Step out in style

Your shoes, literally, form the base of your fashion quotient. Poor shoes can completely ruin the effect of designer clothes and accessories. So, what footwear should you choose? Well, it’s your call, but you may want to keep in mind that the classic black, while still considered de rigueur in some quarters, is no longer your only option on formal occasions.

Leather shoes in tans, cherries and fawns and suede finishes in gold, grey or moss green are now acceptable, thanks to the Italians who seem to love combining their formal suits with these (till recently avante-garde) colours and designs. Buckles and other metallic adornments, dismissed as gaudy till recently, have also become mainstream. For less formal and informal occasions, shoe style is limited only by your imagination. Colour selected, it’s time to move on to design. Lace-ups are in; moccasins and slip-ons are, well—though not out—not quite in, at least with formal wear, though they are perfectly acceptable with less formal attire. And those clunky shoes with square ends, which were all a rage till a few years ago, are definitely out. Today’s stylish lot wear shoes with pointed and rounded toes.

1. Valentino

These cherry-red lace-up shoes are contemporary in design. Lightly polished calfskin leather has been designed to perfection with an Oxford-style tapered toe with front and side stitching details.

How much: Rs 25,000

Available at: Valentino, Shangri-La, New Delhi

2. Valentino

Ultra-flexible, lightweight and airy, these black buffalo leather moccasins look great with the Valentino logo and smooth leather lining. Ideal for work and afterwards too.

How much: Rs 24,000

Available at: Valentino, Shangri-La, New Delhi

3. Louis Vuitton

Leather sandals with rubber soles. Lightweight and comfortable upper and rear straps and an all-weather rubber sole make them ready for any terrain.

How much: On request

Available at: The Louis Vuitton Exclusive Stores at The Oberoi, New Delhi, and the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai

4. Hugo Boss

This model delivers the classic pointed toe, the familiar lace 'em up eyelets, stable heel and the signature stitch work—but in a metallic gold leather that sets it apart stylistically.

How much: On request

Available at: Hugo Boss store, The Grand Hyatt, Vakola

5. Dunhill

Accent your casual looks with these handsome shoes from Dunhill, which feature an athletic shoe style with a round, smooth leather toe and heel overlays with white embroidery.

How much: On request

Available at: Dunhill, Shangri-La, New Delhi

6. Dunhill

Calf leather, rubber-sole: Classic American-style shoes that every man should have. These stylish loafers from Dunhill will keep you looking sharp. Smooth, soft calf leather in a slip-on casual style with rubber-soles and metal buckles enhance the style quotient.

How much: On request

Available at: Dunhill, Shangri-La, New Delhi

7. Fendi

These dark brown loafers are lightweight, comfortable and soft. They mould onto your feet, almost as though they're growing on them, and they do. But considering the fact that they're suede, lock them up during the ruthless monsoon.

How much: On request

Available at: Fendi, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Colaba, Mumbai

8. Blend of America

Fire up your looks with these fashionable dress boots from Blend of America that feature soft, full-grain leather, a round toe, stitching accents, smooth lining and cushioned insoles.

How much: Rs 6,500

9. Ferragamo

Call it loud if you want to, but this shoe makes a style statement of its own with a lovely beige pattern over black suede.

Available at: Ferragamo, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

10. Valentino
Show off your flair for building modern looks with these stylish dress loafers—a natural and comfortable option for warm Indian autumns.

How much: Rs 24,000

Available at: Valentino, Shangri-La, New Delhi

11. Corneliani

These handmade tan leather shoes with black lace have comfort and style stamped all over them. They use soft leather and sport rounded toes, stitching and overlay accents.

How much: Rs 27,000

Available at: Blues Clothing Company Pvt. Ltd, G-13, South Extension, Part I, New Delhi

12. Louis Vuitton

Hot details maintain a cool look for this trendsetting dress black slip-ons from Louis Vuitton. The leather band adds an ornamental and sophisticated look. Flexible and extremely lightweight, this is an all-day shoe.

How much: On request

Available at: The Louis Vuitton Exclusive Stores at The Oberoi, New Delhi, and the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai

13. Puma
Made of leather with a suede finish, these sports shoes have non-slip rubber soles. Try running even on oil… this one will keep you on your feet and take you across the finish line.

How much: Rs 3,499

Available at: Puma stores across the country

14. Ferragamo

These laced leather sneakers in cherry colour with an olive green toe are chic and smart.

How much: On request

Available at: Ferragamo, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

15. Louis Vuitton

This Monte Carlo leather slip-on in Cognac is exceptionally lightweight and delivers the all-day comfort you’ve come to expect from a brand like Louis Vuitton.

How much: On request

Available at: The Louis Vuitton Exclusive Stores at The Oberoi, New Delhi, and the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai

16. Corneliani

This is a handmade pair of brown leather shoes with Brooks design that Corneliani has modernised with exotic detailing. They feature pointed toes with front overlay stitching and seaming detail.

How much: Rs 23,700

Available at: Blues Clothing Company Pvt. Ltd, G-13, South Extension, Part I, New Delhi

17. Dunhill

Made of calf leather, these moccasin style slip-ons with polyester strip give a sporty yet stylish look.

How much: On request

Available at: Dunhill, Shangri-La, New Delhi