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. The design was initially a plain shoe made of leather, but over the years the style has evolved significantly and now includes a broad range of fabrics, detailing and varying styles suitable for both smart casual and formal wear.

Brown Oxfords

Brown leather Oxfords are the perfect option when paired with a grey, dark brown or navy suit. Rather than wearing black, a brown Oxford is far more striking when paired with these colours and you will visually stand out.

Formal

Thanks to their polished appearance, Oxford shoes are perfect for formal occasions and functions. They complement suits perfectly and provide outfits with a dapper touch. To achieve a seriously sophisticated look with Oxfords, be sure to 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 that are wide.

Smart Casual

Oxfords can also work for a variety of smart casual events, such as lunches, parties, and more. To pull off such a look with Oxfords, start by finding the perfect pair of pants. As Oxfords are quite formal, they require a somewhat 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 that is comfortable yet chic on top.