I hate bluchers, but...

[Briar]

I have to wear tan chinos/khakis and polos or sport shirts a lot for work. The company I work for prefers that we don't wear suits or odd jackets. It's my understanding that a blucher would be most appropriate for this type of attire (simple plain toe blucher or something like that).

Problem is, I can't find many bluchers that appeal to me. I like balmorals and prefer their sleeker look. Can I wear bals with khakis and a shirt (no jacket)? I'm not talking plain toe or (plain/no brogue) cap toe. I'm talking bals that are semi-brogue/full-brogue (cap toe or wingtip, not full wing -- does not appeal to me), maybe unstructured or distressed/waxed type leathers -- maybe double outsole or rubber sole (but not thick lug sole).

Are any of these okay (no okay) with tan chinos and a sport shirt? (I own these)
AE McClain Wingtip (bal full brogue) in Merlot
AE VanNess cap toe (bal quarter brogue) in Chili
AE Strand cap toe (bal semi brogue) in Walnut
AE Clifton cap toe (blucher quarter brogue) in Burgundy
Cheap Italian full-brogue wing tips in tan burnished/distressed (unlined)
Cheap Italian full-brogue cap toe in light/medium brown (unlined)

Thanks in advance. All these were purchased within the last month or so as I've just recently developed an appreciation/understanding of good quality shoes. I've been lurking around the forums for the past two months. Just recently registered, so I'm a noob -- please be gentle...

 

[crosswound]

balmorals with khakis/chinos is pretty bad i think they are intended for trousers.

why not get one of ae's bluchers then if you like the balmorals from ae?

also you probably don't wear slim chinos by this forums standards and bals usually only look really good in slimmer trousers unless your grandpa status wearing bals with oversized pants

 

[Briar]

Sorry, I guess I should have elaborated. I realize bals are more formal (suits and nice trousers) and bluchers can be worn with some nice clothes and more casual chinos (even jeans?). Those ugly "box toe" shoes were bought 3-4 yrs ago. I bought the AE's to replace them. My point is that while I know bals aren't "right" with chinos, I can't find a blucher I really like. I just don't like the open lacing. Not open to loafers. I have a narrow foot and long, high arch, so they've never fit me right (plus I just don't care much for the style).

One thing I don't see discussed as much as the overall style is the type of leather (other than calf vs. Cordovan). What about distressed leather, wax infused, and Chromexcel? Unlined vs. Lined? AE makes a shoe that is similar to one of their dress shoes -- it's unlined with distressed/waxed leather and they call it a casual shoe (but it's a bal wingtip).

Also, you're right in that I don't wear euro fit pants, but I am in decent shape and wear slim/trim fit garments.

 

[Distorbiant]

asdf

 

[Briar]

Edited OP -- hopefully this makes my question/dilemma more clear.

 

[crosswound]

need pics of the said outfit.

 

[Briar]

need pics of the said outfit.

Slim/trim fit chinos like you would find at Macy's/BR/Gap Tailored Collection. Nothing baggy but also not euro fit. Very little to no break in the pants, reasonable leg opening. "Medium" colored usually -- not British Khaki and not stone.

Shirts are going to be "safe" business casual so as to not offend finicky clients. Solids, checks, and ginghams in blues, greens, and purples. Solids will typically have button-down collars, but I rarely do solids, mainly sticking with some kind of (not too loud) pattern.

 

[crosswound]

need pics of you wearing said outfit or i can't help.

 

[Briar]

need pics of you wearing said outfit or i can't help.

Ohhh, gotcha.

 

[Kroaker]

Your walnut strands should be fine with khakis or jeans. Wear them with confidence, my friend!