Calfskin oxfords with white tie?

[darck]

I have a white tie event coming up tomorrow and I don't have any patent leather shoes to go with it. Or rather, I have a pair of fairly cheap, pre-worn patent leather shoes that I do not like very much that I can wear but I don't particularly want to wear. If possible, I would prefer to wear one of my much nicer black calf cap toe oxfords instead.

So my question is: are (highly polished) calfskin cap toe oxfords acceptable with white tie, or is this generally seen as an abomination? I know that calfskin oxfords are the shoes for morning dress and that they are acceptable with a dinner jacket, but I have not heard much about shoes for white tie, other than that they usually are patent leather.

 

[Master Shake]

What the hell, why not? Patent leather seems so cheap and plasticky. Enjoy the event.

 

[Will]

Originally Posted by darck

I have a white tie event coming up tomorrow and I don't have any patent leather shoes to go with it. Or rather, I have a pair of fairly cheap, pre-worn patent leather shoes that I do not like very much that I can wear but I don't particularly want to wear. If possible, I would prefer to wear one of my much nicer black calf cap toe oxfords instead.

So my question is: are (highly polished) calfskin cap toe oxfords acceptable with white tie, or is this generally seen as an abomination? I know that calfskin oxfords are the shoes for morning dress and that they are acceptable with a dinner jacket, but I have not heard much about shoes for white tie, other than that they usually are patent leather.

Shine them within an inch of their lives and have a good time.

 

[darck]

Thanks guys! You've given me the confidence I need to proudly go with my calfskin oxfords!

Now on to the shining...

 

[Teacher]

I'm one of those weirdos who really, really prefer highly polished calf to patent for black tie and white tie. Not only is it more natural and refined looking (in my opinion), but it calls less attention to itself. I grew up in the 70's, and I have no desire to relive plastic shoes.

 

[darck]

Ok, I gave my one black calf oxfords a quick shine and will definitely wear them tonight (patent leather shoes on the left, calf oxfords on the right):



The calfskin oxfords don't shine as much as the patent leather shoes, but they still look a lot better (IMHO).

Teacher: that's a great way to look at it!

 

[Sator]

Those patent leather shoes are derbies. I don't blame you for not wanting to wear them - it would be pure evil to wear those with white tie.

Oxfords should strictly speaking be plain toe rather than a cap toe if you are wearing them with full dress. However, at least that pair you have is a proper Oxford shoe.

Personally, I am a staunch proponent of proper opera pumps.