Business Casual Shoe for First Job

[cats33cats]

Hello,

I have recently been offered my first full time position out of college and I am looking to purchase a pair of shoes to wear in the office. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds Strand in walnut as well as the Park Avenue in black. I also own a pair of the Walden in burgundy but I seldom wear these because I feel that my wardrobe does not match them. I feel that the Strand may be too showy for office wear and am looking for a more subdued shoe in brown that is lace up. Business casual in this sense is a tucked in button up shirt with khaki or chino pants. I would prefer to purchase Allen Edmonds because I am very happy with the two pairs that I own.

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide and please feel free to post pictures!

 

[dapperdoctor]

I don't think the Strand is too flashy for business casual. I, for one, wear them in that environment and feel fine about it. I've even worn the Strand with jeans on occasion. Do what makes you comfortable. There are a ton of brown shoe options that would work, including suede options. As far as the Strand - the worst thing that can happen is you will get a comment like "wow, those are cool shoes." Most people won't care in all likelihood.

 

[RollTideTeej]

Well I wouldn't wear the walnut strands on your first day, get the feel of the office then decide from there. You may find that you can get away with them. You could go with the park aves for your first day and be just fine I'm sure.
By subdued I assume you mean color? Then you could go with fifth ave or the mcallister in brown burnished calf. But since you're wearing them with chinos, you may want open lacing...

 

[cats33cats]

Would the Delray in brown burnished calf be a bit more conservative?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF1208_1_40000000001_-1

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

I would also suggest the Fifth Ave. or Macallister, although a plain toe derby like the Kenilworth might be a versatile choice in your situation.

 

[RollTideTeej]

Would the Delray in brown burnished calf be a bit more conservative?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF1208_1_40000000001_-1

More conservative than the walnut strand? Definitely. I'm not a big fan of the split toe look, but that's just me. I wouldn't rush out to buy anything until you've been there a day or two and seen what others are wearing. Not that I'm saying you shouldn't be individual but you want to get the feel of the office. Also if you don't feel comfortable straying to far from the norm at work then it's best to wait.

 

[dapperdoctor]

The Wilbert from AE is nice too and very comfortable.

 

[RollTideTeej]

I would also suggest the Fifth Ave. or Macallister, although a plain toe derby like the Kenilworth might be a versatile choice in your situation.

Kenilworth is also a great suggestion. Those could definitely work with chinos.

 

[cats33cats]

Good points everyone, would my brown leather Clark's desert boots (not suede) work for a first day? I wore the Park Avenue's with a suit to the first interview and with just a jacket and khakis to the second after they said "this interview will be the last time that you have to wear a suit and tie here."

Those Kenilworth shoes look great.

 

[RollTideTeej]

Wow, sounds like it's a very casual environment, you might be able to wear the desert boots. Then again, I think the waldens could definitely work too. Dressed up but since they're loafers, not as much. I know you say you don't wear them much because you don't feel like they go with your clothes, but I think they're pretty classic and can go with a lot of looks.