Boy Meets Girl - The Masculine Footwear Trend Rolls On...

I'm not particularly a fan of androgynous fashion or sharp, masculine tailoring but there is something decidedly wonderful about pinching a few select items from the guys to lend an outfit a boyish edge. ...And after knitwear, shoes have to be my number one steal.
Brogues, loafers, smoking/lounge slippers and chelsea boots have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, but this year there is a real dominance of boyish footwear on the catwalks and the highstreet. These are just a few of the fine examples I've spotted so far, and a nod to a few of the icons who've sported these styles...

Brogues

The quintessential mens footwear type, a pair of tan leather brogues has become a wardrobe essential in recent years. I love pairing mine with ankle-grazer jeans and a breton top, or perhaps with a simple a-line dress and 3/4 length classic mac. My 2-3 year old Topshop mannish brogues are still serving me well and I'm onto my second pair of their more girly jazz-shoe influenced 'Kisco'. Once you get a pair of brogues, you can't help but be converted.
This season Moda In Pelle have a perfect pair called 'Elyza' - a classic brogue shape in a lovely warm tan. Pair with a ditsy floral tea dress and cable knit cardigan for 1940s charm.

Moda In Pelle Elyza Brogue: £49.95

For a more striking and unusual option, Ravel's 'Hugh' brogues in brown and cream leather have a fabulous Jay Gatsby/Brideshead Revisited vibe, and hark back to the style and sophistication of the Jazz Age.

Ravel Hugh Brogue: £50 (www.Viva La Diva.com)

Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby: A romantic take on menswear, with a pristine pair of brogues

Taking brogues to extremes are Schuh's 'Zola' brogues - part brogue, part creeper, part DM, they make a serious style statement! With their exaggerated, cartoonish style, they could be taking tips from those 70s style icons the Mr.Men...

Schuh Zola Brogue: £78

Mr Men - Iconic 1970s Brogue Wearers
(shoes: model's own)

Smoking Slippers

Slippers/smoking pumps are the new kids on the footwear block - they are very similar to a loafer in their simple, smart style, but they tend to have a softer, sleeker shape, more pointed toe and a lower vamp. Topshop has a wide selection this season, from the chic and sophisticated to the bright and fun: 

Topshop Slippers (L-R): Klover £52, Kosy Tan Suede £50, Kosy Green Suede £50, Klass £52

MJ: Slipper-Wearing Pop Royalty (socks optional)

Schuh's Kaori Snaffle Pumps are really rather beautiful, and come in black suede or this delectable leopard print. Very Alexa Chung.

Schuh Kaori Snaffle Pump: £50

Loafers

Loafers and deck shoes have had a real resurgence in the last year or two. An 80s sloane/preppy staple, exemplified by Gucci in various shades of leather and suede, usually with a snaffle detail (snaffle: possibly the greatest pice of sartorial terminology ever?)...

Vintage Gucci Loafers: City Boy Chic, 80s Style.

Loafers have now moved into the mainstream, and have transcended the style tribes. No longer just the reserve of the prim and proper, there are some seriously edgy loafers out there. Perhaps none more so than this amazing pair of studded Louboutin 'Rollerball' loafers, as sported by everyone's favourite dapper hip-hop chap - the Louis Vuitton Don himself - Kanye West.

Kanye West's Louboutin loafers: I have serious shoe envy.

Chelsea Boots

Originating as a Victorian riding boot, this style was revived by Mod boys in the 1960s as a nod to truly British heritage style. The Chelsea boot is this season's ankle boot of choice for girls.

60s Footwear of Choice: The Chelsea Boot and it's edgier twin, the Winklepicker

In tan or black, leather or suede, with or without a heel, this classic style adds a touch of tradition to any ensemble. Again, it seems to be Topshop who have the monopoly on this style, with a huge range of Chelsea-boot inspired styles.
My favourite is the Aldgate Tan Leather Chelsea Boot, with its chunky heel and equestrian-inspired strap and buckle detail, it's an instant classic.

Topshop Aldgate Chelsea Boot: £75

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