What *colour* of Allen Edmonds 5th Aves to match with a Charcoal and Navy suit (merlot and X)

[Clayton Greenwo]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading lots on this forum and I am currently building my professional wardrobe (currently in law school, but will working at a firm in the spring).

I have already purchased my first two suits based on advice from styleforum: charcoal and navy. I will likely be picking up a second navy suit before I begin articling in the spring.

I have also decided on shoes: Allen Edmonds 5th Aves. I am going to buy two pairs, as I want to make sure they breathe in between use. Also, I have already decided that one pair is going to be merlot - I love this colour, and have read that it goes well with both navy and charcoal suits.

My question is, what colour should the second pair of shoes be? I feel like it is down to a choice between black and brown (the dark brown, rather than walnut).

Any thoughts or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

For your reference, the 5th ave colours can be viewed here:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF5705_1_40000000001_-1

 

[facet]

I would go with brown myself; but I wouldn't get two of the same shoe if I was buying for myself. However, I'm not a lawyer so I don't know if a black shoe would be one of those absolutely-required-to-have for your line of work.

 

[Veremund]

Black. Then get dark brown ones as well.

 

[Academic2]

I can't imagine not having a pair of black shoes.

Cheers,

Ac

 

[CTLION]

If one pair is merlot then black is the best choice.

 

[NefariousSabatour]

merlot does everything black will do in your current situation.

i'd personally go with brown.

but yeah, black is the safe (and boring) answer.

 

[Claghorn]

Another for dark brown.

Black to follow shortly after (regardless of which you get first, I imagine the other will follow within the year).

Also, good choices on the suits. Details? And shirt and tie options?

 

[Veremund]

Basically, all three are must haves.

 

[Clayton Greenwo]

Thank you everyone for the responses.

Your replies confirm that this is not really an obvious choice either way. As Veremund mentioned, "Basically, all three are must haves".

Claghorn:
Thanks. I got both of my suits made-to-measure from a local tailor in Vancouver who was highly recommended to me, and for a reasonable price ($800 each, but I also got a second pair of pants with each suit (included in the $800)).

For shirts, right now I only have Brookes Brothers extra-slim non-irons: 2 white, 2 light blue, and 2 very simple checkered shirts. I am looking to add some new shirts before next year, though, possibly some made to measure.

Thanks everyone again for the responses, I am undecided right now but will keep everyone posted.

 

[GBR]

If you had genuinely "been reading lots on this forum" then you would have learned black and burgundy,

 

[Count de Monet]

If another FA is your next purchase, then I'd opt for brown now. You can count on black PA's being about a third off in July during the Nordstrum sale.

Then use next year's bonus toward some shell long wings.

 

[Claghorn]

Sounds pretty good. I would have gone stripes before checks though, so I'd make the next couple shirts some form of blue striped.

How are you on ties?