We've made no secret of our love for sneakers, after all a passion for hyped releases and collaborations is what this magazine was founded around. However, as much as we'd like to, you can't wear sneakers everywhere — sometimes you need to lace up a pair of dress shoes.
Sure, we've all seen the likes of Questlove at the Grammy's wearing a pair of Crocs and loads of other celebrities like LeBron James and Bad Bunny pairing sneakers with suits, but these are rare exceptions. Nine times out of ten, you're best off keeping things classic with a pair of tried-and-tested dress shoes.
And the selection of styles available at the minute means there's no excuse not to own a pair. Thanks to the likes of Tyler, The Creator, loafers have never been more popular, the mule-ment keeps on delivering formal slip-on styles, and listeners of the only podcast that matters (AKA Throwing Fits) have been gearing up for a post-sneaker world for some time.
Whether you're planning for a winter holiday party, need suitable shoes for an expensive dinner, or want to spice up your day-to-day looks, we have picked our favorite footwear for when things get formal.
Keep scrolling to see our favorite dress shoes
Our Legacy Camion Mule
No heel, no problem. The mule-ment is still going strong and this pair from Our Legacy is another win for slip-on footwear. Crafted from Portuguese leather, this luxurious mule comes leather lined and features a Vibram sole.
Bottega Veneta Leather Loafers
If you find a standard pair of black loafers boring, Bottega Veneta's leather loafers are here for you.
Acne Studios Berylab Leather Buckle Shoes
This year was the year of the Mary Jane. The T-shaped-fastener shoe has been walking the runway, turned into a sneaker, and in the middle of a robbery that went viral. This pair from Acne Studios comes in a classic black leather construction with contrasting white stitching bringing attention to its construction.
Martine Rose Square Toe Mule High Shine
Doing what it says in the name, Martine Rose's mules have a distinctive square toe. Honesty, you need to check out the right angles on the front of these bad boys.
Andersson Bell Penny Leather Loafers
Andersson Bell has taken the classic penny loafer and bulked it up. This two-tone shoe has a big, chunky sole unit that ups the proportions of the cow leather loafer.
J.M. Weston x Highsnobiety Not In Paris Penny Loafer
When it comes to traditional, high-end shoemaking, J.M. Weston is an expert. The only shoemaker with its own sole leather tannery, it's made these loafers exclusively for this very magazine and our yearly Not In Paris project.
Jacquemus Les Derbies
These classic black derbies from Jacquemus arrive with a slightly extended sole unit that attaches to the upper of the shoe. It's a small detail but it gives this shoe a distinctive shape.
COMME des GARÇONS Lace-Up Leather Wingtip Shoes
Contrasting the traditional upper, this pair of leather derby shoes from COMME des GARÇONS has a huge platform sole. It's business in the upper, party in the sole.
G.H. Bass & Co. x Nicholas Daley Weejun Loafers
G.H. Bass & Co. created the first-ever penny loafer in 1936, so you can rest assured that the footwear company knows how to craft a proper pair of loafers. This pair is made together with London-based designer Nicholas Daley and features contrasting crocodile-effect panels.
CAMPERLAB Yakari Cosmic Loafers
Has anyone checked on Sully from Monsters Inc. lately? It looks like CAMPERLAB might have skinned him for its latest loafers.
Ben Cobb x Tiger of Sweden Byron Leather Loafers
Ben Cobb and Tiger of Sweden have switched the stumpy little heel normally found on loafers for something more eye-catching. This pair features a proper block heel.
BODE University Leather Derby Shoes
Made in Italy from smooth Nappa leather, BODE has given the classic derby shoe a high-end upgrade.
Jil Sander Puffy Padded Leather Mules
It's not just about puffer jackets this winter, we're keeping cozy with puffer mules. Courtesy of Jil Sander, this puffy pair of leather shoes with leave your feet covered in warmth-providing padding.
Toga Virilis O-Ring Loafers
The perfect balance between decorative hardware and a solid silhouette does exist, and it's right here. Toga Vrilis' signature hardware has solidified the Japanese brand as one of the best in the shoe game.
Prada Patent Leather Loafers
This pair of patent leather loafers will have your dress shoe rotation shining — literally.
To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for early access to the best drops sent straight to your inbox.
