Informal occasion
If formality requires absolute elegance and adherence to certain codes, we don’t believe that talking about informality means the exact opposite. On the contrary. Being informal does not mean losing elegance.
We can talk about a style that is somewhat easier, more casual if you will. In other words, a look that can be achieved more easily because it doesn’t have to adhere to the rules of formal dressing.
We can define casual dress as a mix between the formality of a suit with a tie and the relaxed nature of a pair of jeans.
So, on one hand, it could be considered classic office attire without the tie, extending to outfits that, depending on the occasion, include a blazer, a suede jacket or otherwise, and five-pocket trousers, including jeans.
The season also influences this. In winter or autumn, casual fashion includes specific items, such as a blazer with a casual shirt or a turtleneck and jeans.
In the spring and summer seasons, you might wear a polo shirt, in addition to classic shirts with rolled-up sleeves. As you can imagine, informal occasions span many contexts and allow us greater freedom of choice in materials, colors, and combinations, always respecting one’s style and elegance.
Discussing which shoes to wear in these contexts requires a lot of time because there are many possibilities.
Following the seasons, we could identify two types of shoes… that’s how we would have written it years ago. Today, seasons no longer have their distinct profiles as they once did, so I would tend to talk about the Spring-Summer-Autumn period together and leave a separate discussion for the classic winter.
In the spring and summer periods, loafers are absolutely to be considered, both the classic “penny loafers” and those with tassels. Loafers are generally well-suited for autumn and early winter as well…
Let’s not forget slippers, which are ideal in these periods due to their ease of wear, and which we will encounter in the next section.
The Loafer Footwear
The Loafer (also known as the Penny Loafer) in Italian: Mocassino, is a type of shoe without laces and open, generally used by men. It is typically made from softer leather and often suede.
The origin of this shoe, although popularized by Americans, can be traced back to the traditions of Native Americans. The way they wrapped their feet to protect them from the elements inspired the design of this footwear. Casual, comfortable, and “cool,” loafers are a must for summer… and who says you can’t wear them all year round?
Less formal than lace-up shoes and easy to wear, the loafer is available in a myriad of colors from black, navy blue, forest green, to bright colors like orange and red for the more daring. I suggest a brown pair for maximum versatility. Leather or suede is a personal choice. Certainly, suede is much softer and more comfortable, but leather has its own value.
Loafers work well with separates, as well as with casual attire, paired with a jacket, wool sweater, and jeans.
At Officina BV Milano, we offer:
Ankle Boots or Boots
Men’s ankle boots are among the most versatile shoes ever. Available in dozens of different types, from biker boots to Chelsea boots (think of the Beatles), to classic “desert boots” (like the famous Clarks suede shoes, very popular in the ’70s), they are the perfect shoes for any occasion. They can be paired with both jeans and more formal attire.
Although they may not be as elegant as brogue shoes in the spectrum of “formality,” depending on the model, they offer both the practicality of boots and a certain elegance and distinctiveness.
It has been said that the chukka boot was the first casual dress shoe, offering extraordinary versatility. They can be paired with a broken suit and can easily be worn casually with dark-washed denim and a white t-shirt. The chukka boot is a simple shoe with open lacing and two or three pairs of eyelets. You will usually find this ankle boot in suede or leather. Did you know that a form of chukka, popularized as the desert boot, has its origins in the British army? Due to its comfort and durability in harsh desert conditions, chukkas became the leisure footwear of choice for many soldiers.
As for colors, chukkas are mostly in neutral shades of brown and navy blue. They are best in suede, with a rubber sole. With a leather sole, they gain more elegance, and the shape of the model is important. Choose a darker brown for greater elegance and versatility or a lighter shade for more casual outfits.
At Officina BV Milano, we offer:
