Though we hear about them a lot in recent years, monk shoes have been around for a very long time. They are an incredibly fashionable and classy choice of footwear. Monks are also very versatile, offering many different designs, colours, styles..., which makes them the perfect shoes for men for many occasions. The absence of laces means that they slip on and off easily, which also makes them a great option for fashionable man that don't like tying their all the time.

If you want to up your style, monk shoes are a perfect place to start. Nevertheless, if you decide to invest in a pair, you should definitely be very picky, as you would be with other shoes, and opt for quality. For this, you should steer clear of cheap. In other words, avoid fast-fashion brands, as they use inferior materials, and they choose quantity over quality (on top of their harmful impact on our planet).

Apart from their comfort and their stunning look the most important thing that you should know – and the main reason why they are a worthy investment –, is that high-end handmade Italian monk shoes crafted to perfection will withstand the test of time. Meaning that if you decide to buy monk shoes, you will never have to worry about your shoes looking dated. As with most good quality dress shoes, when it comes to longevity and comfort, your best bet is leather. Dress shoes aren't always the most comfortable footwear, but investing in good-quality leather shoes with superior craftsmanship, will definitely ensure more comfort.

This is partly because high-end leather improves over time, and it always gives things a luxurious, as well as timeless appearance. But really what makes them withstand time and changes of fashion so well are their beautiful designs and ability to add a sophisticated touch to many different outfits – even if they are considered dress shoes. However, monk shoes come in different styles and there are some that will be better for casual looks, and others perfect for more formal situations.

There are two main types of monk shoes – the so-called single and double monks. The difference between the two is the number of straps. Both types are very popular, and choosing one over the other is entirely up to you, your preferences, as well as your fashion needs. The single monk strap is the original version of these stylish shoes, and with the popularity of the later created two strapped monk shoes, some designers started adding a third strap, and even more streps. However, for a more sophisticated and stylish look, you should stick to monk shoes with one or two straps, since they will guarantee you a stylish look for years to come.

One of the reasons why these shoes are a great addition to any fashionable man's wardrobe, is the fact that, because of their versatility and their nice classy silhouette, you can pair them nicely with many different outfits. If you are thinking of buying your first pair, then there are a couple of general tips that you could follow, for fashionable outfits.

For informal settings you can go with a pair of monk straps with jeans and a shirt or a T-shirt. Or you could go for chinos and a sweater. You can also combine monk shoes with shorts, however, if you decide to wear them this way, don't wear socks. For casual looks, double monks might be the best choice, since the bulkier shape is better suited for casual looks. If you are going for a smart casual look, you can also try lighter-coloured monk shoes. You can also pair your shoes with blazers, cardigans, a waistcoat etc.

Single monks are great for creating a business casual look. Furthermore, if you want to achieve a semi-formal look, you can pair brown or black leather Italian monk shoes with trendy suits for occasions like weddings or parties. They are also great for formal settings. The most common way of wearing them for a formal look, is with a well-tailored suit and, like with all other dress shoes, black and brown leather is the best choice for pairing with suits. Black monks are also perfect for black tie events. Just pair them with a nice black suit, and you are good to go.

The buckles on the straps of monk shoes also come in many different shapes, sizes and thicknesses, and they can be made from different metals. You should try to avoid big buckles that are too shiny, since they can scratch easily, which will make them look worn.

Many people often match the colour of the buckle with the hardware of their belt buckle, tie bar, cufflinks, collar pin... For instance, if you will be combining them with both silver and gold belts buckles, cufflinks, watch, etc., you should opt for brass buckles on your shoes. This, of course, doesn't have to be a rule. If you can't match your buckle to your jewellery, you should at least make sure that the combination you choose make the overall look balanced, and looks nice.