Three pairs of black Oxford shoes for men and a secret code...
| Whether for weddings, meetings or soirees, theatre nights, concerts, cocktails or any other event, as long as it's important, the black Oxford for men is essential. |
The TOP of Classics in men's footwear starts at position 1, with Oxfords. The question is which style: Cap-Toe; the Wholecut or the Wing-Tip, and why each style?
We're probably not revealing any mystery by saying that any woman, when imagining a man dressed in an elegant "dark suit", will certainly imagine a man wearing black Oxfords, but... with a simple design.
Friendly and amusing, she isn't sure if she's imagining a Marc – Wholecut, a Nero or a Cesar – Cap Toe Oxford. Nor does she know why not a Gil – the Wing Tip Oxford?! In other words, the secret code “Oxford not Brogues” needs to be revealed!
* ´Pour les connaisseurs´: the movie “Kingsman – The Secret Service” (2015)
| Before any other explanation, we need to answer the following question: what does Brogue mean? Brogue refers to the perforations that accompany the seams or with which decorative patterns are created on the toe (medallion). |
The more broguing the Oxford has, the more informal it becomes. This means that the "king of shoes" – the black Oxford, plain or with very discreet stitching – is at the highest level of formality and is usually paired with tailcoats, tuxedos, "black-tie", "black suit".
In short: the Cap-Toe and Wholecut models are the most formal, due to their simplicity. However, they are still versatile, being suitable for sober but casual situations, creating discreet and elegant looks with wool blazers, jumpers or casual trousers.
The Oxford Marc is a black wholecut, a minimalist model with a single seam on the heel. The Oxford Cesar or Oxford Nero, in turn, feature a simple stitched toe cap – called Cap Toe.
The Oxford Gill is a Wingtip, meaning its toe cap takes the form of wings with broguing. Its decoration reduces its formality.
| Oxford models in cognac or medium brown, with or without broguing, are suitable for everyday wear with materials such as jeans, cotton, wool, corduroy or tweed. They are ideal for creating casual and contemporary business looks. Nowadays, they are the preferred choice for grooms at casual weddings, with navy blue, beige or grey suits. |
Last but not least, what is an Oxford model and what is its history? Find out in our Style Guide!
The world of men's clothing exerts a certain magnetism, although full of quite rigid etiquette rules. The@SrFato, a guide for Portuguese gentlemen was a happy discovery. In an artistic and humorous way, he helps us decipher this fascinating world. Do as we do and join his community!
