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.
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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.
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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.
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Veja Campo Chromefree Leather White Natural
Red Wings Iron Ranger in Amber Harness Leather
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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.
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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.