As the weather changes back to spring and summer again, I find myself leaning back towards a different style of shoe. Thankfully boots are an all-year thing but it’s definitely nice to have other options for the warmer months of the year. Pairing a shoe with a super faded denim like these Freenote Cloth jeans is fun because if you go with something lighter, it lightens up the whole look, whereas if you go with something darker, the pants become a pop of color all on their own.

These new Stark lace-ups from Steve Madden are the perfect spring shoe. They’re lined with a lycra material much like an athletic shoe would be so they hug your foot and ankle so nicely. It’s almost like putting on swim shoes from when you were a kid at the beach. The faded suede upper is a nice wash for spring that will pair with more than just denim. You could easily rock these with a linen suit or something a bit more casual. I often opt for a more casual outlook on my style, but having shoes from trusted brands like Madden is great because on the rare occasion that I decide I’d like to dress up, they’re a perfect fit. Versatility is the key, dudes!

What do you think of this look?

Shop it here: Shoes: Steve Madden, Socks: Nice Laundry, Jeans: Freenote Cloth, Tee: Urban Outfitters (similar), Jacket: H&M (similar), Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Hat: Goorin Bros., Watch: AIBI