When it comes to men’s fashion, nothing completes an outfit quite like the right pair of shoes. Whether it’s for the office, a wedding, or a night out, dress shoes carry the power to transform your appearance from casual to sophisticated in seconds. The question many ask is: what men’s dress shoes are in style right now?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Men’s footwear trends evolve, but timeless silhouettes like Oxfords and loafers remain cornerstones of style. The modern man, however, balances tradition with contemporary flair. Leather craftsmanship, sustainable materials, sleek minimalism, and comfort-driven designs are dominating the scene in 2025.

This guide will break down the best men’s dress shoes in style today, explore different types of shoes, when to wear them, and how to match them with your outfits for maximum impact.

The Timeless Classics That Never Go Out of Style

1. Oxford Shoes

If you’re asking what men’s dress shoes are in style, the Oxford will always be at the top of the list. Known for its closed lacing system, Oxfords are the definition of formal sophistication. They are ideal for black-tie events, business meetings, and occasions where formality is key.

In Style Right Now: Sleek cap-toe Oxfords in black leather, but also modern updates like patent finishes or subtle broguing.
Best Paired With: Business suits, tuxedos, or dress slacks.

2. Derby Shoes

Derby shoes are often confused with Oxfords, but the difference lies in the open lacing system, making them more comfortable and versatile. They strike a perfect balance between formal and casual.

In Style Right Now: Polished leather Derbies in deep brown and burgundy tones.
Best Paired With: Business casual outfits, blazers with chinos, and less formal suits.

3. Loafers

Loafers are stylish slip-ons that have cemented their place in men’s fashion. From penny loafers to tassel loafers, these shoes exude effortless class.

In Style Right Now: Suede loafers, chunky-soled loafers, and luxurious leather penny loafers.
Best Paired With: Slim trousers, chinos, and even tailored shorts in summer.

4. Monk Strap Shoes

For men seeking an alternative to laces, monk strap shoes are both bold and stylish. Available in single or double straps, they bring personality to formalwear.

In Style Right Now: Double monk straps in high-shine leather.
Best Paired With: Suits for weddings, cocktail attire, or upscale office looks.

Modern Men’s Dress Shoes That Are Trending in 2025

5. Brogues

Brogues are known for their decorative perforations, and while they were once outdoor shoes, they’re now embraced as stylish dress shoes.

Trend Today: Two-tone brogues and wingtip styles in unusual colors like navy or oxblood.
Why They’re Stylish: They add flair without losing formality.

6. Chelsea Boots

Yes, boots can be dress shoes too—especially the sleek Chelsea boot. Its elastic side panels and minimal silhouette make it a favorite for both casual and formal settings.

In Style Right Now: Polished leather Chelseas with slim profiles.
Best Paired With: Slim-fit trousers, dark denim, and modern tailored suits.

7. Minimalist Sneakers as Dress Alternatives

The line between casual and formal footwear has blurred, and minimalist leather sneakers are now acceptable in many semi-formal and business casual settings.

Trend Today: White leather sneakers with clean designs.
Best Paired With: Tailored suits for a contemporary twist or business casual outfits.

What Men’s Dress Shoes Are in Style for Work

Corporate Settings

Oxfords and Derbies: Always professional and reliable.
Color Trends: Black and brown dominate, but deep burgundy and dark blue are becoming popular.

Business Casual

Loafers and Brogues: Provide style without being overly stiff.
Modern Choice: Suede loafers in neutral tones for a relaxed yet sharp office look.

Creative or Startup Offices

Chelsea Boots and Minimal Sneakers: Offer flair and comfort.
Why They Work: They strike the right balance between trendy and professional.

Dress Shoes in Style for Special Occasions

Weddings

Go-To Choices: Patent leather Oxfords, monk straps, or polished loafers.
Pro Style Tip: Match your belt to your shoes for a cohesive look.

Cocktail Parties & Semi-Formal Events

Trend Picks: Double monk straps, brogues with subtle color contrast, or stylish loafers.

Black-Tie Events

In Style Right Now: Glossy black cap-toe Oxfords or patent leather dress shoes.

Materials in Style for Men’s Dress Shoes

1. Polished Leather

Classic, timeless, and always formal. Perfect for traditional looks.

2. Suede

Adds texture and character. More casual, but very stylish when paired with the right outfits.

3. Patent Leather

Reserved for formal black-tie events. Makes a bold and elegant statement.

4. Sustainable Leather Alternatives

Eco-conscious options like recycled leather and vegan materials are increasingly stylish as sustainability trends grow.

Colors in Style for Men’s Dress Shoes

Black: Timeless and most formal.
Brown: Versatile and stylish, especially in rich tones.
Burgundy/Oxblood: Trending in 2025 for men who want to stand out.
Navy: A modern twist that pairs surprisingly well with grey and beige suits.
Tan: Perfect for summer and lighter suits.

Key Style Trends for Men’s Dress Shoes in 2025

Slimmer Profiles: Sleek silhouettes are replacing chunky designs.
Chunky Soles in Loafers: On the flip side, loafers are adopting bolder soles for a statement look.
Hybrid Comfort Technology: Shoes with cushioned insoles and rubber soles for all-day wear.
Two-Tone Combinations: Contrasting materials and colors for extra flair.
Sustainable Luxury: Ethical production and eco-friendly materials are in style.

How to Match Dress Shoes With Outfits

Black Oxfords: Best with black, navy, or charcoal suits.
Brown Derbies: Great with grey, tan, or blue suits.
Burgundy Brogues: Perfect with navy or grey trousers.
Loafers: Pair with chinos, slim trousers, or even tailored shorts.
Chelsea Boots: Wear with slim-fit suits or dark denim.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Stylish Shoes Sharp

Even the most fashionable men’s dress shoes lose their charm without proper care. Stylish men understand that maintenance is part of the look.

Polish Regularly: Keeps leather glossy and nourished.
Use Shoe Trees: Prevents creasing and maintains shape.
Avoid Wearing Daily: Rotate shoes to let them breathe.
Protect Suede: Spray with suede protectors to resist stains.

Building a Shoe Collection: What Every Man Should Own

By the age of 30–40, every man should own at least:

Black Oxford Shoes – For formal occasions.
Brown Derbies – For business versatility.
Loafers – For casual elegance.
Brogues – For stylish detail.
Chelsea Boots – For modern versatility.
Minimalist Sneakers – For semi-formal creativity.

This range ensures you’re covered for every occasion, while still answering the key question: what men’s dress shoes are in style today?

FAQs About What Men’s Dress Shoes Are in Style

1. What men’s dress shoes are most popular in 2025?

Classic Oxfords, versatile Derbies, sleek Chelsea boots, and stylish loafers are among the most popular men’s dress shoes in 2025. Minimalist sneakers are also trending in semi-formal settings.

2. Are brown dress shoes still in style?

Yes, brown dress shoes remain a staple in men’s fashion. From rich chocolate tones to lighter tans, they pair well with navy, grey, and beige suits.

3. Can men wear sneakers with suits?

Yes, minimalist leather sneakers in white, black, or brown are considered stylish with suits, especially in business casual and creative work environments.

4. What color dress shoes should every man own?

Every man should own at least one pair of black Oxfords, a pair of brown Derbies, and a versatile pair of loafers. Burgundy or oxblood is also highly recommended for variety.

5. Are monk strap shoes in fashion?

Yes, monk strap shoes—especially double monk straps—are still in style. They offer a bold, unique look that stands out at weddings, parties, and business meetings.

6. Should I invest in suede dress shoes?

Yes, suede loafers or brogues are very stylish, especially for spring and summer. However, they require proper care and are less formal than polished leather shoes.

7. What dress shoes look best with jeans?

Chelsea boots, loafers, and minimalist leather sneakers pair best with jeans. Avoid highly formal shoes like patent Oxfords with denim.

8. How many pairs of dress shoes should a man own?

At least 4–6 pairs: a black Oxford, a brown Derby, loafers, Chelsea boots, brogues, and a versatile pair of minimalist sneakers. This covers formal, business, and casual occasions.

Conclusion

When it comes to defining your style, few wardrobe choices are as important as footwear. Understanding what men’s dress shoes are in style helps you stay polished, versatile, and confident in every setting.

Classic staples like Oxfords, Derbies, and loafers remain timeless, while modern updates—such as Chelsea boots, brogues with color contrasts, and minimalist sneakers—bring fresh energy to men’s fashion in 2025. The key lies in balance: owning shoes that can adapt to formal, business casual, and relaxed settings while maintaining sophistication.

Material and color also play a role. Polished leather ensures elegance, suede adds texture, and sustainable options provide a modern edge. Black remains the ultimate formal color, while brown, burgundy, navy, and tan add personality and versatility to your collection.

At the end of the day, stylish men’s dress shoes are not just about following trends—they’re about investing in pieces that elevate your wardrobe, project confidence, and last for years. By curating a thoughtful collection of timeless and trendy shoes, you’ll always be ready to step forward in style.