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  • Writer's pictureAng'ienda James.

Dress Shoe Guide


​pullin up that official look everyday is one of the OXFORD A classic shoe style with a formal and elegant look for all those Nairobian needs. Oxfords come in any color although blue, black and browns are most popular. The sleeker the design the more formal the shoe. Brogue oxfords on the other hand appear a bit less formal and can easily pull up that official jaens look. The oxford shoes should be paired with official dress pants but not jeans, apart from the brogue oxfords.




DERBY The Derby is a very similar to the oxford shoe but the difference is in the lacing which is sewn outside of the shoes. This more noticeable lacing style makes this shoe style less formal compared to the classic Oxford. Derby come in any color, brogue and non brogue, cap-toed as well as many different types of leather. Derby shoes are perfect for a smart-casual dress consisting of jeans, dress shorts, and even sport coats [ if you feeling adventurous ]. They are less suited for suits but do make a good shoe choice for business attire on rainy days [April Kenya rains] due to their more rugged sole construction.




MONK STRAP SHOES Monk strap shoes have buckled straps that replaces shoe laces. Monk straps come with one, two, and even three straps, are available in any color, can be made from a wide variety of different leathers, and can be cap toed as well . Monk strap shoes are perfect for those who seek a more unique type of shoe that will draw attention. When matching the shoes, make sure that the color of the casp matches your belt buckle, wrist watch, and cufflinks. Stand out don't just be that other kawaida mwananchi in a tie.





FORMAL PUMPS ​ The formal pump is a formal type of loafer made from shiny black patent leather. Typical is a grosgrain ribbon decoration on the cap of the shoe. Formal pumps are only suited for formal black tie or white tie events and make a good alternative choice of shoe to formal leather oxfords which are usually worn for these two formal dress codes. For those who love dancing { like me } this would be your best alternative for that Jazz fest



DRESS BOOTS Dress boots are a sleek boot style that can be worn with jeans, odd trousers, and suits mostly in cold and rainy weather. Dress boots come in a wide variety of styles such as monk strap and cap toed. Walk in that heavy Nairobi weather and still look sharp.




CAP TOES The term cap toe refers to the extra layer of leather near the front of the shoes just at the 'cap'. With that said, oxfords can be Cap Toed depending on the design. Again, the sleeker the design the more formal. Heavy brogue designs takes away the formality but does add a more uniqueness to it. Depending on the style, formality and occasion, cap toed shoes can be worn with suits and even jeans still bringing out that formal look you need.




LOAFERS Loafer’s are mostly for traveling business men. They slip on and off easily especially when going through that JKIA security, they are very comfortable for use. The simpler the design the more formal it is. Also, darker colors are more formal such as black being the most formal, and the less of your socks are visible the more formal the look. Loafers look great with jeans and dress pants, as well as with suits when not wearing a necktie or bow tie.




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