Summer is here, and with it comes the flurry of social events that will test the sartorial skills of the most style conscious dresser.
Whether you’re finding the shoes that will serve up a fresh look for Centre Court, perfecting your smart-casual ensembles for every wedding in the diary, or decoding the dressing etiquette for race day. You need the shoes that will crack the dress code for every event summer has in store.
This guide will set you on your way to being the best dressed in every social scenario, it’s the highlight of our year after all …
Tennis Anyone?
Acing your outfit for every sporting event requires consideration. While there is no written dress code for spectators, such an occasion calls for dressing with elegance while exuding Great British charm.
What better place to start than with the shoes? Pristine white trainers will give a subtle nod to the game whilst adhering to the tournament’s largely unwritten smart-casual etiquette.
For Her
White trainers will lend a faultless finish to the ‘tennis whites’ theme. The Arielle chunky trainers will be the perfect match for a crisp cotton shirt dress, finish the look with a waist belt that matches your clutch and opt for a coordinating blazer to counterbalance the casual feel of your trainers.
The Major Players
For Him
Pairing white leather trainers with crease-less chinos and a buttoned-down shirt will really nail the court side brief. Classic with a laid-back feel, this ensemble will bring an effortless but ever-confident elegance to your high summer look.
How to accessorise? Aside from the glass of champagne, slip on a suit jacket in a similar shade to pull the look together.
Court Side Kicks
Race Day Etiquette
Decoding the race day dressing etiquette can be a daunting prospect, by getting acquainted with the dos and don’ts you can unlock bountiful outfit possibilities. Whether you’re pondering the correct footwear to wear for Royal enclosures or eager to take a relaxed approach to staunch traditions, this is the place to start …
For Her
English garden floral prints are best served with summer sandals. Wedge heels and flat shoes will outshine stiletto heels on garden lawns. Pastel palettes make a subtle, yet no less impactful, statement, while juicy bright shades will step you straight into the spirit of summer events.
Raise the Style Stakes
For Him
Certain rules may be steadfast, so for formal enclosures stick to traditional iterations of the black Oxford shoe to accompany your top hat and tails.
For spectators out of the Royal enclosures, ink blue tailoring is the perfect partner for tan brogues, play around with textures and shades of your shoes and tailoring to nail the sweet spot between smart and casual.
Back a Winner
Summer Weddings
Summer is set to be the season of ‘I dos’ and the time to prepare your footwear collection is now. Be it an idyllic setting abroad or a quiet country wedding, you need the footwear that will keep you feeling put together and comfortable.
For Her
If you invest wisely in classic and versatile shoes, they’ll be the only plus one you need for every wedding you attend this season.
While suits might be the uniform of choice for male guests, you can level up by donning a two-piece in a striking shade, finish the look with a contrasting pair of heeled mules and you have yourself a sophisticated outfit that will translate for every summer soiree.
Best Dressed Guest
For Him
Tan brogues, like our Barney derby shoes are the perfect match for slim-cut tweed suits. Dark hues such as navy are best complemented with warm brown leather tones, as suited for relaxed rural venue they’ll still translate for a big day in the city.
Black leather oxford shoes will fit the brief for more formal settings, they’ll pull together a sharp, clean-cut suit with ease.