Did I buy the wrong color Norwegian Split Toes?
I've recently taken a lot of advice from Derek Guy's (@dieworkwear) tweets, threads, and posts on Put This On. I've ordered a pair of Norwegian Split Toes from TLB Mallorca but am worried that the color I ordered is too much like the tan shoes he writes men should stop wearing.
I'm replacing a pair of Allen Edmonds Walnut Strands that I bought 10+ years ago and am looking for shoes to wear with chinos or trousers, not with a suit.
The first picture is of the TLB Mallorca shoes I ordered in Hatch Grain Tan. These looked more light brown to me than tan but maybe this was wrong. (https://www.tlbmallorca.com/products/derby-velazquez-hatch-grain-tan-135)
I chose them over the Hatch Grain Dark Brown (pic 2) that I felt were too dark for my taste but I'm now wondering if I should switch. (https://www.tlbmallorca.com/products/derby-velazquez-hatch-grain-dark-brown-135)
I thought if I stick with the lighter ones, I could get a second pair of shoes like the brown suede oxfords (pic 3) but I wonder if this is complicating things. (https://www.tlbmallorca.com/products/oxford-goya-suede-brown-113)
I'm slowly working through your guides and The Springboard Wardrobe as I replace things and level up my style. If I won't be able to wear the first pair of light brown shoes with, say, a navy sport coat, then it seems like it's not a good idea to keep them.
Alternatively, TLB Mallorca does offer "Boxcalf - Brown" but only in the MTO offerings.
What should I do?
The shoes were delivered yesterday and I will be opening them tomorrow to try on.
11 Replies
If I were in your position I would consider the darker split toes and a suede derby I think. A light split toe and a suede Oxford to me a relatively similar levels of formality for a suit or blazer/slacks combo.
To my mind dark brown split toe dresses up quite well (could pull of with a conservative suit), where a suede derby dresses down better (can wear with a blazer and jeans for example).
Bearing in mind this is all pretty niche menswear geekery.
I understand what you mean. I will try on the shoes for fit and if they do fit, I will likely exchange the light split toes for the darker ones. I probably should have done this a week ago when I realized the "mistake" but oh well.
I don't need those suede oxfords. It was a way to cope with the first "mistake".
I recently purchased new pants from Proper Cloth and was looking for new shoes. I rarely wear suits/sport coats so I'm confused about whether this tan/light brown issue even applies here.
I would not consider wearing the split toes with a suit.
As for other shoes that I have.
Quoddy Blucher
Quoddy True Penny
I'm in a little over my head here trying to make everything work in terms of formality, style, and color.
Veja Campo Chromefree Leather White Natural
Red Wings Iron Ranger in Amber Harness Leather
I wear jeans and chinos to work but am trying to bump up the formality/style a bit for work and dining in NYC.
And bought some huaraches and espadrilles today to try with casual summer outfits.
it's perhaps worth taking a cop break and putting fits together with these new purchases - seeing how you feel, what you tend to pair things with, etc.
the advice given by derek and in many of the guides in #fashion-guides is helpful but there's some things that you can only find out by wearing things
@zeometer I understand what you mean. I went from not buying much new clothing for years to buying a lot all at once.
it happens, and i agree it can be overwhelming as you start to figure things out and want to get to a good spot as fast as possible
it's worth taking it slow, so that way you can figure out what you specifically like and how - that will inform your buying choices and fits, which will naturally make you a better dresser since you actually like the stuff you wear
this is a good read, but just looking through #waywt or some of the #brands will help https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/on-the-development-of-personal-style
On the development of personal style
—finding the self through embracing self-expression and cultivating personal style—
Thanks. I'll read this now.