The wing tip shoe has been a staple in men’s fashion for over a century. With its distinctive perforations and broguing details, the wing tip exudes vintage sophistication. However, some wonder if this classic shoe style remains relevant in our modern world or if it’s now simply old fashioned.
The History of the Wing Tip
The wing tip shoe dates back to the 1800s in Scotland and England. The small perforations were originally designed to allow water and mud to drain out more easily. This practical feature made the brogue shoe popular for outdoor activities like hunting, golf, and hiking.
Later, the wing tip evolved into a more formal shoe style during the 1920s and 30s. The bold perforations and decorative details gave it a distinctive flair that worked well with suits and tuxedos. This cemented its place as a standard in men’s fashion for decades to come.
The Case for the Classic Wing Tip
So why has the wing tip retained its popularity for so long? There are several compelling reasons this shoe style remains relevant today:
- Timeless and versatile: A high-quality wing tip transcends fashion trends and works for both formal and casual outfits. It pairs nicely with everything from suits to jeans.
- Sophisticated style: There’s something inherently classy and polished about a classic brogue. It conveys taste and attention to detail.
- Masculine edge: The bold perforations add visual interest and a masculine edge to even the most refined suit and tuxedo.
In essence, the wing tip remains popular because it is so versatile and universally flattering. A touch of vintage flair mixed with sharp masculine lines—it’s a combination that continues to appeal to modern men. The wing tip has become a staple that every man should own.
New Takes on a Classic
Some fashion brands have also modernized the classic wing tip style in subtle ways to increase its relevance for today:
- Updated color palettes and textures like rich browns, grays, and innovative leathers
- Sleeker, lower profile shaping for a more contemporary silhouette
- Edgy contrasts by pairing with casual fabrics like denim
- Custom ornamental perforation patterns for a fresh twist
These contemporary updates allow the wing tip to feel current rather than dated. The spirit of the classic brogue remains intact while giving it renewed flair.
Situations to Wear Wing Tips Today
So when and where are wing tips still appropriate today? Here are some prime modern situations where this shoe style can work well:
- Business formal events: Wing tips retain a polished, sophisticated look that pairs nicely with suits and tuxedos for weddings, galas, conferences, etc.
- Smart casual office settings: Wing tips offer a dressy touch for chinos and blazers to elevate a professional casual outfit.
- Dressy dates: The vintage flair of wing tips stands out when paired with modern jeans and adds panache to a night out.
- Job interviews: For conservative fields like law, finance, academia; a classic brogue conveys tradition and taste.
The wing tip may seem old school but still feels appropriate and on point for many formal, business, or upscale social occasions today. It straddles the line between venerable vintage style and sharp contemporary refinement.
The Case Against Wing Tips
However, there are a few strikes against the continued relevance of this seemingly ageless shoe style:
- Associated with stodgy stereotypes like professors, politicians, and old money country clubbers
- Very formal; not versatile enough for casual everyday wear
- Perforations seem outdated rather than edgy and cool
- Bold patterning stands out rather than blending in
For men that prefer modern minimalist styles or casual everyday outfits, the embellished traditionalism of wing tips may simply feel too ornate and ostentatious. The style risks seeming like it’s trying too hard or clinging to outdated formal conventions.
The Verdict
At the end of the day, the relevance of the wing tip shoe comes down to personal taste and style preferences. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Wing tips remain a staple shoe for formalwear and business attire when trying to convey polish and professionalism.
- The style works well for smart casual outfits but becomes trickier with very casual everyday clothing.
- Updates like new colors, textures and creative perforations keep wing tips feeling fresh rather than dated.
- For men that gravitate toward sleek minimalism and casual simplicity, wing tips tend to feel overly ornate and old-fashioned.
So are wing tips old fashioned? The answer is… it depends! This classic shoe style retains plenty of modern relevance in formal and business contexts but risks feeling outdated for casualwear. Ultimately personal taste dictates if the vintage flair of brogues feels dapper or antiquated.
But for many modern men, the wing tip still represents a pinnacle of craftsmanship and timeless masculine style.
