There are several hot-button, intractable questions in the partisan world of Menswear 2021. Can you wear shoes without socks? Could you pair a cap with a suit? Might a man ever seriously wear a knitted blazer? Is a wing collar ever okay with black tie? Is a three-piece suit acceptable if you’re not an undertaker? When does a gilet become a Schoffel? And when does a Schoffel become a farce?
But nothing puts the cat among the pigeons with quite as much vigour as the following: can you wear sneakers with a suit? And the answer, like all good answers, is delicate with nuance: Yes — but only the right ones. And here, by way of illustration, are five of those.
The neutral dove grey of these suede numbers (not to mention their low profile cupsole) mean they fulfil the diktats that govern most tailoring choices: less is more, and understatement is everything. They are also eerily comfortable, thanks to the best possible materials, a truly solid base, and moulded footbeds — ideal for the pavement-pounding of the modern-day entrepreneur.
Oliver Cabell — Low 1 Navy
Crafted in butter soft calfskin, this sleek, low-cut, utterly understated sneakers are an exercise in Italian elegance. The dark navy colour — which extends from tongue to lowline rubber sole — makes the shoes at once inconspicuous and striking. Almost built for suiting, and does its best work at night.
Scarosso — Ugo Marrone Scamosciato
The Italians have long been the masters of high-low dressing (the sprezzatura code is very often an invitation for carefully careless pairings), and this handsome chestnut pair from Scarosso punches up and down at once. The thick brown suede nods to the timeless shoemaking traditions of the peninsula, while the contrast white rubber sole lends a more sporty lean to things.
Unseen Footwear - Helier Classic White Leather/Suede
Inspired by Italian style and quality craftsmanship, but with a British sensibility. Unseen footwear has re-conceptualised footwear for a new breed of gentleman. Classics means just that. Their classic Helier silhouette in white utilises the highest quality premium Italian leather and suede mix to create footwear that will stand the test of time.
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