Summer Footwear – Styles You Can Wear For Work or Play

By Brian Maynor

 

Everyone knows shoes can make your outfit, but finding the right ones, especially during the summer, can be a challenge.

Sandals are comfortable and cool, but they don’t translate professionally, and pumps are universal, but sometimes you just want to give your aching feet a break. Fortunately this summer footwear is stepping out and branching out with styles, colors and materials to suit every taste and need. And since masculine shoes are on trend for the ladies, these options are a win-win. Here are the shoes you should have in your closet this season:

 

1.    Suede Derbies or Brogues. Both of these are formal shoes by design and the suede gives them a casual, seasonal touch. They tend to be lighter weight than traditional leather versions and add a sporty touch to any look. Just remember to treat them with a protector spray and keep a suede brush in your bag to wipe off any dirt or stains collected during the day.

2.    Boat Shoes. A common casual shoe gets repurposed thanks to the variety of styles now available. Aside from the hallmark rubber sole and side laces you can find boat shoes in a variety of styles, just remember to keep them fitted and relatively streamlined for work purposes. Excessive laces, tassels and toggles are just distracting.

3.    Mesh or Woven Slip-Ons. These shoes definitely have personality and will set you a part from the crowd. Ventilation helps let our toes breathe and add a chic sixties vibe to your outfit. Whether you choose a neutral color like tan or a more bold choice like navy, these shoes will keep your look ‘cool’ in every sense of the word.

4.    Driving Shoes. Often compared to a boat shoe, driving shoes are actually more akin to moccasins. This extremely lightweight, comfortable and flexible shoe is one of the hottest trends for summer. They wear like a slipper, but offer of lux polish to the simplest outfit.

 

Summer style is by necessity more relaxed and airy because we all think about lightening up our clothes to beat the heat, but the same rules apply to your feet. Fortunately with all of these options, you don’t have to show your toes to keep them cool.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.