How to Wear Oxford Shoes
Understanding how to wear Oxford shoes and the best way to style them can help enhance your look. It can also provide a more distinct style, while still making it easy to experiment. However, there are certain rules in place when you want to wear Oxford shoes. Here are some of the best methods you can use to style Oxford shoes, while still being creative!
Ideas for Wearing Oxford Shoes
The following are ideas for how to wear Oxford shoes
Wear Oxford shoes with a matching suit and pants
Matching the color of your Oxford shoes with your pants is a great idea, despite being the traditional approach. It’s also ok to mix and match colors if you want. Black is the best color for this traditional style. However, you can also wear blue with black Oxford shoes. It helps exude your style, while still experimenting and figuring out the best look.
Wear Oxford shoes with Chinos
Over the past decade, chinos have become very popular thanks to their comfort. There are plenty of colors you can go for, but maroon and black are still ideal. It’s important to not go for the very complex colors, and instead tone things down. In doing so, you will maintain a business/professional look, while maintaining the dapper style you want to go for.
Combine them with jeans
Another simpler approach would be to wear Oxford shoes with jeans. If you go this route, a recommended option is to check out the Oxford boots rather than regular shoes. The reason for that is you get to improve your outfit and enhance it in a creative way, while still having plenty of control. Another great idea here is to have darker jeans and brown Oxford shoes. It will give a very modern style and look, without being very expensive.
A formal look
If you need to go to a formal occasion, Oxford shoes can be a solid pick. You want to style them with a navy or gray suit, and for the Oxford shoe color, you want to go with brown. However, you can experiment with different colors that help exude your personality.
Smart casual style
A lot of the time, Oxford shoes are known for being formal and suitable as dress shoes. These days though, you can still get by with a combination of casual pants and shirts along with your Oxford shoes. With that in mind, darker tones are always more appropriate. However, it’s possible to have darker Oxfords and more colorful blazers or pants, if you want to add a slight touch of color.
Wear your Oxford shoes without socks
It’s a more controversial take, because wearing any shoes without socks can end up shortening their lifespan. It’s ok to follow such trends, but remember that Oxford shoes are more ideal in a professional setting. Wearing them with socks is always the best option!
They should be Goodyear-welted
The Goodyear welting method is very helpful because it allows for resoling, which increases the lifespan of your shoes. Additionally, it enhances the shoe’s water resistance. Moreover, Oxford shoes have heels that add height, further improving their overall appeal.
They have a closed lacing system
Oxfords have a closed lacing system. In this case, you have 2 halves that are pulled together and the laces join at the bottom. While you can try to use other types of lacing systems, a closed system is ideal and it helps bring a cohesive look to your shoes.
Go for pants that have a straight leg cut
The reason why these pants are great is because they will always maintain a very polished, clean look. The pleated pants can also be a good fit for any Oxford shoes, but make sure they have a shallower, non-imposing tone.
A very important consideration here is to never wear Oxford shoes with ripped jeans or shorts. While it can be ok to have more of a casual look with these shoes, they are not meant for a completely casual look and style. Instead, Oxford shoes are ideal for the office setting or a more serious workplace.
Wear Oxford shoes with an oversized coat
What’s amazing about Oxford shoes is they can be worn during any season. They are particularly good during the wintertime. It’s a great idea to build upon that and start wearing them with a large, oversized coat and some gray pants. Sticking with black Oxford shoes is always a great idea, because it offers a nuanced style, along with a very cohesive and immersive look. It’s also helpful if you use accessories like sunglasses or a watch to fully complete this look.
Layer our outfit
If you plan on wearing Oxford shoes, you can go for a multi-layered outfit. In this case, you can have a scarf, along with a jumper and a wooden coat. Despite being more of a street-focused style, it’s still visually imposing, while also maintaining a very high degree of comfort. Scarves are also ideal here, because they deliver a cohesive look and style.
What type of Oxford shoes should you wear?
- Cap-toe Oxfords are known for having an extra leather piece on the toe, and they can be great for a casual look. They match a dark gray or charcoal suit.
- One-piece Oxfords are made using a single piece of leather. These shoes also have a unique closed lacing system.
- Plain-toe Oxford shoes have a no-toe or plain-toe cap, and they are ideal for a more formal setting.
- Wingtip Oxford shoes have an embellished toe cap in the form of an M. They are ideal for a semi-formal look that’s fully customizable.
The ideal colors you should choose for your Oxford shoes
If you plan on wearing Oxford shoes, it’s always very important to mix and match colors. That’s a major part of knowing how to wear Oxford shoes, and it can deliver exceptional results. Here are the primary Oxford shoe colors you should focus on:
- Brown Oxford shoes are emblematic, they make your look feel cohesive and expensive. They are the ideal option when you’re wearing a formal suit.
- Tan colors are also great for Oxford shoes because they are prominent and simple. You can go for light or dark tan colors, so there’s plenty of variety to be had.
- Black is a classic option, but some consider it the best one especially if you’re in a more professional setting. You get to have a very polished, complex and timeless look.
Styling your Oxford shoes can be difficult if you’re not sure what to wear and how it will look. But the great benefit brought by Oxford shoes is they are timeless, high quality and versatile. Although Oxford shoes are great for a formal/office look, they are also a good pick if you want a casual or semi-casual look.
It’s very important to learn how to mix and match colors when you wear Oxford shoes. These shoes are not meant to have vibrant colors, but you can add that spark of color through your clothes and accessories. Experiment with different clothing options and Oxford shoes, and you won’t have a problem finding the perfect match!
The Oxford Shoes Recommended;
- Alligator Wingtip Brogue Lace-up Oxford Formal Business Shoes($890)
- Alligator Oxfords Modern Lace-up Leather Lined Dress Shoes($930)
- Handcrafted Alligator Leather Oxford Dress Shoes Goodyear Welt($930)
- Modern Alligator Skin Lace Up Oxford Shoes ($930)
- Classic Alligator Leather Wholecut Oxfords Shoes Dress Shoes($930)