Something Old is New

The world is so unfair, even in fashion. It’s just a cold hard fact that the women have many more options than you guys, so I just can’t help being a little excited for you all when something new appears on the scene, even if it’s a men’s item that is simply getting a little makeover. Tons of women’s fashions and footwear are making a comeback this year, so it’s no surprise we are currently seeing men’s wingtips back in the spotlight.

Wingtips are a classic men’s shoe that have been around for years, so even if you just made a purchase from a current designer or label, they always have a vintage feel to them. It’s hard to believe that once upon a time these shoes were primarily considered to be outdoors or “country” footwear. Today you can’t go wrong with a pair of wingtips for a dressy event, or if you really want to look like you mean business. This shoe is now more often considered a dress shoe and the perfect choice for business dress…but it swings both ways, and often looks quite stylish with jeans and other casual outfits.

The wingtip shoe never really went away, but it reappeared in early fall of 2010 in your basic colors like brown, tan, and black. It would be safe to say the wingtip shoe is making an early comeback sporting a more “colorful” look. Of course, we gals know a good thing when we see it, so there are several versions of this shoe coming down the catwalk for us, too.

What make the wingtip different from other shoes are the multiple visible pieces of leather and the decorative perforations. The wingtip is back with a bit of a twist for warm weather 2012: bright contrasting colors.

Wingtip shoes fit quite nicely into what’s contemporary in fashion, and are the perfect addition to all of the other retro looks that are taking a spin on the catwalk for men. I think the contrast wingtip definitely takes the retro and vintage feeling to a new level, and could still easily go to work.

If you decide to try this trend, I suggest you go for a subtle difference in color rather than a stark contrast like black and white. I feel this gives the shoe a bit more of a casual look better suited for jeans, but feel free to strut your stuff to the office in a pair of wingtips. If you add this shoe to your wardrobe, go all the way and dress the part, complete with some cool retro accessories.