Herring Shoes Journal

The plain white tee is a perennial classic. You cannot really go wrong due to its versatility and iconic status in cladding some of the most famous men in the world. Think James Dean, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and Elvis Presley for classic style through to Tom Cruise in Top Gun and onto modern day white tee-boys, Tom Hardy, Harry Styles and Idris Elba.

The easy way to wear a white T-shirt is with a pair of jeans (I think combats work equally well). It worked for all the men above! But what do you wear on your feet?

Harking back to boys on motorbikes, then boots are still relevant here. High-top sneakers would fit the bill teamed with a leather jacket. Hold on…let’s flashback to the T-Birds in Grease! Check out our black Boxer II in leather and suede or our Spare rubber soled boots in jeans suede. For a more military look, check out our Fleetwood rubber-soled boots. These are masculine, muscle flexing styles to give you a spring in your step and ooze some attitude. Hey, if you end up feeling like Steve McQueen, you just roll with it!

But we are not all owners of a motorbike and piercing blue eyes. I think you can capture a more relaxed style with jeans and sneakers. A white, leather sneaker with a white tee…how can you go wrong? Our Split style is a minimalist quality product with a nod to vintage styling with the cream lace and sole. Made out of premium leather, it also comes in black for a true monochrome look. However, is black or white is too stark, go for brown. Our Urban is easy going on the eye and is also extremely comfortable.

If you want to smarten up your act, try teaming your tee and jeans with a blazer and a pair of loafers. If you a fan of a tassel, then I would suggest our Albert or Lecce styles in brown suede or the Fleming or Exeter. Ditch the socks and chuck on a baseball cap to complete the preppy look or à la Beckham or Jake Gyllenhaal style.

Jeans aside, the white T-shirt has plenty of other uses, not least with shorts for the summer. Deck shoes, moccasins, espadrilles or light-weight trainers would be ideal here and it does not matter what colour you choose, as anything goes with white!

if you use a white t-shirt as a layer for your casual attire with a denim or checked shirt and chinos, then I think desert boots or chukkas are your go-t- here. Check out the Monty or the Canterbury.

Lastly, there is the suit option. A white T-shirt can relax a more formal look so you need to choose footwear that will be suitable for a suit but not look like you are ready for a job interview. So for a cocktails on the terrace or dinner with friends (when allowed again), light-weight Chelsea boots are as reliable as the tee and the Thatcher would be a standout choice in burgundy with a navy suit or the.

You may also wish to consider the Pelham, which has a zip fastening and is suede or the two-tone Laverton II, which is laced. Whichever boot you choose, I would suggest a sleek toe shape. You want to look elegantly edgy.

If you have any other white tee style and footwear looks you would like to share, I am always happy to hear from you.