While summer days are often spent on the beach or relaxing by a pool, the reality is we still have to go to work. But there are also plenty of events and occasions to attend, so while every day is not a holiday, we can still have some fun along the way and look good while we do it.
Our Salcombe Season photoshoot epitomised the joy of the best summer formal shoes for men in the sunshine. Most of the styles we chose will work well in a smart-casual or workplace environment but could be easily elevated for a top-drawer event too.
Black Oxfords for formal events
For the most formal of formal occasions, a morning suit wedding or black tie do, for instance, you really do not need to look much further than a classic black Oxford. You can find out more in our 2025 Wedding Shoe Guide for Men here.
But if you are donning a more relaxed suit or chinos and a blazer or even tailored shorts and a shirt, then your options are endless as the style combinations favoured by Freddie and Jaz demonstrate.
The ideal summer shoe: the loafer
Loafers are the kingpin of the summer shoe selection. They are so easy to slip on and off and are comfortable too. The choice of loafers available and their adornments means you could choose a different style for every day of the week and more.
The chunky soled polished Brighton II styled with a white suit by Jaz looks crisp and edgy with the contrast socks while the Snaffle in deerskin is supersmart with the green suit favoured by Freddie.
The introduction of a tassel or a snaffle trim adds European flair. Our Dillon style now comes in six different colours. They look great with light-coloured chinos and a navy blazer. Brass buttons matched with a brass-coloured trim on a loafer? Yes, please!
For a more relaxed attitude, consider the Snaff II. These back-less numbers were the hit of 2024. We think Freddie wore them well.
Or if you are looking for a classic penny loafer, both the Riverford and the current hit of 2025, the Dunham II, will take you from work to alfresco dining and drinking without having to miss a beat. We understand a loafer is not for everyone, so, unsurprisingly, we have a few suggestions.
Shop summer loafers
Two-tone shoes for summer
A two-tone is one of the best summer formal shoes for men or, rather, the dapper gent. Also known as a spectator or correspondent shoe, these blend different colours and materials to stunning effect. Our new Kingston is the perfect example, partnering brown calf with navy suede, while the Henley II mixes tan calf with canvas. For ultimate summer dandy daring, check out the brown and white calf of the Gusbourne.
Still a two-tone but not a spectator, our navy and tan Faversham monk shoe is a standout style while our new brown and cream calf Montpellier has the addition of a kiltie as if to suggest: “Golf in the sun, anyone?”
Aside from these choices, look for tan or navy formal styles with light-weight soles. The chestnut croc version of the Salobreno single strap monk shoe, the Clifton semi-brogue or the Chaucer wholecut are all gorgeous formal shoes for sunnier days.
Shop two-tone shoes
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