There has been a lot of brogue-bashing of late, but with everyone from Potter-princess (and Burberry poster-girl) Emma Watson to style goddess Alexa Chung sporting the boyish Oxford classics, and with the brogue revolution set to continue into A/W 2010 perhaps it is time to put those ill-begotten prejudices aside and rethink this season’s most misunderstood shoe.
Yes, there’s no denying it, they are boyish, masculine – mannish even – but they’re also a little bit cheeky, a little bit geeky and offer a quirky alternative to the ubiquitous ballet flat of seasons past.
In fact, it’s precisely their masculine edge which makes brogues so chic, fun and versatile: it is all about the contrast! Think academic déshabillé meets mussed-up femininity in a boho summer dress and blazer or cow-girl casual in rolled-up jeans and a simple oversized tee.
Clémence Poésy for Vogue April 2010
Fear not oh ye devotees of the heel! Heeled-brogues are here (and make a stylish change to boring old office courts)
Office: Brogue Baby Tan Leather (also in black & blue)
Faith: Lanel peep-toe Brogue heels.
Camper: patent nude and black heeled brogues.
Basic brown and black too boring? Look for prissy prints, block brights, pretty pastels and classy detailing…
Office: Frank red leather – also available in black, brown, green, blue… and with different detail options…
Office: Frank tan leather and canvas
Paul Smith: Watercolour Floral Brogue
Faith: Baby Pink Brogue
Tip: Why not replace your laces with ribbon à la Meadham Kirchhoff s/s 2010 for a girly/edgy vibe?
Meadham Kirchhoff s/s 2010
Meadham Kirchhoff
So… lover or hater?
Fashionable Rat 
Hate! HATE!!!! I look enough like a dumpy little girl in flats…I feel like these make me look even more like a character from a Charlie Brown comic strip.
Love! I’ve been meaning to buy these heeled white and black brogues (much like the Faith one you have pictured) for over half a year now. They are definitely sophisticated chic in heel form. In the end though, it’s all about knowing how to wear them with your leg type and clothes. If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it!
Hear hear! I totally agree, flats are always going to be tricky(er) to pull off if you don’t have supermodel pins (and I count myself firmly in this group!) General tip…the flatter the shoe the higher the hem – just don’t forget to balance your top half!
Brogues are a must this season – bored of wearing flat ballet pumps! So great alternative! Been wearing my Bronx white brogues alot this Summer; perfect for festivals!! http://www.kindredsole.com/herald-flat-brogues-8.html