AE Park Avenue in Black - what is the "appropriate" formality to pair with them?

[Jay687]

I'm looking to get some AE and thought black PAs were a good choice. My others were going to be Merlot fifth avenue and bourbon strands. I like the 3 color choices and that each is a different style.

However, I want to make sure the PAs aren't too formal. I do always wear a jacket and a tie but not always a suit. I suspect that's still fine?

Any thoughts?

For 3 pair of shoes, are my choices versatile? If I get a fourth (probably dark brown) what should I get? I was thinking maybe a dress boot? Or monk straps? Not sure.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Veremund]

Well, bottom line is you need to have a pair of black shoes. And if you only have one pair of black shoes, then Park Aves are the way to go. Don’t wear them with jeans though.
Your three choices sound spot on.

 

[Patek14]

you are picking many colors in the dress shoe rainbow so this is all fine. i suppose the real question is, are you waiting for a big sale or dropping full retail...

 

[Jay687]

you are picking many colors in the dress shoe rainbow so this is all fine. i suppose the real question is, are you waiting for a big sale or dropping full retail...

The black PAs still good with jacket and tie? I don't wear suits too often so will mostly wear it like that.

And hoping to rotate between each pretty evenly.

Willing to wait to buy... when are sales generally?

 

[Count de Monet]

You may not have noticed there is a dedicated AE thread and it is quite active. I’m sure you will get plenty of responses there.

 

[Patek14]

The black PAs still good with jacket and tie? I don't wear suits too often so will mostly wear it like that.

And hoping to rotate between each pretty evenly.

Willing to wait to buy... when are sales generally?

• Black captoe oxfords are generally good with most business attires. Suit and tie, suit no tie, sportcoat, slacks/shirt only.
• I have no idea when sales are, but AE are not worth anything close to $425 MSRP. There are better deals/values with entry level and mid level english makes.
• The biggest advantage of AE is the multitude of width sizing and they make plenty of burgundy. This is not something the english do well.

 

[Claghorn]

Black oxfords are great with gray and navy suits. With sport coats, I’d go with the other shoe colors. I’ll occasionally wear black shoes with a navy blazer and gray trousers if I don’t have any other warm colors in the outfit

For example, I wore black penny loafers with this:

Spoiler

but generally brown > black in such cases, and when I do wear black, it is often for the sake of variety.