"Relaxed" Replacement For Black Oxford Shoes

Since dress codes have relaxed significantly nowadays, I actually wonder, does the black oxford shoe still has a place on an everyman's wardrobe? Or is there a "new" replacement for it. Pondered about it since people barely wear suits and most formal gatherings that I've been into, some form of brown derby shoe seems to dominate the event.
6 Replies
awburkey
awburkey3mo ago
It’s more that dress codes have become more context specific. Most people don’t need oxfords but also the list of things that are “essential” is just way smaller Dark brown derbies or bluchers would be a safe bet but I also don’t own either of those and it’s certainly not an essential item
Benji
Benji3mo ago
If you go to #fashion-discussion Ethan posted a really great shoe guide
zeometer
zeometer3mo ago
basically what beans said. that said it's not like people have just completely stopped wearing oxfords (especially in conservative workplaces). if you enjoy wearing them keep wearing them; i don't think shoe choice alone is going to alienate you 👍
RedMurder
RedMurder3mo ago
Appreciate this! It actually reminds me of a quote that I saw somewhere that says "The most versatile piece of clothing is the one that you always like to wear" Will check it out now. Big fan of Ethan as well! Good point! Next question would be, just like how a fabric's weave would determine its breathability (for the most part anyway), would an Oxford shoe's last determine its formality or is it gonna be a hard Oxford = formal? I think I've seen chunky-looking Oxfords somewhere.
awburkey
awburkey3mo ago
Except in extreme cases the last doesn’t determine formality at all Plenty of brands will call shoes that aren’t Oxfords oxfords tho
RedMurder
RedMurder3mo ago
coughs Red Wing Oxfords coughs