Joshua Kissi: Different situations call for different types of shoes. Oxfords, loafers and sneakers are all appropriate depending on the scenario you’re indulging yourself into for the day. Among the assortment of options is the monk strap shoe. Though it hasn’t matched the popularity of the penny or tassel loafer, the monk strap shoe help bring diversification to a footwear collection.

The monk strap shoe is often associated with visuals of a formally sharp-dressed Italian gentleman in a navy pinstripe suit paired with robust lapels and thick pant cuffs atop a pair of chestnut nubuck double monk strap shoes. An important element in many of the currently popular looks in menswear is amalgamating pieces from various styles and tastefully blending them. To illustrate this, I thought it would be beneficial to depict the monk strap shoe in two separate outfits, which is really a first for us on the site.

Visuals: To assemble the visuals, I called up Cleon Grey. Cleon does all of the photography/art direction on his site, AVEDER OUTFIT, which is slowly but steadily redefining the way we look at street style web platforms. With a sharp eye and an even more passionate drive, Cleon looks to create and inspire something we both have in common. Look for us and Cleon Grey to work together on some amazing projects very soon.

Fit Details

• Vintage military commander sweater


• GAP tweed waistcoat


• J.Crew selvedge wheat denim


• J.Crew homespun henley


• Giorgio Brutuni double monk strap shoe


• Filson tote bag

Double monk strap shoes aren’t typically part of my eBay scourges. The great thing about eBay, though, is you can find such shoes from top-tier brands including John Lobb, Edward Green and Crocket & Jones at a fraction of the retail cost.

The price on this particular pair of Giorgio Brutini shoes, featuring the perfect tint of brown, fell under the low double-digit cost. Discrete details, including the pleated leather vamps on the toe box, give the overall shoe a look that I rarely see.

Fit Details

• LL Bean Signature gray wool blazer / trousers


• Land’s End puffer vest


• Uniqlo stripe shirt


• J.Crew tie


• Tanner Goods belt


• Vintage satchel messenger


• Giorgio Brutini double monk strap

This is not the first time you’ve seen this bargain of a suit featured on the site. Previously worn during my trip to Berlin, where I paired it with a layered jean jacket and heavy henley, I chose to alter things up a bit this time around. For most gentleman, who view suiting as a part of their lifestyle and an obligation to work, you can only move away so much from the traditional sense of essentials of the suit.

Article from Street Etiquette - here.