How to Choose the Perfect Dress Shoes: The Ultimate Guide
Shoes are more than just an accessory. They ground a silhouette, define a style, and refine an overall look. The perfect pair stands out without being ostentatious—it moves naturally with you and completes an outfit with effortless elegance.
But how do you choose the right model? Formal Oxfords, bold boots, casual loafers, or sophisticated sneakers?
Here’s a detailed guide to help you find the pair that truly suits you.
Oxfords: Elegance Without Compromise
The Oxford remains the epitome of formal footwear. Its sleek silhouette, closed lacing, and meticulous construction make it a timeless classic. Naturally at home with a suit, it can also be styled in a more relaxed way with well-tailored chinos.
At In Corio, Marc embodies this tradition. Available with a leather or rubber sole, it adapts to daily needs. The leather sole enhances pure elegance—ideal for special occasions—while the rubber sole offers added flexibility and all-day comfort for urban lifestyles.
For those seeking ultimate refinement, the one-cut Oxford, like Arthur or Thomas, is a perfect choice. Crafted from a single piece of leather with no visible seams, it features a minimalist and sophisticated design.
If you appreciate distinctive details, Armand stands out with refined perforations, while Clément impresses with its structured cap toe.
How to Wear It:
- With a tailored suit for a professional look or formal event
- With wool trousers and a dress shirt for understated elegance
- With raw denim and a blazer for a chic contrast
Boots: Versatility and Character
Boots transcend seasons and styles with effortless ease. Whether laced or elastic-sided, they bring confidence to any silhouette. Less formal than Oxfords, they offer more freedom while maintaining undeniable elegance.
Henry, the quintessential Chelsea boot, and Bruno, the refined Jodhpur boot, embody sophisticated simplicity. With their clean design and discreet sole, they pair just as well with a tailored suit as with raw denim.
Martin, with its waxed laces and structured cap toe, strikes the perfect balance between dress shoe sophistication and the practicality of an ankle boot. Its grained leather adds flexibility and comfort, making it ideal for daily wear.
For a more assertive presence, Edgard and Matthieu are the boots you need. Their generous fit, sturdy leather, and thick rubber sole with an extended welt make them perfect for men seeking bold, commanding footwear.
How to Wear Them:
- With chinos and a dress shirt for an urban look
- With raw denim and a wool sweater for a strong, confident silhouette
- With a well-tailored suit for a modern, contemporary touch
Loafers: Relaxed Elegance
Whether in the city or on vacation, loafers captivate with their flexibility and effortless comfort. They slip on with ease and can be worn barefoot or with fine socks. A timeless model, adaptable to a variety of styles.
Paul, with its lace-up shoe-inspired silhouette, is a structured and refined loafer. Etienne, in a Penny Loafer version, reinterprets the American classic with grained leather and suede—a nod to the "effortless chic" of Ivy League universities.
As for Antoine, it’s designed for summer. Crafted in suede calfskin with an ultra-flexible thin rubber sole, it’s perfect for barefoot wear with lightweight chinos or rolled-up jeans.
How to Wear Them:
- With flannel trousers and a light jacket for an urban style
- With linen shorts and a shirt for a breezy summer look
- With chinos and a wool sweater for a casual chic silhouette
Double Monk Straps: Boldness and Refinement
Neither entirely classic nor fully casual, the double monk strap sits between two worlds. It retains the construction of an Oxford but stands apart with its distinctive buckle closure.
Victor, available in camel suede or leather, adapts effortlessly to both formal and casual outfits. Its supple leather ensures immediate comfort, while the choice of a leather or rubber sole offers appreciated flexibility.
How to Wear Them:
- With a blue or grey suit for contemporary elegance
- With wool trousers and a fine knit sweater as an alternative to Oxfords
- With raw denim and a white shirt to break the mold
Sneakers: Modernity and Comfort
Sneakers are no longer just for casual outfits. Today, a well-crafted pair pairs seamlessly with more sophisticated pieces, bringing a modern and dynamic touch to any look.
At In Corio, Maxime, Alexis, and Gabriel embody this new approach. Crafted from premium materials with meticulous finishes, they feature subtle suede calfskin details. Whether styled with tailored chinos or even a fitted suit for the boldest dressers, these sneakers integrate effortlessly into an elegant and contemporary wardrobe.
How to Wear Them:
- With chinos and a blazer for a modern look
- With raw denim and a wool sweater for a casual-chic style
- With a sleek suit for a bold take on formalwear
Which Dress Shoe is Made for You?
Oxfords for special occasions, boots for a bold statement, loafers for sophisticated ease, or sneakers for a modern edge—each model has its own character, but comfort and craftsmanship remain essential.
📍 Try our models in-store at 33 Rue du Dragon or 16 Rue Pavée, Paris.
📦 Explore our e-shop and find the perfect pair to accompany you through every season.
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