Shoes for a black suit
I sense that Allen Edmonds is no longer the move. Is there a recommendation for a nice pair of shoes around $150 or under? I'm okay getting them from Nordstrom Rack or some such place.
52 Replies
$150 is kind of an awkward budget because it's just below what entry level "good shoes" cost new. On the other hand, it's plenty to get a decent pair of shoes used on eBay.
I'd be happy to receive your recommendation for the sort of shoes you're thinking about. $150 was a relatively arbitrary number
Meermin do a black cap toe Oxford for $195
I think Becket Simonon are just over $200
Thank you
I have the Meermin cap toe oxford. It's nice, but does need to be broken in.
Allen Edmonds regularly go for $50-75 on ebay. Get some black oxfords like the Park Aves or Fifth Aves and you'll be good
I know a lot has been made of Allen Edmonds QC issues, but they're still not bad. Full retail is a lot for them, but on the frequent deep discounts they have or on ebay as GSH recommends, they're perfectly fine
You can get some nice shoe trees from Nordstrom rack!
Sorry to go off top but do you have a specific reason for a black suit?
Yes, it's for my daughter's bat mitzvah first and foremost. Second, at this moment, my only suit is blue and I think it's time for another. I want something classic and versatile and figure black is the way to go. I've been to suitsupply today
I recommend charcoal or dark grey over black if you want something classic and versatile.
I'm not sure what shade of blue your current suit is but navy is also highly recommended for a suit
This is the jacket I picked: https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/jackets/black-havana-blazer/C2148.html
Black Havana Blazer in Pure 4-Ply Traveller Wool | SUITSUPPLY US
Shop the Black Havana Blazer in Pure 4-Ply Traveller Wool at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
and these are the trousers: https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/trousers/black-pleated-vigo-pants/B2148.html
Black Pleated Vigo Pants in Pure 4-Ply Traveller Wool | SUITSU...
Shop the Black Pleated Vigo Pants in Pure 4-Ply Traveller Wool at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
I second the recommendation for charcoal, if you don't want blue.
So something like this? https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/suits/dark-grey-perennial-havana-suit/P8335.html
Dark Grey Perennial Havana Suit in Pure Wool | SUITSUPPLY US
Shop the Dark Grey Perennial Havana Suit in Pure Wool at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
And for education/curiousities sake, why not black?
In the English speaking world black is usually reserved for funerals, uniforms or tuxedos
The SuitSupply salesperson came back with a dark brown suggestion. Either this: https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/suits/dark-brown-three-piece-havana-suit/P7623-S.html or this: https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/suits/dark-brown-havana-suit/P6404.html
Dark Brown Three-Piece Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen | SUITSU...
Shop the Dark Brown Three-Piece Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
Dark Brown Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen | SUITSUPPLY US
Shop the Dark Brown Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
Though I am starting to get the impression she is mostly concerned with selling me something expensive. Could this be an option? https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/suits/dark-brown-havana-suit/P6404.html
Dark Brown Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen | SUITSUPPLY US
Shop the Dark Brown Havana Suit in Wool Silk Linen at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
She also said that dark grey or charcoal is usually for business
Dark gray and charcoal are perfectly fine for events like weddings or a bat mitzvah. It is a bit less festive than a lighter colored suit or one with texture like the linen one - (how festive you want to be is your personal preference)
FWIW sales associates often don't give you good fashion advice, they just want to sell you things. Suitsupply is known to try shoving people into off trend suits so I wouldn't bother much with what they have to say
What climate/season will the bat mitzvah be in?
Probably want to pick something more versatile and better for a suit than wool silk linen
You mentioned you wanted something versatile, and it's hard to get something more versatile than charcoal - it works for weddings, cocktail events, interviews, and funerals
I really appreciate all of this information. I live in Florida. The event will be in early April at a rooftop space that is indoor and outdoor with dancing outside.
I expect temp to be between 75-80 F
You might run slightly hot in a wool suit at those temps, tropical wool or fresco can be good for the heat as can linen, though, depending on the blend, linen may add texture to your suit which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences and how versatile you want this suit to be
But if you're used to wearing a wool suit in those temps though, a plain charcoal wool suit is a sure bet
You could always lose the jacket to go dancing, of course
Thank you. The context is that I’m using the event to justify a new suit. I would estimate that I wear a suit 3-4x a year and I have the dark blue. I expect to wear whatever suit I purchase for my second daughter’s event as well. I don’t anticipate ever going on an interview again and probably not many weddings on the horizon though maybe a funeral or two. I suppose I’ll buy a new suit if/when they get married. Does the dark grey suit linked above look good? Should I be looking somewhere other than suit supply?
It looks p good tho it depends what you're looking for in a suit. I personally wouldn't go for that one as is as I find it too slim
Got it. Thoughts on this one? Is it egregiously bad? I think I like the idea of checked because it a little more unique
Think you forgot to send the link?
I think at your price point, Spier and Mackay is worth looking at
Dark Grey Checked Havana Suit in Pure S110's Wool | SUITSUPPLY...
Shop the Dark Grey Checked Havana Suit in Pure S110's Wool at Suitsupply. Enjoy FREE delivery and returns on all orders.
At the $700 price bracket I'd check if Brooks Brothers has a deal or sale for something you like
Did some quick research and noticed there's a store called supply & advise in Miami. They have one ring jacket suit on their website on sale for $770 in sz 54 but it's worth calling them up and seeing if they have more stock than on their website
Todd Snyder has a store in the Miami metro (oddly enough last I asked their sale selection is only online but still good for trying on).
This store seems worth a look especially if they have something off the rack (be careful with MTM)
I'm not sure if what they'll have will be too different a cut from suitsupply however...
Thanks so much. I’m in Tampa, about a 4 1/2 hour drive from Miami and don’t think I’m super motivated to drive down for a suit
Oh I thought you were in Miami!
Kirbys Mens Wear - Tampa
Apparel & Accessories — Kirbys Mens Wear - Tampa
Whether your look is refined, casual, trendy, quietly elegant or a combination, we have the right apparel and accessories to meet your preferences and needs. Our complete collection has been chosen to withstand the test of time and meet the rigors of real life.
Here's a store in Tampa
As GSH said, would take a look at spier & mackay. It's a bit frustrating they are only online unless you're in Ontario but they have free returns for the first suit you order.
Appreciate it. Spier & Mackay looks quite compelling and I’m feeling like a bit of a sucker regarding SuitSupply in hindsight.
SuitSupply you can visit in person. That's very important!
Spier & MacKay you have to take your changes, unless you live in Toronto.
So something like the Charcoal Sharkskin suit from Spier & Mackay would be a good choice? I wear a 42S jacket and looks like it is only available in the contemporary fit
eBay
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Black Oxford Cap Toe Size 9 B Leather Men...
Elevate your formal look with these Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Black Oxford Cap Toe Dress Shoes for Men. Crafted from high-quality leather, these shoes exude class and sophistication. With a sleek black color and cap toe design, you'll look sharp no matter the occasion. Very good condition.C0004
Is this the S&M suit that seems to best fit recommendations? https://www.spierandmackay.com/product/charcoal-sharkskin-8803-ns01-nt01
Charcoal Sharkskin | SPIER & MACKAY
Spier & Mackay
or something like this? https://www.spierandmackay.com/product/charcoal---neo-cut-8568-nes1-hr01-fc
Drago - Charcoal - Neo Cut Suit | SPIER & MACKAY
Spier & Mackay
160s is too fine a wool imo!
Sharkskin would work tho it has a sheen fyi
May want to look specifically for a high twist/tropical wool as you are in a warm climate
For the shoes you linked, there's a significant amount of wear on the soles, particularly the heel. The heel definitely needs to be replaced soon, so they're probably due for a full resole. With some patience, you can find a pair in much better shape that are in the same price range
Do you own any shoes from allen edmonds already? With ebay the biggest issue is being sure on the sizing
I do. I have a pair of boots
Allen Edmonds has factory seconds btw (like Park avenues for $210)
Tho keep looking on eBay for a good condition one if you want an even better value
So in a total reversal, after sleeping on it, I’ve decided to stick to what I have. Any recommendations for a nice white dress shirt? Preferably $100 or less
For visibility, you may want to post this as a new thread
👍
Try a four in hand