The sun is out! Spring has sprung! WOO HOO! So this week’s En Brogue In Full just HAD to include bare legs, and I thought I would tackle something that I get asked about a lot – how to wear brogues. Brogues are one of the trickiest flat shoes to team with skirts and dresses, and while I do have some tips and tricks to share with you today, it’s fair to say that I’ve broken most of these rules at one time or another to varying success, so as always, don’t be scared to experiment! (NB: by brogues, I don’t just mean flat lace-up shoes, but these ideas work with most types of masculine shoes – if you’d like to know more about brogues, have a read of my EnBroguelopedia on the subject here).
PHOTOGRAPHY: ZAC FRACKELTON
As you can see, my legs fall into the pasty white category at present, though I’m a firm believer in getting them out as early in the season as possible to get a bit of Vitamin D and rectify that situation. My Greek heritage means my olive skin always looks better when it’s sun kissed! However, until such a time as they’ve started to tan, or I’ve reached for the bottle, which although I’m not a massive fan of, I do turn to at the beginning of the summer for some help (my favourite is by Palmer’s Cocoa Butter), I’m playing it safe in brogues that are as similar in colour to my skin as possible. And at the moment, that’s white. When I start to change colour I will entertain the idea of a natural calf leather, or, depending on what weather we get this summer, tan. But in a nutshell, the closer in colour they are to your skin, the more flattering the shoes will be, as it gives the illusion of lengthening your legs.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ZAC FRACKELTON
That said, I have been known to wear darker brogues with skirts (I told you – I break my own rules!). It’s a bit more difficult to get this look right (I know a lot of women feel like they’re in an episode of The Bill when trying black brogues with black skirts!) but it’s definitely worth a crack. I feel more confident doing this when I have a tan, and if you have a darker skin tone than me this is probably a great look for you. I also find the addition of a pair of ankle socks is helpful here, but I realise that isn’t for everyone! If you enjoy snazzy shoes, I would recommend trying something metallic too; there’s something about the reflective material that makes it a bit more forgiving on your bare pins.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ZAC FRACKELTON
In terms of the rest of the outfit, I always think a shirt dress looks great with brogues of any colour. This one is new from the brilliant sustainable and Fair Trade fashion brand, People Tree. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and is a lovely fit – I think I will live in it this summer. Prints like stripes and checks are also useful for avoiding looking like you are wearing a uniform (unless, of course, you happened to attend Summer Bay High). I threw a long trench over the top because that little bit of extra coverage in spring when you can still feel a bit conspicuous with your legs out in the open is always welcome!
As usual, I’d love to know what you think! Would you wear brogues with bare legs? Do you have a pair that work for you in the summer months? Leave comments below!
That’s why my summer brogues are off white and blush, to match the colour of my legs! Yes to wearing them with a skirt too (I’m not so much of a dress girl).
Love your outfit, I might have to look for a maxi coat, it makes you look taller (that and the shoe colour of course)!
I saw a FAB one today in Topshop. Cream with green stripes.
I totally wear brogues with skirts/dresses. I have a metallic pair from Clarks at least three years ago) with cut out sides so your feet stay cool. I like them with a slim, mid length jersey-type skirt but that’s what I find comfy in the summer – nothing too tight! I also have a Toast shift dress, again a couple of years old, and I wear them with that. The metallic sheen definitely gives them a feeling of summer and the cut outs make them more of a sandal than a heavy shoe, bit still definitely (and defiantly) a brogue.
While I’m here, can you tell us what you think of and what you’d wear with Palladium boots? I’ve just come across them and like the look of them – are they comfy though?
Thank you!
Funny I went to see next season’s Palladium designs today! They are indeed comfy. I’d mostly wear with jeans, although they do remind me of the cool kids on French campsites on my family holidays in the 80s – that look was VERY tan legs, socks and shorts!
Ah this is so useful. I think having a quirky element (eg metallic or embellishment) maybe helps dial down the nurse / police officer look. My skin tone is super-pale translucent 😆 “warming” up in the summer to creamy white lol. Have just ordered a stripy shirt dress I can test this with!
Great! Would love to hear how you get on.
What “invisable” socks do you recommend?
Stance super invisible are my favourite
I use falke no show – they come in various varieties including ones for low cut shoes.
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I love wearing brogues with bare legs and have several pairs of Church’s brogues (bought in the sales). I tend to wear them either with long linen skirts at the beginning of summer, then once my legs have a light tan with knee length dresses such as Brora’s linen tennis dress and love the 1930’s vibe. I particularly love my white brogues in summer, although the navy are great with darker skirts and dresses once my legs are no longer whiter than white. I’m really enjoying ‘En Brogue In Full’.
Thank you so much! Sounds like you already have this look sorted though!
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