McTavish brown distressed wingtip oxfords

ww21943 · Jul 7, 2013

Hello all,

I went to the Allen Edmonds store at the Short Hills Mall in NJ. I checked out the clearance section and ended up buying a pair of McTavish brown distressed wingtip oxfords.
http://m.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF4105_1_40000000001_-1

I don't know if I should return them. I think they will work great with jeans and more casual dress but will they go with business casual? For example do you feel they would be appropriate with a light blue OCBD and cotton Chinos? Or even wool trousrers, an OCBD and navy blazer?
My other shoes are AE for Brooks Brothers strands in brown and AE black Park Ave's.

While I'm asking, are Park Ave's too formal for wool trousers, shirt, tie and navy blazer? Or are they really only for use with a suit?

I appreciate the help.

Subutai · Jul 7, 2013

Couple points. First, I think the McTavish is a great buy on clearance. I have them cognac or else I certainly would've picked them up as well. And yes, depending on how conservative your workplace / event is, then you can get away with them for business casual although they might look a bit out of place in the winter. I'd keep them if I were you, of course that depends on what other non AE shoes you own. They do, however, complement and round out your AE collection a bit.

The PA can be worn with outfits besides suits.

ww21943 · Jul 7, 2013

Great advice. I am going to rotate my 3 pairs of AEs. Hopefully I can add some more if the sales are right. I have a pair of black shiny cap toe shoes from Cole Hann, I'm too embarrassed to wear them anymore! And an old pair of brown Thom McAn cap toes, also too embarrassing to wear anymore

Sam3L · Jul 7, 2013

Keep them! I wear my McTavish in grey or brown much more than I ever though I would. You'll want a casual shoe for gatherings where formal attire is not optimal, but moderately casual attire with those brown McTavish is the perfect mix. You'll be the best dressed without looking like you're trying too hard.

I wear my McTavish's with chinos all the time, but with a blazer I tend to go with a more conservative shoe (like the 5th or Park Avenue).

To your original question, keep the shoe, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how often you wear them - especially for a clearance buy.

ww21943 · Jul 8, 2013

Thanks SamL. Last questions, does the distressed look of this shoe mean it should only be worn with casual outfits? Would you find them unacceptable for business casual like my description in my OP.
Thanks guys!

mensimageconsultant · Jul 10, 2013

That will not work with conservative clothing such as typical wool pants + navy blue blazer. Maybe with seersucker or other niche items like that.

Kingston83 · Oct 27, 2013

Could you possibly post a picture or two of your shoes? I also purchased the Mctavish in brown distressed leather. I followed the rep's advice on caring for them (cleaning conditioner and neutral polish) and since then the color has changed drastically. When I first received them I would have pegged the color as walnut, not brown. At this point they actually look like a true brown.

There seems to be a wide range of thought about how to take care of these shoes. The AE site recommends the conditioner and brown polish, the store clerk recommended the same but with neutral, and alternatives were saddle soap or leather lotion.

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McTavish brown distressed wingtip oxfords

ww21943

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