White Tie footwear dilemma

[VelvetGreen]

I've got a big, special, all-night white tie ball extravaganza coming up. I'm torn over the footwear. My choice is between my trusty Church's Oxfords on a 116 last, spit-polished to a mirror shine, or a new pair of evening pumps like these. Does anybody wear them any more? Pics below - the Church's are identical to those but without the broguing. Thoughts? Also, what is the difference between a 'pinched bow' and a 'flat Petersham'? And if I was to go for evening pumps, should I go for patent leather or calf?

 

[bigbjorn]

Pumps. Patent. Petersham bow (which is a flat grosgrain bow). A pinched bow looks like a bow tie and does not lay flat on the vamp.

 

[bigbjorn]

This is a pinched bow: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

 

[Manton]

Definitely not that shoe.

Pumps are fine and they don't have to be patent. Otherwise a formal oxford like this:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

 

[Mac]

I would say patent oxfords for black tie, but patent pumps for white tie.

 

[Anthony Jordan]

I would wear pumps, patent or calf according to your preference. (I am quite happy with patent personally, but I know others on the forum feel differently.)

These are the flat bow variety.

 

[VelvetGreen]

^ Very nice.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll go with Bjorn's configuration.

 

[culverwood]

If its an all-nighter stick to your trusty Church's.

As Frank would say you don't want your Mary Janes pinching you.

Unless you are wearing breeches no one will notice.

 

[JLibourel]

I am probably never going to wear white tie, but if I did, I most assuredly would NOT wear those Churches! They're very nice looking shoes--great with a lounge suit, probably acceptable for morningwear, but definitely not right for evening wear, not for black tie and most definitely not for white tie.

 

[Anthony Jordan]

Originally Posted by VelvetGreen

^ Very nice.


Thanks. Perhaps I shall get around to wearing them some day!