cutting out the middle man. What Style of Shoe is best for wide feet? Given that the classic Brogue shoe is typically an Oxford Shoe, it can be a real challenge for men to find the perfect feet. The Oxford boasts a sleek silhouette, with a close lacing system which can create a narrower shape that can leave wider footed gentlemen struggling to find a comfortable match. Our Wide Fit Gatsby Shoe Range Our best selling Gatsby shoe is available in a range of styles and wide fit sizes. You can choose from black, tan or navy blue with tan for your Gatsby spectator shoe. For men with size 7 to size 12 feet our Gatsby shoes are the perfect dress shoe for special occasions such as weddings. Derby shoes: open laces for a wider fit As an alternative to an Oxford brogue, we also carry a range of Derby shoes. Though not sized specifically for wide fit, the Derby shoe style is wonderful for men who need a little extra room. This is because they feature a looser open lacing system. It creates a wider, more casual silhouette, but is still a more than smart enough shoe for the office or dinner out. Something like our Tommy Derby shoe can give you personality and colour, whilst making sure you stay comfortable. This shoe comes in different colours of leathers including navy and tan, brown and tan and red, navy and tan.