Out of all formal styles of men’s footwear, derby shoes are the most dependable. In fact, if one has to buy just one pair of lace-up shoes, the Derby deserves that spot. With a defined toughness to its structure, the shoe still makes you look elegant. Not to mention, they’re super versatile as they can be styled with a variety of outfits to create iconic looks. Be it with jeans, chinos, suits, or these days, even sweatpants – a slick pair of Derby shoes will have you throwing looks no matter the occasion. Here are our best outfit ideas to style with Derby shoes:

With Jeans

When worn with denim, derby shoes exude a clean-cut masculine aesthetic which is hard to remanufacture with any other shoe. But this is successfully achieved if you wear the right kind of jeans with your formal derby shoes. All your distressed denim, faded jeans with loose threads and holes, and acid washed jeans should never be worn a derby. Our advice, go for dark wash jeans with a tapered fit at the bottom. Maintain the length of your jeans to just right on your ankle. You can cuff them for a more casual appeal. Top your denim with a long gingham shirt, or an embroidered bomber jacket to bring some edge.

With Chinos

A classic look for a casual outfit, derby shoes works great with a crisp pair of chinos. Beige chinos, white shirt topped with a blue blazer and worn with black derby shoes – you have the right combination for business casual. When it comes to chinos, you can experiment a lot with colors and printed shirts. The best way to nail this look though is to cuff your chinos and let your ankles show. Take up the drama a notch higher by wear socks with quirky prints and bold colors.

With Shorts

Derby shoes worn with shorts help you create high-end, suave looks perfect for a summer party. Whether it’s a Sunday stroll with your pet or a casual brunch with friends, this combination will set you apart.  You can get a host of colors of these shoes for men online. When creating this look, opt for tapered styles and clean cuts. Pair a polo shirt with printed shorts, worn with a laid-back pair of suede derby shoes. If you’re going for a smart casual outfit, choose a linen blazer with white shorts, and throw some color on it with blue suede derby shoes.

With Suits

A classic leather Derby in a traditional brown shade is a mandatory must-have for any man’s wardrobe. Wear it with a tailored, smart suit in shades of navy. If your suit is in a dark color or a grey hue, pair it with patent black shoes. Moreover, there is a great choice of formal shoes online that you can purchase from. You can also experiment with dark brown, cherry red or oxblood colors. If the color is light, go for tan-colored shoes. And as always, pair black suits with black shoes. Make sure your suit is not slouchy and is tapered to your right fit.