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. If you want to learn more about the Spectator’s shoe’s design and history then check out our previous article which is the ‘Ultimate Guide to the Spectator’s shoe’.
When should you wear spectator shoes?
Because often bold or contrasted palette is not the correct choice for the most formal occasions where one should not aim to pull focus. For such occasions, a plain Oxford shoe like Sidney, Ripley or Arthur is the ticket.
Because it can come in a wide variety of colours and textures it's important to get the mix of materials and shades correct to stop your shoes from being too loud for the office or the outing. It is often the perfect shoe for heading out to the pub or bar on a Friday night or at the weekend or the statement piece for a garden party or outdoor wedding.
Wear them with a suit
When wearing bold, contrasting shoes such as the white and tan Gatsby or white and black Gatsby for more formal occasions, it is essential to keep the rest of your outfit simple. This stops your clothes from overpowering the shoe or creating a look which is too busy. Spectator shoes pair well with a suit, particularly a grey or navy suit. They add a touch of personality to a classic look.
Wear them with a blazer
For a more casual look, you can pair spectator shoes with a sports coat or blazer. You can wear them with chinos or dark denim for a polished yet relaxed look. For a vintage outdoor look, why not pair our tweed and tan Gatsby with a well-tailored matching tweed blazer? For a hint of crafty, homespun detail why not explore a knitted tie or matching bow tie?
Which trousers are best?
Spectator shoes can be worn with dress trousers or chino trousers. They add a touch of formality to a casual outfit as well as some colour and texture. Try pairing dark statement trousers with a light knit jumper and a collared shirt. These pair well with our tan and suede Gatsby for a more Urban style which is great for heading from the office to the bar on a Friday night.
What accessories are best?
When wearing spectator shoes, it's important to keep your accessories simple. A leather belt in a matching colour to one of the colours on your shoes is a good staple for any man. London Brogues has helped you out on this score by creating a reversible belt from quality leather which will match both black and tan shoes.
Overall, the key to wearing spectator shoes is to keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the shoes stand out as the focal point. So bear that in mind next time you lace up your favourite brogues.