Lace-up Shoes with White Tie?

[George A.Bailey]

Understanding the impossibility in the modern world to purchase traditional mens evening pumps (or at least at a price affordable to the average middle-class chap), I have unfortunately being reduced to wearing my lace-up Oxfords with White Tie attire.

I would feel more comfortable knowing that this choice of footwear for full-dress isn't a modern innovation, and rather a semi-acceptable style that originated a good number of years ago (hopefully before the 50's...).

Anyone have any knowledge?

 

[ssfilez]

It is acceptable to do some experiments, George A.Bailey. It would have been nice if you uploaded a photo of two of your attire so we could pitch in some ideas. I was trying to picture out your description and I think it is fine, in my opinion. If you think you can confidently carry yourself wearing your planned outfit then nothing can go wrong.

 

[Charlie Huang]

It is acceptable. That is all.

(as long as it isn't derby style lacing...)

 

[Guttersnipe]

I know I've occasionally seen period pictures or catalog illustrations of rather distinguished looking types wearing lace ups with tails, but I know in England the rules governing formal wear are (and always have been) rather more rigid than in the States. I personally don't like slip-on shoes in general, so pumps are something I don't wear. White tie or not I just can't take myself in patent leather shoes with a bow on 'em!

 

[dhermann1]

Please, sir, what is derby style lacing?

 

[Charlie Huang]

Derbies:

Oxfords:

 

[Charlie Huang]

Also, other styles of shoes suitable for black/white tie include these:

 

[Hap Hapablap]

In case anyone IS looking for reasonably-priced Opera Pumps, I got mine from Brooks Bros. during their Semi-Annual Sale (or whatever it is) and they were SUBSTANTIALLY marked down, at least $200 less than retail.

 

[Qirrel]

http://www.bowhillandelliott.co.uk/Asp/ShowDetail.asp?ProductId=90

Not *that* expensive, are they?

 

[Charlie Huang]

http://www.broadlandslippers.co.uk/handmade-evening-pumps.html

The cheapest place for opera pumps I have found (I have a pair myself, they are made to order). If you order from them I advise you to give your foot measurements in cm to ensure a good fit.

 

[dhermann1]

Does anyone make those button top style shoes any more? They were pretty visible in that picture from about 1924 that I posted a while back. Also, what is that style 16K07 in the image? Is that a lace up oxford?

 

[brspiritus]

Pardon my ignorance but wouldn't wearing a pair of spats cover the laces?

 

[Charlie Huang]

Does anyone make those button top style shoes any more? They were pretty visible in that picture from about 1924 that I posted a while back. Also, what is that style 16K07 in the image? Is that a lace up oxford?

They only make them bespoke (from the shoemakers) or to order (from that Japanese site but only day dress ones). You can probably find a vintage pair but they are as rare as hens teeth...

The correct galosh would be black or midnight blue silk or black, midnight blue or dark grey wool/suede. Buttons should be covered silk or flat/domed horn. I think in this case the leather must be patent to distingush them from day dress button boots.

16K07 is a lace-up oxford with flat silk ribbon laces.

Pardon my ignorance but wouldn't wearing a pair of spats cover the laces?

You should not wear spats over evening shoes as they are day wear. Button boots with galosh tops (that are a part of the shoe) are a different beast altogether.

 

[JonF]

Slip-ons?

[Edit: Just noticed I'd revived an ancient thread here. Sorry!]

Hello Gents,

I have a question relating to this topic. The basics - I'm going to a white tie event in the UK, but am currently in Vienna and am looking for suitable shoes here. Now this is in general a pretty good place for quality menswear, but the paradigms seem to differ a little.

I found a pair of patent leather slip-on shoes - very nice and simple and unadorned, as white tie shoes should be - and I have to say I like them quite a lot. I can't imagine what patent leather shoes would be good for if not white tie (as these are certainly not sport dancing shoes), but I've never heard of slip-on shoes being acceptable for white tie.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Cheers,

Jon