Florsheim Asset Suede Single Monk – $108.00 w/ LNK10 ($120)
Monk straps aren’t for everyone. They’re a bit of a risk and a lot of pairs are so sleek that dressing them down can be hard to do. But the Florsheim “Asset” monk in suede has a more traditional width, comes in dark brown, and the single monk straps with a buckle in a muted brass aren’t too showy. In the end they’re a highly versatile dark brown suede shoe that’s just interesting enough but not crazy different. And they’re relatively inexpensive at $108 with free shipping.
The current Florsheim suede single monk. LNK10 gets you 10% off. They ship free too.
Note that the monks seen below are not the current Asset Suede, but instead the Florsheim single monk from last year. They look almost identical, but it appears that Florsheim has changed out the insole to a lighter, maybe leather option. That’d be a solid move on their part. The black insoles on the old version don’t feel the best when barefoot. Let’s take them for a spin.
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Florsheim Asset Monk with Jeans
- Sweater: Banana Republic Merino V – $59.50
- Shirt: jcp White OCBD – $25.00
- Jeans: Levi’s 501
- Watch: J Springs world time on silicone strap
- Belt: Gap – $29.95
You’re staying in but it’s still a date night. Beat up jeans and a hoodie is a cop out. Something like this is outrageously comfortable but still sharp. The Florsheim monks do well here because unlike plenty of ultra-trim monks, these aren’t too slim through the sides. That makes them more casual. Take an earth-tone sweater like this one in an oatmeal shade (or if you like brighter stuff, try orange), your favorite jeans, and a belt that matches the color of the suede. A rubber or silicone strap watch helps you keep track of how much time is left on whatever it is you’ve got on the stove, and since the strap isn’t leather of any kind, you won’t be committing a cardinal sin if you don’t match the color. Also good for heading out somewhere real casual but you want to put some effort in.
Florsheim Asset Monk with a blazer
- Blazer: Gap Cotton Blazer
- Shirt: Ratio Ogden Plaid – $98.00
- Pants: Grey 5-pocket pants by Hickey Freeman
- Watch: White Dial Chronograph by BCBG (first watch gift from Mrs. Dappered)
- Belt: Not shown… but the GAP one should do fine.
Somewhat dressed up, but all of the fabrics and the pattern on the shirt is casual. Feel free to swap out the plaid for a plain white shirt. The grey 5-pockets instead of a standard khaki colored chino will keep you looking less country club and more up to date. If you’re down with the whole blue on blue thing, dark wash jeans would absolutely work here as well. Dress it up further for the office by switching to a wool blazer and trousers.
Florsheim Asset Monk with a tweed or flannel suit
- Suit: L.L. Bean Signature
- Shirt: Blue Merona Ultimate Dress Shirt – $22.99
- Sweater: Calibrate cotton blend V-neck
- Watch: Pulsar chronograph on a leather NATO strap
Lucky you if you’ve got a flannel or tweed suit since they’re hard to find at an affordable price. If not, try pairing that jcp tweed sportcoat with a pair of cords or jeans. The heavier texture of the flannel or tweed plays well with the texture of the suede. If you do have a suit with some texture, the Florsheims will dress it down for a fall night out without looking too stuffy. Just make sure you’re headed somewhere that’s not too hot, because if you do, you’ll feel really damn stuffy even if you won’t look it.
Are you a believer in blue on blue? Or is it too reminiscent of Denim Dan /the Canadian Tuxedo (remember that rule about textures and you won’t look like that). Leave your take in the comments…
Are monk straps a new fashion thing, or are they a timeless staple to the fashionable man’s wardrobe from way back when? I am don’t remember always seeing this Monk Strap craze. I just don’t get it. To me they look like pilgrim shoes. I would honestly love a background or some sort of info on why Monk Strap shoes are fashionable. This Dapper Dan doesn’t get it. Thanks fellers.
There is no need to justify that BCBG watch. Wear it proud. Wear it loud and proud.
Matt, I remember seeing them in GQ a year or so ago and hating them but I’m really starting to dig them. I’m fairly certain they are something that was around years ago but have just recently come back into style.
I love the “How to Wear it” series. It may be the best feature on dappered (and that’s saying something).
I agree 100%. I’m pretty new to dressing nicely and sometimes it is hard to visualize what looks good. Sometimes us new guys just need to see it. I love this.
Very good pairings, I especially like the last look!
Justin
http://www.thewalkntalk.com/
Another great HTWI. Frankly I’m still not sure how I feel about monkstraps but this gives me something to think about.
The suede single monk is a bit disco pilgrim to me.
I like the concepts behind the how to wear it posts. I’m afraid I find those monks pretty unattractive, however.
I’ve got these monks and wear them all the time. Great color.
I was able to pick them up at DSW from the clearance rack and then used a couple of coupons on top of that for a grand total of $12. One of the better deals I’ve scored, especially for a new pair of shoes.
That said, they are great shoes for the money and very comfy.
I’m waiting for someone to photoshop a picture of Disco Stu with a pilgrim hat or something.
Anyone want a pair in 9.5 worn <10 times? I've since upgraded and no longer wear. Reasonable offer?
Solid outfits.
I like the look of monk straps. To my knowledge, they’ve been around for awhile. Bought my first pair back in 97ish from Bass. As posted below, a writeup of their history would be cool.
Phenomenal screenname. That is all. Carry on.
I like single monk strap shoes but with a smaller buckle and with a “cutaway strap” that looks like they subtracted the second strap. As below. They avoid the pilgrim look that way.
cardinal sin? who cares if your brown leather watch strap doesn’t match your darker brown shoes. if you don’t care no one else will. i hate when people say their are “rules” to style. psshhh!
sooooooooo tired of monks
Well, I’m with you. That’s what I was saying.
Now there’s a Halloween costumer.
Yes. Some studies have shown that upwards of 30% of people visiting this website may, in fact be, “sooooooooo” tired of monks: http://dappered.com/2012/05/style-poll-most-overrated-trends-in-mens-style/
Some guys love em’, some guys hate em’, I’m personally sort of in-between. They’re not as dressed up as a lace-up, but look sleeker than most penny loafers or other loafers. Just a way to mix it up if you already have a solid collection of go-to dress shoes. Most of the time you can barely see that buckle. It’s pretty subtle. Unless I throw on the white stockings, knickers, and poofy shirt of course.
If anything, monk straps are becoming less popular because they got so popular so fast. They’ll probably come down to a low simmer in this next year or so.
I love the “How to Wear It” series as well. Like a few of the commenters, I’m not really a monkstrap guy either, but these outfits are great in any case. In fact, I think all of them would work equally well with the dark brown suede AE Amoks, that Joe posted were on a good sale back when.
I especially like how he gives ones at differents levels of the formal-casual scale– really versatile. Great ideas, sir. Keep up the good work!
Just worth noting if you like the BR merino wool sweaters, additional 30% everything today on BR’s website.
Don’t forget, you can pull the old “edit the BR cookie trick” and get 40% off whenever they do a tiered sale.
I like these shoes, and these outfits – especially the tweed suit. It’s a shame that my wife hates Monks with the fury of a thousand suns. Btw, I like your flooring, Joe.