AE strand too formal for SoCal?

[Icarium]

I was going to pick up some AE strands in chestnut for mostly office wear. I think they look brilliant, and the #5 last fits me soooo well (why don't they make more on this last anymore!?)... not planning to wear them with denim or anything. However, I'm a little worried they don't fit in with my California business casual scene... maybe I'd be better off going with something like:

plain-toe blucher

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=132

or wingtip blucher

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=35

Anybody have an opinion? I am not sure the chestnut color and broguing quite brings it down to the casualness of the Aldens. I feel like such a shoe noob, but I need help. If the Aldens are the better option, does the plaza or aberdeen last fit more like a #5? Thanks.

 

[Tarmac]

I like the Strand better, although the aldens *might* be slightly better made. Fit+cost considered, Strand is the winner IMHO

 

[michaelp123]

I went with a blucher wingtip for my chino and oxford California business casual look.. it's pretty chunky shoe so I wear it with jeans too. They were on sale in Dec:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...lor=Dark-brown

Personally I think that balmoral might be a little too dressy, but I'm no expert. Checkout the RL wingtip too.

 

[unjung]

Yes, from what I can tell, SoCal prefers handmade boots with paint on them.

 

[Icarium]

Originally Posted by unjung

Yes, from what I can tell, SoCal prefers handmade boots with paint on them.

Actually, I think they prefer flip flops. My boss looks like he came straight out of a surfing magazine. Luckily, he leaves the board shorts at home.

Anyone like the burnished brown color of the strand? I've seen brown mora's which look very nice. Could make it too formal though, given the darker color...

 

[SoCal2NYC]

Originally Posted by Icarium

Actually, I think they prefer flip flops. My boss looks like he came straight out of a surfing magazine. Luckily, he leaves the board shorts at home.

.

I'm SoCal