Inspector shoes or famous brogues
Features and benefits of the brogue model
The history of the currently extremely popular brogue shoes begins in the 17th century. Farmers in need of lightweight and practical shoes that would dry quickly in wet weather and breathe well in dry weather preferred tight lace-up boots with homemade perforations. Perforation is the main distinguishing feature of classic brogues.
Due to its amazing practicality and ease of wearing in any weather, these shoes very quickly settled down in the wardrobes of aristocrats. It was in the 18-19 century that brogues began to take on exactly the look in which we see them now: tight lacing, a slightly elongated cut-off toe, as well as the use of several parts-configurations in the process of creating, the seams of which are decorated with perforation - an openwork cluster of holes in the form of various patterns.
Initially, they were worn exclusively by men. The brogues fit well with the elegant semi-sporty style that was used in the golf suit popular in the 19th century. It was in this sport that brogues were most popular, because they sat perfectly on the player’s leg, did not slip or hang out, perfectly maintaining comfort during hot weather.
In the 20th century, this attribute of clothing successfully migrated to the women's wardrobe, retaining an extremely elegant style.
Fashion trends
For men
Men often prefer to avoid modern adaptations of brogues in favor of their more classic designs.
"Pure" classics can be considered the so-called "full brogues". They are made in the form of shoes with a small heel and have perforations over the entire surface of the shoe. The main feature of such brogues is the presence of a W-shaped detachable toe at the tip of the shoes.
"Quarter brogues", unlike the previous model, are not so lurid. Their feature is minimalism in relation to perforation, which runs only along the seams of shoes. This model is very concise and will easily complement the elegant style of its owner.
No less relevant among men is the semi-brogue model. Unlike the “full brogues”, it has a flat detachable toe, on which a neat pattern of small holes flaunts - a medallion.
Usually, when choosing brogues, men prefer neutral black or white colors, as well as blue, or they pay attention to the classic and typical brown color for this shoe.
For women
Designers, sensing the "gold mine", very thoroughly undertook the development of new models of these shoes. Surprisingly, it is the women's series that has a huge variety of brogue models. The presence of a large assortment allows women to choose exactly those shoes that can emphasize their style, but at the same time preserve femininity in it. That is why designers are trying to make brogues for girls lighter, concise, neat and smooth.
When choosing women's models, you should pay attention, first of all, to thick-soled brogues that are relevant this season. This model is highly modified and differs significantly from classic shoes.Lightweight lacing, soft material and lack of perforation, as well as the presence of a thick sole from 3 to 12 centimeters are the distinguishing features of this model. It looks extremely impressive in the images of urban style.
Two-tone models of women's brogues also look extremely interesting. Usually they are made of a lighter material than the classics, but at the same time they have tight lacing and perforations. A combination of black and red and white, yellow-green and blue-black colors is popular.
There are also female models of brogues on the clasp. Most often they are made from a single piece of dense material, and the upper part of the shoe has no seams. This model is extremely popular among lovers of semi-sporty style.
No less popular are such women's brogues, whose top is made in the likeness of moccasins. The presence of perforation and a dense solid sole with a classic small heel allows you to complement elegant looks with this model.
A wide range of women's models allows designers to experiment with colors and materials: bright blue on the lacquered surface of brogues; gray or dark green suede; black, red matte leather; silver reflective surface and much more can be found on the shelves of brand stores.
How to choose
Of course, when choosing brogues, first of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the product. When choosing classic models, you should also pay attention to the material from which the shoes are made. If you want these shoes to serve you for more than one season, then you should pay attention to models made of genuine leather.
Also pay attention to the quality of the perforation on the product.Holes should be the same size, always neat without terry or crackles around their base. Remember to also make sure that the lacing will be comfortable for you - the lace should be tight and long enough so that you can put on the shoes without wasting time and extra effort.
It is best if the base of the sole itself is sewn with a good stitch. If it does turn out to be glued, make sure that the sole is glued evenly and there are no visible layers of sticky substance on it.
Do not forget also for what purpose you buy these shoes. Choose a brogue model for your wardrobe or occasion. If you are looking for something elegant, then choose something from the classics. For casual walks or the office, you can look for something in a semi-sports style. Women should also take into account the fact that not all brogue models are suitable for wearing with a skirt.
What to wear
Men and women who are hoping to pick up shoes for a formal event should take into account the fact that the presence of perforations on the product suggests otherwise. That is why you should not wear brogues with sophisticated classic suits and tuxedos, as well as formal style dresses.
Remember that the main purpose of brogues is their ability to add a touch of elegance to a casual or sporty style. It was for this feature of them that they were once so loved by aristocrats who wanted to show others in any situation that they knew how to follow fashion, but at the same time they could remain elegant in any setting.
For men, brogues are best paired with light jumpers, sweaters and shirts. As a bottom, you can choose jeans or skinny black dress pants.From outerwear, brogues will be extremely well combined with a coat or a classic parka.
In the summer, a combination of these shoes with T-shirts and polo shirts of different shades and tones is popular. Jackets should be chosen in urban style: club, fitted or elongated.
Women can quite successfully combine brogues not only with trousers and jeans, but also with skirts and dresses. In this case, you should choose such clothing models that will carry the character of a semi-sports style: a knitted tight skirt with a high waist, a light fitted dress with short sleeves, or a dress in the form of an elongated sweater.
Combinations of women's clothing with thick-soled brogues are extremely interesting. In this case, almost everything will be combined with them. In some cases, they can even become an interesting addition to a classic suit or formal dress.