First shoe recommendations?

mrfloppy · Oct 17, 2009

I posted this in the small questions thread, but didn't get much of a response.

I'm looking for recommendations (brand/model or just type/color) for my first first dress shoe. I've got an college size budget, but I understand quality shoes cost more. I'll primarily be wearing them in a creative environment as I have an internship in the film industry. But of course, I'd also like to wear them for causal events.

Any ideas? Thanks.

SpooPoker · Oct 17, 2009

Cant go wrong with a classic Gucci loafer. If you want something more simple, either AE or you can find something nice at Nordstroms - maybe To Boot Adam Derrick?

epa · Oct 17, 2009

A Gucci loafer as a first shoe???? Are you joking?
To the OP: What do you mean with "dress shoe"? Something to be worn with suits? Or a bit more casual? I am personally quite fond of brown suede derbies when it comes to casual cloathing: they are often comfortable, and can also be worn with many odd jacket+trouser combos. But I think that it is impossible to really suggest a first shoe to someone without knowing more in detail how he dresses and where he works. I mean, I sometimes even find it difficult to decide what shoes to buy for myself!

gsugsu · Oct 17, 2009

I don't think the Gucci loafer should be your first choice. How much have you budgeted for your first purchase. That will enable others to make more accurate suggestions. Are you wearing them with suits or odd jackets? A bit more information would be nice.

mrfloppy · Oct 17, 2009

Ah, I was a little vague in my initial post. In January I will be moving to LA to spend the semester studying in a film program. I'll be working at a film internship on the post production side (editing, trailer house, etc.). I'm not quite sure what the dress code will be, but from my other internships I've found the film industry tends to lean towards a causal look. In fact, jeans and a t-shirt were the norm at my last place. I guess I am really looking for a shoe that will fit in to a casual/creative environment without screaming "stuck up" or "I'm better than you." I'll most likely end up wearing them with jeans and trousers, perhaps with an odd jacket thrown in for rare occasions.

In regards to budget, I am a college student so I'd prefer to keep it under $300, but I am quite open to suggestions. Thanks again.

epa · Oct 17, 2009

Originally Posted by mrfloppy

Ah, I was a little vague in my initial post. In January I will be moving to LA to spend the semester studying in a film program. I'll be working at a film internship on the post production side (editing, trailer house, etc.). I'm not quite sure what the dress code will be, but from my other internships I've found the film industry tends to lean towards a causal look. In fact, jeans and a t-shirt were the norm at my last place. I guess I am really looking for a shoe that will fit in to a casual/creative environment without screaming "stuck up" or "I'm better than you." I'll most likely end up wearing them with jeans and trousers, perhaps with an odd jacket thrown in for rare occasions.

In regards to budget, I am a college student so I'd prefer to keep it under $300, but I am quite open to suggestions. Thanks again.

I don't know how things are in LA. But I would consider the brown suede derbies. I have a pair by Carmina that I use a lot, both in and outside work. They are among my most comfortable shoes. They look casual but I feel OK also when I wear them with sportcoat and tie. But I would never wear them with a suit.

ramuman · Oct 17, 2009

If it's the first shoe in a growing collection, brown calf captoes. It it's the first in a collection that may not grow much, a brown calf chukka or chelsea.

The chukkas assume you'll tend to be wearing this in settings that tend to be more informal.

epa · Oct 17, 2009

Well, I can't say I disagree.

mrfloppy · Oct 17, 2009

I have no idea, either, how things are in LA. That's why I asked

I like the look of both the derbies and chukkas, but I'm not a huge fan of the chelsea boots (at least the ones I found). Though the chelsea boots are dressier? I do hope its a growing collection, but only time will tell.

Thanks for the replies.

BareSolid · Oct 17, 2009

Black oxford?

upnorth · Oct 17, 2009

If it were me under the same circumstances, I would opt for a wingtip blucher in variations of a darker brown.

philosophe · Oct 17, 2009

Originally Posted by BareSolid

Black oxford?

I think that brown will be much more useful. Since it hardly rains in LA, suede will work well. Unless you are planning to wear lots of black (which you probably won't in LA), avoid black shoes.

More information about your budget would really help.

mrfloppy · Oct 17, 2009

Originally Posted by philosophe

I think that brown will be much more useful. Since it hardly rains in LA, suede will work well. Unless you are planning to wear lots of black (which you probably won't in LA), avoid black shoes.

More information about your budget would really help.

Not planning on much black, will take the advice and stay away (for now). Budget...would around $300 get me a pair that will last a few years?

glenjay · Oct 17, 2009

For your circumstance I would suggest a suede or calf skin loafer. a second option would be a suede blucher. As noted by others: stick with brown (in the darker shades) for a casual look.

I would look at Alden for a quality shoe of this type in the $300 to $400 range. Look for something in the Plaza last to keep is stylish.

BareSolid · Oct 17, 2009

Originally Posted by philosophe

I think that brown will be much more useful. Since it hardly rains in LA, suede will work well. Unless you are planning to wear lots of black (which you probably won't in LA), avoid black shoes.

More information about your budget would really help.

I don't know about you but I don't think I'd wear brown shoes with charcoal, navy or even mid-grey trousers. Brown shoes are only really appropriate with lighter coloured trousers, unless you're in bloody Italy.

First shoe recommendations?

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