Is it fine to wear calfskin in lieu of patent leather for black tie?
I am going to a black-tie event in about a month. I've got a pair of plain-toe Oxfords, but they aren't patent leather.
As much as I'd like to have patent leather pumps, ot seems like a lot of money for something I would seldom wear. Then again, the same is truebfor my tuxedo and dinner shirt, so why not have the shoes?
15 Replies
I recently faced this dilemma and decided against patent leather. Went with a wholecut oxford instead. I think, if you wanted to stay close to convention, as long as the shoes aren't bluchers you'll be fine
It depends on the crowd, IMO. If you're going to a Manhattan wedding, no one will care if you're wearing calfskin oxfords. If you're going to the Third Baron of Winchester's annual fundraiser for psoriases in Chensworth Castle, then idk maybe?
Just polish the oxfords before the event
Mirror polish, it’ll look the same.
Any guides on mirror polish?
https://youtu.be/ca6zo8WOy-M?si=ID4WFsAzMr8X6YxY this’ll usually work if the leather isn’t waxy or anything
Tring Shoe Repairs
YouTube
How to polish shoes | mirror shine | Quickest way | Cobbler secret...
Here's a tutorial on how to mirror shine your shoes when you're short on time. Thanks for checking out the video, here's my secret way to polish shoes, to achieve a mirror shine really quickly and easily, Dan.
I just had this same debate, ended up going for some black wholecut oxfords in regular leather as well, though in retrospect I kind of wish I'd gone for a plain toe (1% less formal but much more versatile). If it's a wedding or a gala I think your plain toes are likely A-OK as long as they're polished as said above
Yah plain toe is just a better looking shoe imo
re: cap vs plain toe, same thought. I went for these, which I think will be fine with a tux or a suit
If you don't want to figure out how to shine them yourself, can just bring them to a cobbler to do it too
Would I need a wax for a high-shine as opposed to cream polish?
@ll.beansandrice if you don't mind answering
Yes
Resident shoe care expert lol
But tbh you can prolly get away with just making sure they’re nice and freshly cleaned and polished
I haven’t read the thread beyond the title