Take your menswear to another level with a pair of monk shoes, the centuries old classic that was once worn by... you guessed it, monks. Refined but with a trace of attitude, these smart-casual shoes will sit well with suits, chinos, cords and even jeans.

Transforming formalwear with monk shoes

Once thought to be too casual for formalwear, monk shoes now offer an instant dose of personality for your everyday suit. Wear monk strap shoes to the office with a cuffed trouser to give your workwear a dandy edge, or keep them for smart casual weekends to wear sockless with turn up chinos, a short sleeved shirt and a blazer or denim jacket. Monk shoes will go beyond your smart casual wardrobe, especially in sumptuous deep shades of oxblood red, navy or black. Team monk strap shoes with a beautifully cut suit and contrasting socks for a dapper slant on occasionwear, and finish the look with a bow tie or lapel pin to give it some further personality.

Everyday monk shoes

Although they've been given a formal wear overhaul, modern monk shoes aren't strictly limited to suits and smart trousers. The lines between smart and casual are ever blurring, and it's the perfect excuse to style your jeans with formal shoes. Go for a skinny cuffed jean and forgo the socks to give your monk shoes a casual spin, or look to autumn/winter casuals such as corduroy trousers and tweed to give the look some texture. Finish the outfit with a casual shirt or layer a t-shirt with an open denim shirt, and give it that final dandy touch with a men's trench or an oversized wool coat.