Casual Wingtip

Casual wingtip may seem like an oxymoron to those who think of dad's (or granddad's) black brogues. But the wingtip actual started out as an English walking shoe for the country gentleman. They were most frequently brown and were frequently laced up just over the ankle bones.

The wingtip has gone casual. This season's offerings work as well with jeans as they do with slacks or full-on suit. The best are in suede or Nubuck in colors including blue, gray, white, buff, brown and tan. Most have rubber soles which lend them the more casual air.

This is some fun footwear often seen with patterned socks or no socks at all. (A suggestion for the no-sock look is the very low cut white cotton sock. They will give you the look, save your shoes and are just plain more hygienic.)

All the offerings above are available for less than $165. Clockwise from top left: To Boot blue suede wingtips at Saks Fifth Avenue, Rogue Wingtips in Universal Lead from Banana Republic, Brennan Wingtip from Johnston & Murphy in navy, brown suede wingtip (from Bass?), Barrett Ice Suede from G.H. Bass & Company, and Brennan Wingtip from Johnston & Murphy in white.

These exude and polish casual cool at a price that's too good to forego.