Streamlined Shoe Wardrobe - Page 2

I only like Oxfords for professional wear and Chelsea Boots for casual wear. Don't like Bluchers, Loafers or laced boots. Not sure about monk straps. Anyone else feel the same way?

My modest collection:

C&J Belgrave
C&J Audley
C&J Courtenay
C&J Chelsea (suede)

No string betting allowed!

Manton, It looks like you are saying bluchers are OK with suits, am I reading that correctly?

Do we really have to go full $hitkicker on this? Those things look so hideous to me. I hope an EG Dover passes the test.

I think it's a 6 shoe wardrobe that covers everything, not just professional wears. Maybe everything aside from drivers/slippers/exercise shoes.

I think I'd be fine with 4 pairs, not counting winter boots or beater shoes for rainy days:

Black cap toes
Brown cap toes
Brown wing tips
Brown suede chukka boots

Solid exposition. I would only add what I wrote in the good taste thread -- that black neckwear calls for black shoes (or boots, I guess).

What are we to assume one wears on a regular basis for this list? I assume in the OP that the answer is "mostly suits" or something like that. What about a more casual version, where one wears mostly odd jackets? This seems to be true of quite a few people these days (myself included).

At the end, you'll all realize you only need the One.

But seriously, I think you can go with calfskin brogued cap oxfords 90% of the time and never miss a tick. Then you'll need black captoes for when you need to be absolutely business formal or are attending a funeral (knock on wood). A pair of patent oxfords or slippers or whatever will do for when you must dress black tie. Everything else is gravy, no? I view seasonality in shoes as a bonus, not an absolutely necessary consideration (though there are certain things that can only be worn at certain times).

Let's see... I currently own:

 

Black cap toe oxfords

Black brogued wingtip oxfords

Cordovan colored calfskin cap toe oxfords

Brown suede chukkas

 

Coming in (hopefully) soon are:

 

Black whole-cut oxfords

Dark brown double monks

Burgundy side-laced oxfords

 

This doesn't include a pair of burgundy loafers that I use as beaters or some out of date black leather square-toe chukkas I haven't the heart to give up on as they're great for rain/snow.

 

So what am I missing to fill out my wardrobe?

I have to disagree with these two, but then again, perhaps I am more pedestrian because I simply don't wear suits that often. I think bluchers can look good with suits, especially on people with larger frames. As much as SF hearts the chiseled, sleek lasts, I find them somewhat out of proportion (I might want a better word here) on bigger people, at least on myself. If you are on the leaner or smaller side, they look a lot better. A great deal of the Alden x Leather Soul make-ups are easily sleek enough for suit wear. For those with less discretionary income, it allows the shoe to be more versatile, i.e. worn with suit and say, nice jeans.

I would argue you could get away with 3 shoes. One being a black oxford, and as long as you are clever about it, the other two can be really whatever you want in dark brown and burgundy.

Also, as for burgundy calf...



yeah, that.

You might try something in a light brown or walnut color, a la the AE strand.

I'm thinking strongly of Meermin's version of the Strand.

 

 

AEs don't do it for me for some reason.  I have a pair of the Strand in black on my desk that I need to take back to Nordstroms or I may sell them.

Oh by all means, if you like the Meermin better go for it. I was more just suggesting the strand as a style, not necessarily that exact shoe.

hmmm, i've never heard this before and don't see any reason why burgundy can't be used for calf, but would be interested to hear your reasoning on why this should be the case?