This Diagram Shows How to Lace up Classic Shoes Correctly.
Wearing the right pair of dress shoes can greatly enhance your outfit. Improper lacing can completely undermine these efforts. This table shows you how to lace up your model shoes correctly, and even the types of laces to use.
For less formal attire, plain criss-cross lace is probably acceptable. Most people probably used this style in their shoes at one time. However, this table from The Art of Masculinity also demonstrates how to make straight lace, which can be a little tricky. The site also recommends using thin, round or flat laces, but advises avoiding any sporty style nylon laces.
How To Lace Up Dress Shoes: An Illustrated Guide | The art of masculinity