A good pair of monks usually cost an arm, leg and toe. This ultra-voguish shoe is adjudged an ideal style staple for “made men” (like corporate gurus, parvenus or affluent fashionistos) as we’re wont to believe. Its exclusivity is such that you can’t buy or wear it everytime and everywhere. But are monks only for “made men”? I think not.
I recently visited Nigeria’s first (and only) shoe consultancy firm’s website and found some monks in lovely suede and leather styles. Prices attached aren’t exclusively targeted for corporate gurus or parvenus. For just N55,000, one could own a pair Northcote Castanglia monk while planning for the bigger ones. I’m not really a shoe freak, but this is one shoe style on my wishlist before 2014!
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Styling Tips:
The versatility of monks is such that they could be worn for corporate, smart casual and street-style looks.
For a corporate look, pair a good pair of monks with striped suits + dress shirts having cutaway or contrast collars. Get a good silk tie or cravat with distinctive patterns (paisley patterns are my fave). If you are wearing coloured socks, make sure the pant tapers at the ankle.
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For a smart casual, chinos pants are ideal with blazers and/or cardigans worn together. Explore other smart options too.
As regards a street-style look, the option is entirely yours to stretch your imagination. Sporting floral or graphic print shirts, donning a flatcap or fedora, rolling up the hems of your pants neatly, going sockless and having the right dose of panache, optionally gives one the desired dapperness for street-style look.
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Would you love to own a pair of monks like Edward Green’s? Remember you need not be a “made man” to rock one!