Dress Boots vs. Dress Shoes: When to Wear Each One

Dress boots and dress shoes are two solid footwear choices for men intentional about how they dress. Men have been debating which is more appropriate for ages. But it need not be that way. Each style serves a unique purpose; each style conveys a distinct message. Choosing between them is a matter of understanding the difference between stepping into the boardroom and trekking through the urban jungle.

Your wardrobe needs both boots and dress shoes. Every pair you own can and should elevate your look from adequate to intentional. Your choice for each occasion will make the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary.

When to Wear Boots

Dress boots offer the perfect balance between rugged sophistication and smart style.

Although they can be formal in every sense of the word, boots offer a more relaxed vibe. They also tend to be more versatile in terms of when you can wear them. Boots are ideal for:

●        Smart-casual events

●        Business-casual settings

●        Cool and cold weather

●        Walking around town

Combine The Lewis boot from Taft with a pair of jeans or chinos for a modern take on a classic look. Or choose The Rome Boot in Black for a more understated, but no less intentional, presentation that says you know who you are, and confidently so.

Tips for Wearing Dress Boots

Men who dress with purpose pay attention to how they wear dress boots.

When pairing dress boots with a suit, choose a sharper profile and a darker color. Black or dark brown leather are ideal for darker suits intended for formal occasions. Also:

●        Business Casual – Dress boots work very well with wool trousers, chinos, and dark denim jeans. They are casual but powerful footwear in the smart-casual office.

●        Casual Wear – Elevate your casual wear with The Paris or Troy boots from Taft. Regardless of your choice of dress boot, avoid wearing them with distressed or light-wash denim.

Dress boots are both stylish and a bit edgy. A premium dress boot provides the foot and ankle support for your busy day, ensuring your comfort without making it look like you settled for whatever shoes were in your closet.

When to Wear Dress Shoes

Dress shoes are the cornerstone of formal attire. Designed specifically to help create a polished appearance, dress shoes make it clear that you are a class act.

You are professional, sophisticated, and ready for whatever formal occasions throw at you. Dress shoes are ideal for:

●        Formal and black-tie events

●        Semi-formal occasions

●        Business meetings and job interviews

●        Business-casual occasions

●        Warmer weather

Oxfords and derbies, like The Miles and The Noah, are the most classic of all men's dress shoes. They are the dress shoes powerbrokers wear. Monk straps, like The Lucca Monk, add a bit of a twist that demonstrates an ample supply of confidence.

Meanwhile, a good pair of loafers maintains your formal style with the added convenience of a shoe that easily slips on and off. As a man constantly on the go, loafer selections like The Jack Penny Loafer and The Sterling are ideal for someone whose time is valuable.

A Shoe for Every Occasion

The season, the occasion, and your personal style will influence your decision between dress boots and dress shoes. When circumstances dictate, dress boots are the better choice for comfort and additional warmth on active days. Dress shoes are more appropriate when you need to make a statement in less casual surroundings.

There is a shoe for every occasion. Choose the boot or dress shoe most capable of laying the foundation that guarantees you win.