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It may seem absurd, but as recently as a few decades ago many men used to have only two pairs of shoes in the closet.  Sneakers and a pair of dress shoes summed up men’s footwear – it was really quite simple, the work week called for hard soles while the weekends and rubber bottoms offered a more comfortable reprieve for the “barking dogs.” And as most wine drinkers prefer red or white, men were labeled as advocates of either black or brown dress shoes. Take your pick, one or the other. Then buy a belt to match.

But during the early ‘90s, designers began to focus on diversifying men’s footwear and retailers stampeded into a booming market, giving men the freedom to change it up from morning to morning. Not only had both black and brown shoes become commonplace, but varying shades and/or styles of each became prevalent. Why not wear five pairs of shoes that can be alternated over five years rather than just one annual pair at a time for five years?

Having made that point, quality shoes can be expensive, so it makes sense to assert wisdom and select pairs that are designed with versatility in mind; shoes that can be worn with either jeans, dress slacks or possibly shorts. Here are seven recommendations for your consideration:

• Banana Republic: Michael Loafer
  This versatile loafer would go well with all jeans, light and medium colored chinos or dress  slacks, and all cotton and linen shorts.
• Jos. A. Bank: Cambridge Double Monk by Cole Haan
  This handsome dress shoe would best fit slacks or jeans with a collared shirt and sport jacket.
• Men’s Wearhouse: Stacy Adams Seaver Brown Suede Lace-Up Wingtips
  Dark jeans or dress slacks of all colors go well with these sharp suede lace-ups. Top off the look with vibrantly colored socks.
• J. Crew: Ludlow Wingtips
  The scholarly look is in and these smart looking wingtips will not go unnoticed. Chinos would go best with these.
• GAP: Perforated Leather Slip-on Sneakers          
  These clean-lined, sporty slip-ons would go well with all shorts, jeans, chinos or linen pants.
• American Eagle: AEO Chukka Sneaker
  Have fun with these casual kicks that can be paired with all jeans and lightweight trousers of all colors.
• Eddie Bauer: Departure Chukka
  These low-rise boots look adventuresome and comfortable. Stick with that vibe and wear them with light-colored jeans or lightweight trousers that offer a sporty, active feel.

By JC Chi