When it comes to men’s dress shoes, the Oxford reigns supreme. The elegant footwear style has been lending a dapper touch to outfits for centuries and continues to do so today. Perfect for looks ranging from the most formal to smart casual, Oxfords are as versatile as they are timeless. As such, they are an essential staple for all gents, no matter their style. This guide delves deeper into this classic shoe, its many variations, and how you can style it to perfection.
RELATED: How to Wear Brogue Shoes
The History of the Oxford
The Oxford is believed to have originated from the Oxonian Shoe, a “half boot” with side slits that was popular amongst the students of Oxford University in around 1825. However, others claim that Oxfords first appeared in Ireland and Scotland, where they are sometimes called Balmorals after Balmoral Castle.
What are Oxford Shoes?
Closed lacing defines the Oxford. The eyelet tabs are stitched underneath the vamp or the top of the shoe, unlike the open lacing system of the Derby shoe. Initially, the design was a plain shoe made of leather. Still, over the years, the style has evolved significantly and now includes a broad range of fabrics, detailing, and varying styles suitable for smart casual and formal wear.
Oxford Shoes Colors
Brown Oxfords
Brown leather Oxfords are perfect for a grey, dark brown, or navy suit. Rather than wearing black, a brown Oxford is far more striking when paired with these colors, and you will stand out visually.
Tan Oxfords
Tan has become a prominent shade in men’s footwear. Because of its dark and light tones, it is one of the simplest colors to style, as it goes with almost everything. Tan Oxfords are an excellent option for a less formal look and can be worn with denim trousers, bright-colored chinos, and tailored navy pants.
Black Oxfords
No man should be without a pair of black Oxfords in his wardrobe, and it’s the number one color to wear for business. Black Oxfords are quite possibly the most versatile shoes a man can own and can be styled with almost every color for a polished yet conservative look.
When to Wear Oxfords
Formal Attire
Oxford shoes are perfect for formal attire thanks to their polished appearance. They complement suits perfectly and add a dapper touch to outfits. To achieve a seriously sophisticated look with Oxfords, select a black patent leather pair. Also, keep in mind the width of the shoe. As a general rule, slimmer Oxfords appear dressier than those wide.
Smart Casual Attire
Oxfords can also work for smart casual events like lunches, parties, and more. Find the perfect pair of pants to pull off such a look with Oxfords. As Oxfords are quite formal, they require a casual pair of pants to balance their style. In particular, chinos or dressy jeans will work well to achieve the desired aesthetic. Then, complete your look with something comfortable yet chic on top.
Oxford Shoe Outfits
Oxford Shoes with Pants
Oxfords are an excellent footwear choice if you’re wearing suit pants or trousers. Due to their sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, these shoes are the perfect partner for formal outfits. So, this footwear style is ideal whether you’re off to a wedding, cocktail event, dinner, or even work. To nail the look, select the right style and color Oxfords to suit your pants.
Oxford Shoes with Chinos
For a stylish, smart casual look, Oxford shoes and chinos make a fantastic choice. To keep the outfit coordinated, choose basic colors for each piece. For instance, navy, brown, sand, or black chinos can easily suit brown or black Oxfords. On top of that, you have a choice of what you want to wear. For a dressy look, try a long-sleeve button-up. For a relaxed appearance, consider a short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt.
Oxford Shoes with Jeans
Although Oxfords are dress shoes, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them with jeans. Oxford shoes can look seriously stylish with jeans so long as you wear them right. Pay close attention to the color of your shoes and jeans to nail the look. While tan Oxfords can appear smart with blue jeans, brown or black designs can pair better with darker denim, such as indigo or black. Also, to ensure your overall look is appropriate, balance your shoes with a button-up shirt or blazer on top.
Oxford Shoes Outfits FAQs
What is the difference between oxfords and brogues?
An Oxford is the most formal style of men's dress shoe, featuring closed lacing and a high-shine leather finish. Oxfords and brogues can be the same shoe or can be different. Broguing really refers to the perforated detailing on the shoe rather than the physical style. As such, you can get an Oxford shoe that is a brogue because of the added detail.
How can you tell oxford shoes?
The defining feature of an Oxford shoe in the closed lacing panel. This means that the section where the laces are, only opens in the center, not at the bottom – the eyelet tabs are stitched under the vamp. This is what makes them the most formal style of men's dress shoes. Generally, the style is made with a high-shine leather, with a small stacked heel about 1cm high.
Are Oxford shoes good?
Oxford shoes are an excellent investment for any stylish man. They’re classic, refined and are the perfect choice for suits, separates, and tuxedos. Depending on the color and styling, they can also be worn more semi-formally and smart-casually. They may not be as comfortable as sneakers, but beauty is pain when it comes to looking good.
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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