The Definitive Guide to Tuxedo Shoes
When you buy or rent a tuxedo, you quickly learn that there’s more to wearing a tuxedo than the suit itself. You need to consider what accessories you’re going to pair with the tux. What kind of bow tie will you choose? Will you be wearing cufflinks, and if so, what kind? Once you’ve figured out what you’ll wear on and around your tuxedo, you need to figure out one of the most important parts: the shoes. How will you ever choose the right shoes? Here’s a guide:
History of Tuxedo Shoes
Tuxedo shoes originated in the early 19th century as formal footwear worn with tuxedos and formal evening wear. The original tuxedo shoes were black patent leather oxford or pump style shoes. When wearing a tuxedo at that time, the goal was to be as formal as possible.
Over time, tuxedo shoes evolved to include different styles, such as loafers and velvet slippers. Modern tuxedo shoes now come in a variety of materials, including velvet, suede and leather. Design details like embellishments and patterns have also become popular options for tuxedo shoes. Tuxedo shoes are now considered a staple in men's formal wear, with options available for both classic and modern styles.
Types of Tuxedo Shoes
Choosing tuxedo shoes now means choosing a color and type of material, with certain styles appropriate for different occasions. These are the most commonly worn types of tuxedo shoes and idea of where to wear them:
- Oxfords: These traditional formal shoes have a closed lace-up design and a sleek, polished appearance. They are versatile and can be worn for a variety of formal occasions.
- Loafers: These slip-on shoes without laces typically feature a more relaxed and casual style. Consider wearing loafers to semi-formal events or as a more comfortable alternative to traditional tuxedo shoes.
- Velvet slippers: Luxurious and stylish shoes made of velvet material, velvet slippers often feature decorative details like embroidery or tassels. These shoes are a distinctive choice for black-tie events or formal occasions.
How to Choose the Right Tuxedo Shoes
When deciding which shoes to wear with your tuxedo, start with determining the dress code of the event you’re attending. For a black-tie event, you’ll want to go with a formal style like a pair of oxfords or velvet slippers. For a semi-formal or less formal event, try loafers for a more comfortable alternative. Whatever shoe you choose, make sure it’s a great fit. You’ll be walking around in it for at least a few hours, and the last thing you want to be thinking about during a special event is foot pain.
Styling Tuxedo Shoes
Generally, you want your shoes to match your belt, and your belt should pair well with your tuxedo. Even if you’re at a less formal event where you can explore a variety of colors and patterns, make sure your outfit has a solid visual theme. People should see your outfit and get what’s going on without an explanation.
Maintenance and Care of Tuxedo Shoes
Now that you’ve found the perfect tuxedo shoes and dazzled guests at the big event, the next step is taking care of those shoes so you can continue to wear them for years to come. This involves polishing, conditioning and properly storing the shoes. Regular polishing helps to keep the shoes looking sharp. Conditioning prevents the leather from drying out or cracking. Proper storage protects the shoes from damage, such as scuffs, scratches or misshaping.
Here are some tips for storing your tuxedo shoes:
- Wipe off dirt or debris with a damp cloth.
- Insert shoe trees to help them maintain their shape.
- Store them in breathable shoe bags or boxes to keep them away from the elements.
- Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Tuxedo shoes may not be the first thing to come to mind when you’re planning your look, but they can make or break your outfit. The Lapel Project is here to help you find the perfect tuxedo accessories to complete your look. We aim to make men’s fashion accessible, affordable and flexible with high quality bow ties, lapels, loafers and more. Connect with us online to get started.