The brogue, a hole-punched classic instantly recognizable from afar, has a long history in Scotland and Ireland, where farmers used it to remove bog water when traversing marshes. Brogues get their name from the Irish term brog, which means "tough or stout shoe," and have long been a Country classic, worn outside for hiking and working but never in town. The brogue had crossed the line between smart casual and allowed shoemakers like Barker to become more imaginative with this hardworking outdoor classic over the years. From the countryside to jazz clubs, the brogue had crossed the line between smart casual and allowed shoemakers like Barker to become more imaginative with this hardworking outdoor classic.
The hole punching pattern of yesteryear is still visible in today's brogue, but it's only for decoration. It's available in the Barker collection in both Oxford and Derby styles, and it's part of the Archive, BarkerTech, Creative, and Professional collections. There are various brogue styles in the Barker collection, including the full brogue (also called a wingtip), partial brogue, quarter brogue, and longwing brogue.
Brogue shoes are incredibly adaptable and can be worn with t-shirts and blue jeans to chinos and chambray shirts. Brogues can even be worn with a two-piece suit. Here are a few pointers on how to wear brogues like a master.
Brogue shoes with regular pants
Brogues are extremely versatile in how they may be dressed up or down. Pair them with a stylish pair of suit pants and a shirt or a tailored jacket to achieve this look. Choose more elegant brogues, especially slim ones in traditional colors like brown, black, or burgundy, for a more refined look.
Brogue shoes with chinos
Brogues are also a great match for chinos. This results in a style that is both casual and sophisticated. Choose classic-colored pants and shoes to pull this off, then add a simple shirt to complete the appearance. Light-colored chinos look great with traditional brown brogues. You might also wear a blazer or cuff your pants to display your ankles.
Brogues with Jeans
Brogues can appear overwhelming when worn with certain jeans with their intricate design. That isn't to say you shouldn't experiment with this combo. When worn correctly, this appearance may be both fashionable and sophisticated. However, remember to keep things basic and sleek when wearing brogues with jeans. Go for a smart casual look with dark blue or black narrow or thin jeans. Then finish off your ensemble with a polished top, such as a shirt, t-shirt, blazer, or sweater.
The Best Way to Wear Brogues
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Choose brogues that complement your style, your attire, and the event for which you are wearing.
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For informal clothing, choose brogue leather shoes with many perforations, and for formal outfits, choose designs with few holes.
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Choose a slender pair in a classic color and combine them with a suit or tailored pants to dress up brogues.
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Pair light-colored chinos with classic brown brogues and a button-up shirt for a sophisticated yet comfortable style.
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For a fashionable, smart casual look, pair brogues with narrow dark blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a blazer.
