When to wear Oxfords

[Sander]

So now it stands 4:3 for the Oxfords, any further opinions?

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by Mr Sand

So now it stands 4:3 for the Oxfords, any further opinions?

A little plain but will work on all accounts.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by grimslade

That's interesting. My understanding of the "rules" is that captoes are officially more formal than brogues...
I think you're right - I'm just a heretic. If you were talking very snazzy mirror-shined captoes, I'd agree. But to my eye, the medallion on a brogued shoe just looks busier and "fancier" than thus looks discordant with jeans or khakis. A muted captoe is, imho, less visually obtrusive.
I agree that bluchers are even more versatile than oxfords in the context being discussed.

 

[darck]

I think oxfords (both cap toe and brogues) work extremely well with jeans for the exact same reason as DocHolliday put forth. A pair of well-polished brown cap toe oxfords together with a pair of casual jeans give an air of sophistication, in my opinion.

And I don't like the look of khakis with oxfords either.

 

[skalogre]

Maybe it is just the gauche old tosser in me but the only things I will not wear casually with jeans are loafers, slippers & sandals

Boots & wholecuts go best though IMO. P.s. I only have one pair of plain black captoe AE Park Avenues though, which I keep for times I need something as plain as possible.

 

[Roger]

Absolutely agree with AlanC and the Doc. Cap-toe balmorals would look badly out of place with any casual outfit, in my opinion, as would just about any balmoral. To tell you the truth, a pair of full-brogue balmorals would look better than the plain cap-toes, but still not quite right. Plain cap-toes are best worn for business with a suit, and, to my eye, look wrong in casual outfits. I wouldn't even suggest full- or semi-brogue bluchers or plain cap-toe bluchers, but the Norwegian-split-toe bluchers in AlanC's picture look right. Best of all, in my opinion (while we are including jeans in the discussion), are a sleek pair of loafers or Norwegian-toe Monks.

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Suggests the person only owns one pair of dress shoes.
Oh, sure--easy for you to say, Mr. 8 pairs for $32.

 

[Dragon]

I don`t think Oxfords are a good match with a casual sportscoat or jeans. You will look like you are wearing dress shoes with jeans.

How about the more casual derbies...perhaps a U tip or something...should fit your shortscoat and jeans type of outfit much better than oxfords which tend to look better with a suit. Loafers would match with your outfit too.

 

[AlanC]

They do have bluchers (aka, 'derby'):

Anlass: der Schuh ist elegant zum Anzug, gilt "offizieller" und "förmlicher" als der Full Brogue (which is just what we were saying...

)

 

[DocHolliday]

I like the look of those, particularly the top one.

 

[JLibourel]

I'll weigh in with AlanC, DocHolliday and Roger on this one. I think bals of any kind look silly with anything except a suit or, perhaps, a very dressy sportcoat/blazer and slacks ensemble, and I have some misgivings about the latter. I concur that bluchers are much more versatile shoes. In a pinch, i.e., when travelling I might wear a pair of my dressier bluchers, e.g., my A-E Cortlands, with a suit, but I'd feel a little guilty about the slightly subpar pairing.

 

[Sander]

Originally Posted by AlanC

They do have bluchers (aka, 'derby'):

Anlass: der Schuh ist elegant zum Anzug, gilt "offizieller" und "förmlicher" als der Full Brogue (which is just what we were saying...

)

Well, I know, which was the reason why I posted this question. But as it seems there is no consent. To summarize what has been said about it:

fraction a) says it's okay for they either don't care about "the rules" or they see the Oxford as less obstrusive as the brogue and therefore prefer it for simple casual outfits
fraction b) sticks to "the rules" which say that an Oxford is a formal which should just be worn with a suit. They consider brogues or bluchers/derbys appropriate

Now my problem stays the same - I don't like brogues. I thought about the bluchers/derbys as well, but it is difficult to get one that fits my budget. What do you think about shoes like these (AE Denton):

But I don't really like the split toe. These AE Joplins would be just what I imagine a perfect blucher to be, but they have a ridicolously thick rubber sole:

Would you consider them appropriate for casual wear? (And if, where can I get them for a little more than 100 € in the area round Bonn, Germany?)

 

[Sander]

Have just been to town, tried the Oxfords on (darker brown), they looked really good, so I bought them.
Maybe I'll post some pictures later.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by Mr Sand

Have just been to town, tried the Oxfords on (darker brown), they looked really good, so I bought them.
Maybe I'll post some pictures later.

Nice. Show us the final result when you get a chance.