Father & Son Style: A Collaboration With Loake Shoemakers

This year Loake celebrates 140 years as a family-run shoe business. If you've been around the blog for any time, you will know that I've been a long term supporter of the brand and have visited their Northamptonshire factory on several occasions.

It's always a pleasure to work with brands whose products I use and wear myself so I was delighted when they proposed an exploration of father and son traditions in style to mark Loake's long family involvement. My son, Tom, dresses well and takes pride in his appearance and it seemed a good opportunity to find out where he had acquired his taste and sartorial skills.

A socially distanced meeting with Tom to compare our new Loake shoes

My own sense of style was largely dormant until I started this blog nearly nine years ago. I did have an appreciation and a passing interest in dressing well, largely because I had to dress well in my profession as a lawyer. My father always wore tailored suits to work and my grandfather gave me my taste for elegant suede brogues (I now have several pairs courtesy of Loake) and tweed suits.

Tom and I each selected a pair of shoes from the Loake range. I chose a style of shoe I hadn't worn regularly before; the Medway monk shoes in polo suede. Tom chose a style he has worn before, the Blenheim Chelsea boots in brown leather. Both are classic styles and would suit any age or style of wearer.

Loake Blenheim Chelsea boot (L) and Loake Medway suede monks (R)

There's no doubt in my mind that most men are inspired by family or close friends to dress well, but I wanted to check how Tom felt. Strangely, I'd never asked Tom about the origins of his sense of style so it was wonderful to have this discussion:

GF: You are a stylish dresser, Tom - do you remember when you first developed a liking for looking well-dressed? 

Tom: I think I’ve always had a vague interest in dressing well, but my late teens were a time where I was able to experiment with smarter clothes whilst in sixth form at school - we had the freedom to wear smart trousers with blazers, tweed jackets or wear a suit, and this was a chance to express one’s own style. University saw a more casual style, but encouraged further interest, and helped me to develop to a point where I equally enjoy a t-shirt and trainers to wearing a morning suit. Finally, being in the military has had an influence on dressing for formal occasions and taking pride in my appearance at all times.  

GF: Where did you get your interest in style? 

Tom: Largely from you, the rest of the family and my fiancée Kirsty, who is a fashion designer. It’s been a slow evolutionary process, and often changes from month to month! I enjoy discovering new brands and trying new things, particularly those that I wouldn’t normally, but am encouraged to do so by others.  

GF: Do you feel that you've developed any of your style and tastes from me, your father? 

Tom: A lot of my more formal style has been strongly influenced by you, particularly in how to wear a suit or dinner jacket, rather than it wear you! I think my tendency to wear casual shirts with trainers has rubbed off on you - You can thank me later!  

GF: Hmm. I'm pleading the Fifth Amendment there, Tom. Are there any traditions, habits and tastes that you feel I've passed down to you? 

Tom: Certainly the ability to dress for more formal occasions and to take pride in my appearance, adding flashes of colour or interesting details to enhance an outfit. We both have an interest in watches, shoes and dressing for formal occasions, and for those tastes and habits, I’m eternally grateful.  

Boots and Monks from Loake

GF: Is there any piece of advice that you've had from me on style and dressing well? 

Tom: For as long as I can remember you’ve told me that shoes and a watch say a lot about a person. I’ve not looked back since, and cherish my favourite watches and pairs of shoes. I bought an Omega Speedmaster Professional a few years ago and barely take it off; this was purely influenced by your own beautiful classic version of the watch.  

GF: How will you advise the next generation on developing a sense of style? 

Tom: Wear whatever makes you happy and feel comfortable, but never be underdressed - better to be proudly over-dressed than embarrassingly under-dressed. My children will learn early on the point about watches and shoes, but that these need not cost an arm and a leg! 

GF: When choosing shoes I look for quality and comfort. I feel that well-made shoes will last longer and be more comfortable. Style and design are important too. I know you have a good selection of shoes - what do you take into account when selecting a pair of shoes? 

Tom: I’ve always had an embarrassingly large collection of shoes because different outfits or seasons call for different styles. I range from trainers to Chelsea boots to loafers and Oxfords, and everything in between. They’ve all got an important place in anyone’s wardrobe. For a smart shoe there’s definitely value in paying more and ensuring you maintain them - as mentioned above, they show your character, but will last forever with care. My Adidas sliders are a particular favourite around the house (sorry Dad!).  

I chose the Loake Blenheim Chelsea Boots because I believe they’re a durable classic, going well with a pair of chinos when it’s a bit colder, or with jeans or shorts more casually. They’re tough and long lasting, particularly with a rubber sole which can survive the rain and mud when required. With a narrower fit, they’re more comfortable for me, and I have no trouble spending the day in them.

Two generations, two styles

I'm very grateful to Tom for taking part in this collaboration and talking about the origins of his sense of style - and will even forgive the Adidas sliders. I am delighted with my Medway monks - beautifully made and comfortable and very stylish. I know Tom is very happy with his boots. It's a testament to Loake's style that their shoes are loved by two different generations.

See Loake Shoemakers to browse their range and to buy.

This is a collaboration with Loake Shoemakers. I occasionally accept paid collaboration of this sort in order to cover the considerable costs of the blog. I only work with brands whose products I like and use myself.