Step Into Spring with Suede Shoes

Suede shoes are a great option for bridging the gap between formal and casual shoes.

Other than in the rain or snow, there really is never a bad time or season to wear suede shoes. But certain seasons definitely seem better suited to them than others. And for some reason, springtime and suede always seem like they were made for each other. So in honor of the arrival of spring, here are three examples of how you might pair suede shoes with a springtime look.

I also want to give a special a shout out to Rob McIver of Rob McIver Photo. He Spoke Style is super excited to partner with such a fantastic photographer and artist. You’ll be seeing a lot of his work here in the future, and in the meantime you can check out more at robmciverphoto.com.

Suede shoes are a great option for bridging the gap between formal and casual shoes. They can take a more dressed up look down a notch or kick a more casual look up a notch. And when dress shoes feel a little over the top and sneakers a bit too casual, choosing a suede lace up can be just what the doctor ordered. An added benefit is that suede always adds a unique touch to a look and shows that you take the time to consider your style in an understated and classy way.

The early days of spring can still be a little on the chilly side. Wearing a lightweight knit, like a V-neck, crew neck, or half-zip sweater, instead of a jacket or blazer is a good way to change things up and still stay warm and comfortable.

This Look: Raw denim jeans by A.P.C. (New Standard), Black gingham shirt by Express, Grey merino V-neck sweater by J.Crew, Black leather belt by Perry Ellis, Grey suede wingtip shoes by Calvin Klein (similar here), Black pin dot socks by Clarks, watch with black leather band by Timex.

Breaking all the rules, right? First brown shoes with black pants, now white before Memorial Day. As I’ve said before, what good are rules if they aren’t broken every once in a while? And when it comes to matters of personal style, there really are no rules. If you truly own it, it’s yours and nobody can take that away.

White pants—whether denim or chinos—always look good, make a statement, and can definitely set you apart from the crowd. They are also a perfect canvas for shoes you have a hard time finding a home for with other pieces in your wardrobe.

I am a huge fan of adding a pocket square to a denim jacket. It’s a small and unexpected detail that can add a huge amount of interest and polish to a look.

This Look: White selvedge demin jeans and tan henley by J.Crew, washed denim jacket by Levi’s, Tan desert boots by Clarks, aviator sunglasses by AO Eyewear (similar here), pocket square c/o Hugh & Crye, watch by Timex, suede NATO G10 watch band by J.Crew.

If the first look in this post is an example of how suede shoes can dress up a casual look, then this look shows how they can soften a more dressed up look.

As a rule, suede shoes pair great with chinos. Both are extremely versatile and can be easily pushed in a dressed up or casual direction depending on how you wear them. That’s why combining them is super easy and always a great choice.

This Look: Navy chinos and brown leather plaque belt by J.Crew, Bengal stripe shirt by Hugh & Crye, Navy pin dot bow tie by The Tie Bar (similar here), houndstooth fedora by Hats in the Belfry (similar here), Brown suede penny loafers by To Boot New York, striped socks by Clarks, watch with brown leather band by Timex.

How do you like to wear suede shoes? Let me know in the comments. And thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.