What to wear with men's high brogues. Brogues and Oxfords: the difference between them
Brogues are the most informal type of shoe.
What distinguishes them from other shoes is primarily the perforation with which they are richly decorated. And also a special type of fastening of the toe to the main part of the boots, similar to the letter W.
It is believed that Irish farmers were the first to try on brogues.
They often had to wander through swampy lands, their feet inevitably got wet, and then they began to make holes in their shoes so that the water would immediately flow out and their wet feet would dry out faster.
Probably at the same time the name of such shoes was born, which comes from the Gallic word “brog”, which means “to pierce with an awl”.
Later, British aristocrats drew attention to these decorations.
Prince Edward of Wales
Especially they pleased the famous fashionista Prince of Wales Edward. According to his order, shoemakers began to make holes in shoes in accordance with an intricate pattern.
Boldly combining such boots with different suits, the prince looked incredibly elegant and attractive.
Other dandies began to imitate him, decorating their lace-up shoes with perforations.
There was no longer any practical use for the holes in the boots, so they gradually stopped making them through.
In this form, brogues have survived to this day.
What modern brogues look like
Brogues are back in fashion. Modern “holey” boots come in several types.
What to wear with brogues
Men's brogues are not easy shoes. The abundance of decorative elements attracts increased attention, but makes it very difficult to create a harmonious image.
Brogues are considered to be part of an informal style. They will look perfect with clothes made from tweed and corduroy. These combinations have already become classics.
They will also suit sports or club jackets.. You will get a great look if the clothes have checkered colors. A bow tie will be a great addition to this look.
Classic brogues, especially those with rough thick soles, will harmonize well with jeans, shirts, leather jackets and parkas. With them, the image will become more elegant and respectable than if your feet were wearing sneakers or sneakers. At the same time, it will remain fashionable, youthful, fresh.
You can try combining brogues and with classic suits. They will help diversify a boring business style.
However, in this case, you should still give preference to dark shoes with a minimal amount of decorative trim.
It is worth remembering that such “freshness” will not be appropriate everywhere. It’s still not worth going to official events with a strict dress code in such shoes.
Before taking brogues out of your shoe closet, you should pay attention to the silhouette of the trousers or jeans you are wearing. They shouldn't be too narrow.
Otherwise, a “clown effect” is possible when the legs and feet look awkwardly large. In this case, the decorated toe of fashionable shoes will once again emphasize the comical nature of the image.
Brogues: to take or not to take
We can definitely say that brogues will do honor to the wardrobe of any fashionista. They look stylish and modern, they can refresh a business look or add rigor to an informal one.
However not everyone manages to correctly combine such shoes with clothes. For beginning fashionistas, creating perfect bows using brogues may be too much for them.
We can absolutely say that brogues are the choice of daring, self-confident men with ideal taste.
Brogue shoes, or perforated leather boots, have moved into the women's wardrobe from men's, along with oxfords and loafers. Brogues appeared in the men's wardrobe thanks to Irish farmers who, while driving cattle through wetlands, pierced their boots to drain water and ventilate them.
Over time, perforation lost its functional significance and began to be decorative. Perforated shoes became popular among golfers and later earned the love of the aristocracy.
Today, women's brogues are classic shoes, stylish and status-worthy. From a strictly masculine wardrobe item, they have turned into elegant shoes with both traditionally low and high heels.
The main difference between brogues and other types of classic shoes is the toe cut out in the shape of the letter W, reminiscent of wings, with an openwork medallion pattern made of holes.
Full brogues are shoes with perforations throughout the entire surface of the shoe. Semi-brogues differ only in the cape: instead of the W shape, it is a regular cut-off cape, perforation is present in full. Quarter brogues have perforations only along the seams.
The so-called “strict brogues” only conditionally refer to this type of shoe, since they are completely devoid of perforation, but have the “wings” on the toe that are familiar to brogues.
How to wear brogues correctly
- It is better not to wear women's brogue boots with long trousers: this will make your legs appear shorter. Preferred. Trousers that are too tight are also not welcome: brogues with such models look somewhat comical.
- Brogues look especially good with short socks (preferably white) and trousers. Socks with skirts and dresses are not allowed. If the boots are full of perforations, then it is better to wear women's brogues on bare feet so that the socks do not show through the holes.
- In contrast with rough brogues, and can play, but it is better to avoid overly feminine details, for example, ruffles and flounces.
You will feel comfortable and cozy in sneakers with wedge heels. He will tell you what to wear these shoes with.
Style combinations
- Leather brogues are considered an ideal casual style option in combination with trouser suits. Wear them also with dark blue jeans and men's loose-fitting shirts. A soft blazer or suede vest over a shirt will help complete the look.
- Quarter and formal brogues go great with a business suit. A laconic tweed or wool dress with thick tights is also suitable.
- Two-tone brogues (black with white inserts or white and brown) in combination with a unisex pantsuit can also be worn for an evening event. Lacquer brogues are also suitable for going out.
- To create a look, wear brogues with straight-cut jeans or. An option is also possible with a sundress or a simple floral dress. The ideal pair in these sets is fully perforated brogues in red or other natural colors (brown, cream, muted green). Black and black and white will definitely not fit into the rustic style.
- The school girl or preppy style (the style of prestigious British colleges) is achieved by combining classic brogues in black, black and white, brown with pleated or pleated skirts, khaki or beige chinos, checkered jackets and vests.
- For a retro look in the style of the 20s, pairing brogues with men's cut trousers or a dress with fringe is suitable, especially if you complement the look with an elegant hat.
- Brogues can also fit into: combine multi-colored boots or shoes with floral prints with long flowing skirts and light dresses.
- An ultra-fashionable and bold option is a combination of black brogues with a minimum of perforation, an asymmetrical skirt, a discreet turtleneck and a leather jacket.
- High-heeled brogues, unlike the original low-heeled shoes, are suitable for almost any look: they can be worn with pantsuits, trouser suits, and school uniform-style brogues, as well as with long country-style dresses.
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Brogues are not only stylish, but also very comfortable shoes. With them it is easy to emphasize your individuality and draw attention to your image. Despite the fact that this type of shoe was borrowed from men, brogues look great on women's legs and do not lose popularity.
A woman's wardrobe will definitely have several pairs of shoes. In addition to classic pumps, many fashionistas consider it necessary to purchase women's brogues. Since this type of shoe is very comfortable and is great for creating informal looks for free time.
Women's brogue shoes have come into fashion relatively recently. Beautiful ladies “borrowed” this wardrobe item from men. As in the men's version, women's brogues are closed lace-up shoes. Models can have open or closed lacing; a mandatory element is a cut-off toe and the presence of perforations on the surface of the shoes.
Story
The first brogues appeared around the 17th century. At that time, farmers in Ireland wore such shoes. To ensure ventilation, farmers repeatedly poked their boots with an awl, creating perforations. Thanks to the presence of many holes, the feet remained dry for a long time.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, brogues moved from the category of peasant shoes to the category of models for aristocrats. Of course, shoes for the upper class of footwear were more elegant and many times more expensive than simple peasant shoes. However, the main features - the presence of perforations and the figured shape of the toe - have been preserved.
Around the middle of the last century, women began to wear brogues. Our contemporaries also enjoy wearing this model, as it goes well with a variety of casual clothing.
Kinds
Photos of models of women's brogue shoes will surely appeal to fashionistas who love comfortable shoes. If the men's version of brogues is a conservative model, produced in two colors - and, then the options for women are much more varied.
Sole
Available on a thin flat sole with a small stable heel. Women's shoes may have the same type of sole, but other options are possible.
For example, a very practical solution is women's brogues with thick soles.. These shoes can be safely worn in rainy weather without fear of getting your feet wet. In addition, women's platform brogues will add several centimeters to your height, which is important for petite fashionistas.
Another interesting option is brogues with heels. Of course, these models do not use a stiletto heel, but a wide heel in the shape of a rectangle or square.
Top design
Just like in the men's version, brogues for women are produced with different perforation options. The holes can be located either over the entire surface of the shoes or only along the seams.
An interesting option is high women's brogues, which are shaped like ankle boots. Classic brogues leave the ankles open, while high brogues can rise almost to the middle of the ankle.
Colors
Women's brogues can have a wide variety of colors. You can also find classic colors - brown or black brogues. This option is often included in men's business looks.
And for free time, you can choose colored brogues, which can have almost any shade. This type of shoe is often produced in two or even three colors. These can be calm combinations, for example, beige and white, or bright, contrasting combinations - red and blue.
You can also find brogues with a printed pattern, for example, with cheerful polka dots or a cute flower. Brogues with a metallic effect are also popular.
How to create a stylish ensemble?
What to wear with women's brogues? This type of shoe goes well with a wide variety of casual clothing.
- Brogues can be worn barefoot or with socks. In the first option, you need to leave the ankle open (unless you are using high-top shoes), so if you plan to wear trousers, choose a cropped model.
- It is worth choosing contrasting socks to go with women's brogues.
- Brogues will go perfectly with both men's clothing and emphatically feminine ensembles.
What to combine with?
Let's figure out what clothes to combine women's brogues with.
Trousers and jeans
Cropped trousers and breeches look most advantageous when paired with shoes of this type. You can also wear long trousers of an informal style, rolling up the legs a little to expose the ankles.
The styles of trousers and jeans can be varied. This can be straight trousers, boyfriend trousers, or breeches.
Examples of successful bows :
- Skinny jeans slightly rolled up at the bottom, gray angora sweater, silver metallic brogues, oversized jacket in small black and white check, black and white bag.
- Dark blue suit, consisting of narrow cropped trousers and a short jacket of a straight silhouette with cuffs on the sleeves, a white top, classic brown brogues and a brown bag.
- Youth version: raspberry tapered trousers with rolled-up legs, a black tank top with printed chest sleeves, beige brogues with black socks, a black cap and a black satchel bag.
Overalls and shorts
Cute ensembles are created by pairing brogues with overalls or shorts. These can be models made of denim or textiles.
Bow example : Light blue shorts with a black strap, a light blue long-sleeved shirt tucked in, a short, waist-length black and white cardigan, black brogues worn barefoot, and a white bag with black trim.
Dresses
Different styles of dresses go well with brogue shoes; stylists recommend choosing models of a laconic style. Short dresses look especially good with this type of shoe, but don’t rule out the possibility of combining brogues with a midi dress.
Lucky Bows :
- Laconically: a simple black dress with a straight silhouette, sleeveless, 20 cm long above the knee, white and brown brogues worn on bare feet, a beige bag.
- Charming: A-line dress with sleeves to the elbow in small black and white checks, black tight tights, black patent brogues. The set is completed with a men's style blue hat and a dark blue bag.
- Feminine: a sleeveless light purple dress with a pleated skirt just below the knees, white brogues, a brown bag, a bracelet and pearl earrings.
- Romantic: simple white A-line dress with lace trim along the hem and bodice, blue and white brogues, blue bag.
- Comfortable: blue denim shirt dress with a brown wide belt, white and brown brogues, brown bag.
Skirts
With brogue shoes, it is best to wear straight skirts; you can choose a model that covers your knees or a mini; the top of the ensemble can be represented by a blouse, shirt or thin sweater.
Onion examples :
- Black straight short skirt, light gray melange top with long sleeves, black bag and black and gold brogues with 7 cm heels.
- A white straight-cut skirt covering the knee, a loose black sweater, patent black brogues, a colored envelope bag with elements of black, blue and gray.
- A long, straight, dark gray skirt that reaches just below the ankles, a short black top that leaves a thin strip of skin on the stomach exposed, a long, gray-green zipless jacket, yellow metal jewelry, or a black bag with gold trim. The main emphasis in this ensemble is on unusual shoes; these are extravagant black and white brogues on a high solid platform.
Outerwear
Brogues will make an excellent tandem with various outerwear options. A cardigan, trench coat, leather or denim jacket will do. A short coat made of fabric with a tartan pattern will look good.
Brands
Many fashion brands are offering stylish brogues this season. Robert Clergerie offers bright black and red patent leather brogues to fashionistas. The model is decorated with golden fasteners located along the rows of perforations.
Stella McCartney presented brown brogues with a classic design this season. The highlight of the model is a high white and beige platform with corrugation on the sole. The designer’s collection also includes high-platform models made of printed leather.
The fashion house Dolce & Gabbana offers the original decor of classic brogue shoes. Embroidered daisies are randomly scattered on a black background of suede shoes of a classic design. And the Church’s brand invites fashionistas to try on soft pink brogues with thick cork soles.
D To begin with, let’s put one inaccuracy aside so that it does not confuse you in the future. Brogues are not a separate independent type of shoe. These are several types, united by one decoration method - perforation. It sounds quite complicated, let's explain it more simply. Brogues are oxfords, derbies, monks, chelseas, loafers, decorated with patterns of small holes.
TO As you understand, these shoes have become a part of life for many women. If you just want to add brogue shoes to your closet, but don’t know what to wear them with, then our material is for you. However, we will mainly focus on brogues such as Oxfords and Derbys.
What to wear with black brogues, photo
N Despite the fact that brogues look like quite classic shoes, this does not mean that they should only be worn with a business suit ( more about that later). Black brogues look great with gray, black, pale blue ( as if burned out), wine jeans.
IN As a top, it is appropriate to use tops and jackets, jumpers and biker jackets, blouses and short coats, trench coats. Jeans, by the way, can be shortened or rolled up, frayed and even torn; the latter with brogues look even more interesting than “whole” ones. As for models, we especially note skinny ones, although experiments with mom And boyfriend jeans are not prohibited.
T Now let's talk about what was slightly mentioned at the beginning. Black brogues are perfect for a trouser suit in black, white, dark blue, red, pink, burgundy. Plus, black brogues will help create a very stylish look with light, high-waisted cropped trousers and a sweater or turtleneck in mustard or emerald color. This look is one of the most stunning with black brogues.
H Black brogues can be included in a look with different dresses. From a strict sheath to a light translucent shirt dress. Dress colors: white, black, gray, cream, beige, burgundy. Prints are welcome. Choose black tights.
N and for dessert we offer a bright look with a skirt and black brogues:
What to wear with brown brogues
AND let's start again with the cult thing of the 70s, about which Yves Saint Laurent said: " It's a pity that I didn't invent them“. These are, of course, jeans. Brown brogues should be worn with wine, dark blue, light blue and black jeans. Skinny, boyfriends - yes. Shortened, torn - yes again.
IN erx: a cozy pastel-colored jumper, a playful vest, a white blouse and jacket to match the jeans, a gray sweater ( all these things will go with jeans of any color from the above).
WITH The next item is trousers. Let's not dwell on blacks, everything is clear with them. But we especially note beige, pale pink, pale yellow and white. Just look at what organic images you can get with them:
N Let's forget about dresses. Brown brogues go well with both lovely floral sundresses and formal black dresses. In any case, they will fill the image with fresh, unusual beauty.
What to wear with white brogues
Z Here, first of all, let's talk about a black trouser suit. This combination with white brogues is the most advantageous. This image, as they say, is both at the feast and at the world, which in modern language is translated as “both in the office and at the party.”
T Also, white brogues are good in combination with strict black dresses. It will be very nice if your look includes a refreshing white collar or cuffs. It is not difficult to guess that a white dress can play a good role in this case. In the same performance, gray, dark blue, blue-purple colors may appear.
ABOUT Don't forget jeans. We recommend sticking to light blue. And be sure to try including a trench coat in your look.
Blue and platform brogues
IN At this point we have combined two of the most unusual variations of brogues. They are not as common as the previous ones, but with them your image will definitely be unique and memorable. So, you can wear the same black trouser suit and blue brogues or black brogues, but with a platform. Thanks to the eye-catching detail, the overall look will look fresher, no matter how funny it may sound.
WITH Other brogues go with blue and red trousers, black jeans, and a black dress. At the same time, you can include another blue or light blue item in the image, a shirt, for example, or a neat backpack.
B horns on the platform can be worn with everything indicated in the previous paragraphs ( about black, brown and white brogues). Let's add only a fitted maxi dress and a midi-length pencil skirt.
Every year more and more models of not only clothing, but also shoes appear. Thanks to this, any girl can find something suitable for herself that will allow her to look fashionable and stylish. Relatively recently, such a shoe model as women's brogues has become popular.
Women's brogues
Initially, brogues, like many other models, were considered exclusively for men, but then they successfully moved into the women's wardrobe, which the ladies are incredibly happy about.
Women's brogues are shoes with perforations; they most often have lacing, both open and closed. A distinctive feature is the presence of a detachable toe, which can have a variety of shapes.
These shoes were first invented by farmers in Ireland and Scotland. It was extremely convenient for people of this profession. There were perforations on the shoes not for beauty, but so that the shoes could dry faster, that is, the considerations were purely practical, and the cattle breeders did not think about fashion and style. A little later, such shoes ceased to be a necessity and, it would seem, should have disappeared, but this did not happen. It began to be worn by ordinary city residents who liked this model.
Now women's brogues are completely different. This applies to their color scheme, the presence of prints, height or lack of heels. That is, there are simply a lot of varieties of these shoes thanks to modern designers.
Types of brogues
Women's brogues are divided into several types. Basically, these types depend on where exactly the notorious perforation is located, which is a distinctive feature of this shoe.
Full brogues
As the name implies, this model has a completely perforated surface, and the toe is very reminiscent in appearance of the English letter W. They are considered the most classic model, which will perfectly complement both a strict look and a looser street look.
Demi-brogues
This type of women's brogues is distinguished by the presence of perforations exclusively along the seams and on a special cut-off toe. This toe is visually separated from the main part of the shoe by a seam that is straight. If you look closely, the combination of all the holes located directly on the toe resembles a medallion in appearance.
Quarter brogues
This type of brogue is considered the most formal and suitable specifically for a business, strict style. There is perforation on the surface only along the seams, that is, it is practically not noticeable. And on the toe there is no noticeable pattern in the form of a medallion.
What to wear with women's brogues?
Of course, it’s difficult to call brogues absolutely universal, but they can still be combined with a lot of things. Many women are hesitant to buy brogues because, in their opinion, they look too masculine and, accordingly, all images created with them will look too rough. But such conclusions are incorrect. If you choose the right items for these shoes, you can look not just feminine, but also sexy, because for this it is not at all necessary to constantly wear high-heeled shoes.
In addition, the advantage of brogues is that they look good on women with different figures and different age categories.
An obvious combination is to wear brogues with classic clothes. This is a win-win option that will absolutely look stylish and harmonious. Surely, every business woman has a trouser suit, and that’s why women’s brogues should be worn with it. In the office they will be as convenient and comfortable as possible, which is important for modern ladies.
Brogues will also look quite good with jeans, especially rolled ones. As for accessories, in this case, you should give preference to a clutch, and in a situation with a classic suit, to a suitcase bag.
With skinny jeans you need to be careful not to visually shorten your legs. It is best to complement this look with elongated outerwear. It is also not recommended to wear women's brogues with miniskirts, because the legs will look too massive.
But with a dress you can combine brogues, which have a bright color and high heels.
Women's brogues will look good in combination with denim or classic shorts; in the first case, you can choose a fairly bright color, and in the second, it is better to stick to classic colors.
Naturally, brogues are not compatible with evening dresses; you shouldn’t even try to combine them, because the look will absolutely turn out to be extremely strange and ridiculous. The same can be said about deliberately sporty items, that is, tracksuits. Brogues a priori will not suit them, so there is no need to try to be original and combine incongruous things.
This type of shoe should be preferred in casual and business style; these are the most acceptable options.
Women's brogues may look like classic shoes, or they may have a more modern look, in which their features are only guessed, but these are the models that will fit perfectly into the current wardrobe of any girl. Watch the updated versions in the video below.
How to choose brogues?
It is best to purchase women's brogues in branded stores so that you do not have to doubt their quality. It is the quality of this shoe that determines how long it can be worn. Brogues should be made of high-quality material, for example, leather models are popular. Thanks to the perforation, your feet should feel comfortable in them. It is important to carefully inspect the surface of the shoe to make sure that there are no cracks, abrasions or defects on it.
As for the color of this model, it needs to be selected based on what you plan to wear the brogues with. If a woman is going to wear these shoes exclusively to the office, then you shouldn’t choose bright colors; it’s better to stick with the classic brown or black color. But for brogues that you plan to wear for a walk or even a date, you can choose a brighter color. There is no need to be modest here, since bright shoes will become the main accent in the image.
It is best to choose women's brogues with very low heels; these will make your feet as comfortable as possible, and this model is classic, so it will take its rightful place in the wardrobe.
Before purchasing any modified women's brogues, for example, with platforms, heels, prints, etc., it is best to find classic models for yourself in order to understand what all their charm is. And then you can purchase some more daring, extravagant option.
The video below shows a versatile model of full brogues that can be worn every day and combined with different clothing styles.
