Rules Every Man Should Know Before Wearing Oxford Shoes

If a suit makes a man, it’s the shoes that make a suit. And, unless you’re going ultra formal with the Derbys, your next best option (or better yet your absolute best option) has to be an Oxford.

Now, while many believe that simply slipping on a comfy pair of leather kicks is more than enough to make the outfit pop – we tend to disagree.

We firmly believe that there are some unwritten rules that need to be followed in order for any man to look dapper. Here are eight of them.

1. Wear Them With Pants That Fit Well

Picture this. You’re wearing a pair of top-notch Oxfords you’ve paid a fortune for and you decide it would be a good idea to rock them with a pair of baggy, oversized jeans that drag along the ground. Not a good look, right?

On the other hand, you could be wearing the same shoes but this time with well-fitted, preferably lightly dressy, wool pants that come just above the ankle. Now, that’s a dapper look!

The moral of the story is that you should never, ever pair your Oxfords with ill-fitting jeans. Instead, go for slacks or chinos that are slim but not too skin-tight.

2. Make Sure Your Socks Are Visible

We understand the urge to show some skin and go with the invisible socks, but please, for the love of god, save that look for loafers. There’s nothing that screams fashion no-no more than a naked ankle and a pair of Oxfords.

In order to avoid this fashion disaster, make sure your socks are long enough so that they’re visible when you sit down. This way you’ll not only look great but also keep your feet warm and cozy.

You can choose all kinds of colors, patterns, or even prints depending on the occasion, but we suggest you stick to more classic and subdued designs most of the time.

3. Always Have Two Pairs

Not that you need a spare pair, but if you ask us – it’s always better to have these dressy shoes in two colors – black and brown.

Having these two on hand allows you to, not only change up your look but also pair them with different colored pants and socks.

Not to mention that it will save you a lot of time when getting ready for an important meeting or a date, as you won’t have to think about which shoes to wear. Now, there are some color-matching rules you will have to follow, but we’ll touch on those in a bit.

4. Always Buy Quality Pairs

Not everyone has a fat wad of cash burning a hole in their pant pocket, but still, skimping when buying Oxfords is definitely not something you should do. Now, with that in mind, we’re not saying that you should spend a fortune on designer shoes, but rather focus on quality over quantity.

It’s better to have two pairs of well-made and comfortable shoes that will last you for years than a closet full of cheap and flimsy ones, only to say you have every hue and shade of black, brown and oxblood available.

Instead, just save yourself some time and money and check out https://www.brunomarcshoes.com/collections/oxfords.

5. Learn How To Match Colours

Remember those color-matching rules we mentioned? Well, they’re fairly straightforward.

Black shoes go with a black or charcoal suit. That’s it. You could wear them with a brown suit, also, but we prefer to keep the earthy tones together. They just work better.

On the same note, brown shoes go with a brown, blue or navy suit. That’s how you work those colors and make your whole outfit pop. Now, we could go into detail on how each hue and tone of brown interacts with the rest of your suit, but we don’t want to overwhelm you and have you think you have to buy eleven pairs of shoes just to match “properly”. Just stick to the basics.

Finally, oxblood shoes, in our opinion, are reserved for charcoal suits. Sometimes blue. But mostly charcoal.

So, if you want to wear your brand-new oxfords, make sure you do it by following this simple guide.

6. Brogues Aren’t Formal Enough

While we understand that the ornate nature of brogues is more than appealing to most chaps out there, there’s no denying that if you’re going for a more formal look, these shoes just won’t cut it.

So, unless you’re planning on hitting the golf course or going for a nice walk in the park or out on a date with a spicy senorita, leave the brogues at home and opt for a more sophisticated pair of Oxfords.

This includes business meetings, job interviews, weddings, and any other formal occasions where you want to make a good impression.

7. Protect Them From Creases

Even the most expensive and well-made shoes will look like trash if you don’t take care of them properly, so please, make sure you do your due diligence.

After wearing them, stuff them with newspaper or shoe trees and store them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

This will not only help preserve their shape but also keep the leather supple and looking its best.

Once again, while we understand the appeal of a rugged look, keep that vibe for your Chelseas.

When it comes to Oxfords, what you’re going for is sharp, sleek and stylish. Triple S.

8. Always Polish Before Wearing

Finally, nothing says I don’t care or know what I’m doing than a pair of shoes that look like they’ve been dragged behind a car for a couple of miles.

So, before wearing them, make sure you give them a good shine. Not only will this make your shoes look amazing but it will also help protect the leather and keep them in tip-top condition for years to come.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our quick guide on how to wear Oxfords the right way.Just remember, these shoes are versatile, stylish and comfortable, so maybe don’t take all of this too seriously and just have fun with them. After all, fashion is all about expressing yourself, so don’t be afraid to experiment!