Putting together a shoe wardrobe.

BareSolid · Aug 16, 2009

I am starting to build a smart shoe wardrobe.
What are the most important styles and colours needed?
I am thinking
- a black pair of Oxford shoes
- brown or burgundy brogues

What else? I want a black pair, a brown pair and a burgundy pair but where to start?
If you could suggest three of the most 'vital' styles in colours, bearing in mind I shall be starting in the autumn, I'd be very grateful.

EricE. · Aug 16, 2009

three most important shoes IMHO:
1. double monkstrap (black or dark brown)
2. chukka (whatever color)
3. brogued captoe derby (light brown)

no specific order

and of course if you already have the shoes that you have mentioned

BareSolid · Aug 16, 2009

Originally Posted by EricE.

three most important shoes IMHO:
1. double monkstrap (black or dark brown)
2. chukka (whatever color)
3. brogued captoe derby (light brown)

no specific order

and of course if you already have the shoes that you have mentioned

Thanks for the reply. I can't say I like chukka boots. Does anyone have any opinion on an appropriate colour for loafers?

Ziss · Aug 16, 2009

It depends a bit on the climate where you live. Assuming you get rain and snow in the winter, and you'll start this autumn, I'd suggest you start with rubber soled shoes.

In my opinion, a good starter wardrobe would be something like:

3 lighter colored leather soled shoes for spring/summer
1 pair of black oxfords for formal wear
2 rubber soled shoes for spring/autumn
2 rubber soled boots for autumn/winter

...something like that.

SkinnyGoomba · Aug 16, 2009

Black Cap toe interview shoes - you wont wear them much, but they're necessary.

Brown lace-up shoes - Cap toe, brogue, wingtip

Brown Loafers, Penny's, tassels, bits, English.

RUSSBHEEZ · Aug 16, 2009

Originally Posted by BareSolid

Thanks for the reply. I can't say I like chukka boots. Does anyone have any opinion on an appropriate colour for loafers?

brown, or black

http://www.russbheez.com

mkarim · Aug 17, 2009

A pair of burgundy loafers would also be versatile.

hendrix · Aug 17, 2009

I'm sort of in the same boat, but i've picked up a couple of things from the Buying and Selling section.

The way i see it:
1) Black captoe oxford/balmoral (for job interviews, funerals, formal occasions)
2) Brown Monkstrap or brogue (both very versatile)
3) Brown suede chukka boots - again, very versatile, but slightly more casual.

kolecho · Aug 17, 2009

1) Black plain cap toe in calf
2) Bordeaux wingtip oxford or derby in shell cordovan
3) Double monk or loafer in mid brown suede (loafer if you live in warmer climate)

BareSolid · Aug 17, 2009

Thanks all for the advice.

A few things
- I'm in a cold and wet climate but I still prefer not to wear rubber soles unless I am wearing plimsols at the gym.
- I like the idea of getting a pair of brown monk shoes and brogues, perhaps the latter darker than the former (tan monks and dark brown brogues, perhaps?).
- I have been curious at all these mentions of wearing black Oxfords to formal occasions, on the few times that I have worn white tie I have worn my beloved court shoes (opera pumps). They are also useful for black tie.
- I might get some loafers but I'm still undecided, and it must be stated that nobody wears cordovan in England.

chorse123 · Aug 17, 2009

Brown over burgundy. I'd go with:

Black captoes
Brown half brogues

Then, in order,

Suede chukkas or wingtips
Tan captoes
Brown monks (single or double)

BareSolid · Aug 17, 2009

Originally Posted by chorse123

Brown over burgundy. I'd go with:

Black captoes
Brown half brogues

Then, in order,

Suede chukkas or wingtips
Tan captoes
Brown monks (single or double)
Ah... thanks! Suede brogues, eh? What colour? Do you think dark brown will be more versatile than black, light brown or tobacco?

NakedYoga · Aug 17, 2009

Mafoofan has a very efficient solution to your predicament.

ginlimetonic · Aug 17, 2009

Code:

on the few times that I have worn white tie I have worn my beloved court shoes (opera pumps)

drench in gasoline and set alight. Nothing a pair of black wingtips can't replace i'm also starting to build a shoe warddrobe. after purchasing 1 pair made to measure that looks similar to John Lobb 04, i'm thinking of getting 1 burgundy, 1 in dark brown calfskin like these pictures. (shoes in pictures are NOT mine)

TheFoo · Aug 17, 2009

Originally Posted by NakedYoga

Mafoofan has a very efficient solution to your predicament.

Don't tempt me to post the photo again. The blame will be on your head.

Putting together a shoe wardrobe.

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