Our guide to baring your ankles with style this season.

As the temperature rises, it’s time to reconsider your footwear. Not just for aesthetic reasons, but for the sake of practicality, too. So store away your winter boots, those chunky Oxfords and desert boots to make room for tasselled loafers, monk straps and deck shoes. Best of all, you no longer require socks.

Going sockless is often the best policy when it comes to summer shoes, particularly if you plan to wear them with rolled-up jeans, chinos or shorts (nobody wants to look like a Boy Scout). Yet, it isn’t that simple, which is why we’ve put together a handy guide on how to go sockless and the five styles to try out.

Sneakers are the cornerstone of casual. At MR PORTER, we are particularly fond of retro kicks with a streamlined design and thick, cushioned soles. Take this pair in off-white suede and white mesh by Swedish brand Spalwart. Each shoe is constructed from machinery and moulds from the 1950s, which gives them a pleasing vintage look. Wear them with a pair of lightly faded jeans, rolled up twice, for a weekend look that nods to the 1990s.

Smart shoes come in a dizzying array of shapes, styles and sizes, but perhaps the most versatile is the classic Derby. Unlike Oxfords, which are often toe-capped and sleeker in design, Derbies have open laces (the facing is open at the bottom), which gives them a more robust aesthetic. They can easily be dressed up as well as down, so you can wear them from breakfast meeting to after-work drinks. This weatherproof pair by Tricker’s in black shale leather are year-round appropriate. Wear them with a pair of tapered trousers and a suede blouson jacket.

Boat shoes are one of those preppy mainstays that every man should have in his wardrobe. After all, who doesn’t want to emulate the Ivy League cool of JFK on his yacht? They are comfortable and durable, whether you are by the pool, in the bar or cruising around the Med. This pair in grey suede by John Lobb are handmade in the UK and will see you through many a summer. Team them with Ermenegildo Zegna’s tailored shorts and Loro Piana’s slub linen shirt for a smart pool-to-bar look.

Fancy but never frivolous, fun yet still formal, tasselled loafers were created by shoemaker Mr Arthur Tarlow in the mid 20th century. They can be tricky to wear (plenty of men get it wrong), but investing in a well-made pair is a great way to upgrade your personal style. Look at Tinie Tempah and Mr Johannes Huebl for inspiration. They will go with everything from lounge suits to shorts and a knitted polo. Take this cool-stone suede pair by Edward Green, wear them with neutral tailoring sans socks and they’ll add a rakish slant to your summer ensemble.

Monk-strap shoes are a nice alternative to the classic Oxford. We’re particularly fond of this pair by Belgian label Dries Van Noten, which manage to toe the line (sorry) between dressed up and dressed down. Made from deep burgundy and black leather, they have been stacked on crepe rubber soles. Wear them with Valentino’s stripe-trimmed mohair and virgin wool-blend trousers and Tomorrowland’s knitted polo top for a stylish and smart take on off-duty dressing.

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