Thanks for watching! What is your favorite pair of shoes for Black Tie? Let us know. If you liked this video, make sure to hit like, subscribe to the channel and turn on Notifications so you very miss our videos.
My go to for black tie is a pair of a Bally of Szitzerland Opera pumps, non patent leather but they shine up nicely. Supremely comfortable and easy to play piano with when I need to perform on stage but they serve me well in a social gathering setting or an evening pageant or concert event I would love a dark forest green pair of formal velvet slippers, in low light they are appear black but when just rich you get a pop of sublte color
I will attend a Black Tie wedding in October of 2018. I plan to wear a pair of black highly polished Santoni cap toe or Allen Edmonds Park Avenue shoes. I’m leaning more towards the Santoni shoes which to me appear a little more elegant than the Park Avenue shoes. Thanks for your videos - they are always helpful no matter the subject.
Never seen seamless wholecut oxfords before. How on earth do they make them? imo that is the most elegant pair in your formal collection. I'd kill for a pair
@@sackwhacker wow. 4 yrs later and a two year old son. Those shoes were icing on the cake. Made an evening elegant and enjoyable to the max. Been on a serious road of quality shoes ever since. Carmina, Gaziano and Girling, Alden, Todd’s, JFitzpatrick etc. Thanks for the wonderful follow up.
Interestingly, there is a circumstance in which brogues are completely appropriate for black tie, although I doubt many people in the US (where I assume the largest portion of your viewers reside) will find it relevant - the Scottish Highland dress equivalent of black tie calls for gillie brogues - these look very different to most shoes, and lack the tongue as well, and would look absurd worn with normal Western clothing. But... if anyone is desperate to wear brogues to a black tie event and they have a bit of Scottish blood in them...
Definitely advanced, I think explaining it properly would require a whole series of videos on alternative national forms of formal dress after black tie, white tie, morning dress and more casual alternatives are covered. ;)
@@kirbyallison by that reasoning wouldn't A balmoral boot with or without a quarter brogue also be reasonable for black tie? The balmoral boot preceeded the oxford by many year. It's both more tradition and more historic in formal day wear and nightwear settings. It was also invented specifically to be worn at balmoral castle in scottland by Prince Robert. While I'm certain a cap toe or plain toe variant would be acceptable in black tie, the quart brogue should also be acceptable as a Scottsman as it is a middle ground between the advanced broguing and "frills" of a gillie, and a traditional black tie. The heritage and history are all there to make it an acceptable choice.
Thank you, as always a great video! I like that you mentioned mirror shined calfskin shoes as a perfectly appropriate option - many insist on patent leather! For Viennese balls, derbies are worn for dancing. Do you think that normal black derbies (with leather soles and no broguing) would be a good option for white tie in this circumstance, when they are mirror shined and paired with silk laces? Or does the formality of white tie indeed require patent leather? After all, this video was about black tie. Thanks in advance!
I'm planning on buying a pair of Allen Edmunds Carlyle plain toe oxfords for black tie. I'm not a fan of patent leather, and I suspect I can use them for cocktail and more formal business wear.
I just wanted to compliment you on such quality videos. You bring a very interesting dynamic to the table and it is very refreshing. But I wanted to also at the same time challenge you by asking if possible, would you be able to give better insight on to what to do in the event that you’re completely dressed up and you somehow get a stain on your suit or pants? What is the best course of action when? Should you use club soda to blot out the stain or do you have any other recommendations for detergent when it comes to washing, to prevent ruining your outfit?
Two questions: 1. Do my eyes deceive me, or are the facings on your dinner jacket grosgrain (my preferred facing)? If so, would you still wear satin laces? 2. Did enjoying formal wear inspire you to want to go to opening night at the Lyric Opera? Fun story: my wife and I went to opening night at the opera a year or two ago because it was when we were in the city that weekend and the opera was a rarely performed opera that was the first opera I went to see when I was a freshman in college--a sentimental journey for me. We quickly realized that we needed to up our opening night opera-wear game a bit next time... Still had a great time at the opera, but we won't make the same mistake this fall at opening night...
For about 4/5 years, I'd been wearing a pair of black derby brogues to around 200 black tie events. I'm a photographer and have attended many events at the top London hotels in Park Lane. No one says anything, but it's a subtle item of clothing that makes a huge difference. Once I realised, I felt quite embarrassed about it. I have seen people turn up wearing tan coloured brogues, I can only imagine they forgot to take an appropriate pair to work at change into.
That's interesting. You have to see a pretty wide range of attire at these events. Derbys are nice, but the least-formal of all the appropriate black tie footwear. I'm curious what the story is about how they made it into black tie... I speculate that it might be because the open laces are the most accommodating of a wide range of feet.
I have seen a lot of people wearing black velvet slippers to black tie events, some with designs on the toe. I think it does not look good, but if you could comment on that, possibly in another video, it would be a goof topic. Thank you
I probably won't go to any proper black tie events but thanks for the very informative video. Now I know where I stand, no pun intended! I have an excellent pair of newer black cap toe oxfords and a pair of the 3 eyelet blucher derby shoes in patent leather. Would it be appropriate to put the wider, satin laces on those?
Hi Kirby, I've have just watched your video with regards to black tie event and found it very informative. I was wondering if you can help me with my problem ? I am giving my daughter away next year at her wedding and as all dads I want to be perfect on the day from my speech to my suite to my shoes etc. Can you point me in the right direction with regards what style blue/grey shoe should I wear with my blue/grey suit. Your help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you from Michael in the uk.
Hi Kirby, thanks for the video. I have question regarding sizing of the opera pump. How snug should the shoe fit? Should I be able to snugly fit one finger or no?
Hi Kirby, I'm getting ready for New Years Eve. I have very few opportunities to wear a black tie attire, so I haven't planned on buying a pair of gorgeous opera pumps nor patent leather shoes yet. Instead I'd opt to wear my pair of calfskin cap toe oxford, obviosly mirror-shined. Here's the question: Is it appropriate to replace their laces with a pair of satin laces, or it is just a patent leather shoes thing? thanks in advance and congratulations for the great videos
Opera pumps are more appropriate for "White Tie". Black tie which is far more informal, I find only requires a patent leather or mirror shined Oxford. Not sure where in the USA you hail from, but in my area, Black tie is nowhere near considered as formal as you make it sound. Nevertheless your recommendations are good. I would enjoy hearing your descriptions for White Tie.
The Hanger Project Outside NYC and Philadelphia. There are still White tie events or organizations that use them around there. White tie is the most formal followed by black tie. Depends who's hosting the event of course but white tie is still very common at the symphony and opera especially on opening night.
In the UK, opera pumps are worn with black tie (the Prince of Wales often does so with black silk socks of course) but I agree they are more usual for white tie. I have also seen velvet Grecian slippers worn with black tie, sometimes with a crest or bow, but I think they look better with a smoking jacket.
What about the cowboy boots for the region variant the "Texas Tuxedo?" I know you've seen it, dark rinse wranglers substituted for wool tux trousers , so of course pair w your trusty black shined Justins 😉
My choice would be to get a plain toe patent Oxford but having trouble finding this where I am. Here are my three options. 1.) patent cap toe oxford - think cap toe is too informal 2.) patent plain toe blucher - open laces are less formal but I think the plain toe is more formal than the cap toe of the oxford 3.) patent slipper/loafer with satin band (similar to Jimmy Choo - John slipper) - looks like a modern opera shoe but without the bow and not so cut out around the top of the foot. Of the three which one would you recommend? Thanks
Question about opera pumps. I found a company that makes opera pump in Scottish plaids, so the question is, if I were to get them, what would I wear them with?
Inserting choices, but don't agree that the shoes need automatically to be black and plain. My favourite shoes to wear with either a traditional black dinner suit or a white tuxedo are black and white patent co respondent shoes. They match perfectly with my 1940's style double brested dinner suits and bring that little bit of the "spiv" to the outfit.
Lovely video however the derby is technically not allowed for Black Tie as they are too casual. Some might say they go with modern BT but the other ones are better. Even the cap toe is ok since its called: the poor mans evening shoe. Except the derby, GC captoe, and the GC wholecut, you could the wear these shoes with White Tie. Great video. Hope this helped. :)
I wear black western-style boots that look like patent leather for dress, very common in rural Utah where I live. I shine them by applying two coats of either Kiwi or Lincoln polish with my fingers until there is plenty of friction and there is gloss showing. Next I apply Kiwi leather lotion, again with my fingers until they start looking glossy. This boot is set aside to dry while I do the same with the second boot. While the second boot is drying, I spray a mist of water onto the first one and brush vigorously until good and glossy. I then apply a thin coat of black polish with my fingers until there is too much friction and I see some gloss. I mist the boot with water and buff vigorously with an old wadded up pantyhose to a mirror finish, misting again if needed. I then repeat with a thin coat of neutral for a spit shine look, again misting and buffing vigorously with the pantyhose. This is repeated with the second boot. Whether for black tie or any other events, this is the only way to shine boots or shoes. P. S. I served with the 82nd Airborne Division Band from November 1971 to January 1973, and I am still an All-American. AIRBORNE!
My shoe problem is that as I have one leg shorter than the other by about 2 inches and therefore have to wear a built up shoe, finding a decent shoe to wear is very awkward as the inserted piece usually weighs more than the shoe. The shoes that you have on the table are totally unsuitable for me. I normally wear a plain black shoe without brogue or toe caps. Is there another shoe type I can wear?
Questions:Which are most comfortable?do men find lace up most comfortable because it's adjustable,or prefer to go without laces? Fit and width of shoes? Padding and height? International shoe styling such as Italian, Brazilian etc. preferences? 2, Do you get get questions as to vegan leather/natural alt. for black tie formal? 3, Would you still wear black with a grey tux?
Dear Kirby Allison, I find it near impossible to find a company that makes women’s dress shoes. Do you know of any companies that make oxfords (or other dress shoes) for women, not brogues or high-heeled, just smaller and fitted for women? Thank you.
Hi Kirby, I would be wearing black Tux in my wedding very similar to the one you are wearing in this video. I bought Jerani of Aldo and wanted to know if it would be a good pair to wear on this occasion. I could not attach the picture of the shoe but it goes by name JERANI on Aldo website. Can you please let me know if this would be appropriate or not and I would be forever grateful to you. Thank you
Hello Mr. Allison. I'm from a small town and have never been invited to a gathering as formal as to require a tuxedo or something like that but I have found a very cheap tuxedo and thought it'd be fun to get it. Would I be able to pull off a pair of black toe cap oxfords from AE (I'm really good at shining shoes;) )?
Two questions with regards to black-tie. First, would it be considered extra formal if the cap toe oxfords would have satin laces? Lastly, are full gold cufflinks acceptable?
The satin laces dress up the shoes a bit, nice t particularly extra formal but a nice detail. Gold or silver cufflinks are acceptable just match the metals meaning the watch metal to the cufflinks
I understood that morning dress was always more formal than black tie, being defined as formal in the traditional sense versus the black tie semi-formal. Morning dress is certainly regarded as more formal here in the UK.
I would prefer to wear a pair of black plain toe oxfords in calf skin with satin laces. I do own a pair of cheap patent leather ones, sadly with a rubber sole but I'll still put satin laces on it. :)
Carl J. Locsin Those are a pair of our Hanger Project Ebony Shoe Trees. Available on the website, although we don’t have a ton of sizes at the moment. Having more made.
What about dress boots. I wear US size 14 EEE and find other than bespoke shoes almost impossible to find and just don’t have the income to purchase bespoke shoes.
@@kirbyallisonI plan on wearing Carmina black wholecut cordovan oxfords to my black tie optional wedding. I was hoping to hear a more assuring answer than this😂. If you were me, would you then dress them up more with a high polish on the cap, or add satin laces?
The Hanger Project, I have a theory that if the shoe wasn't called an Opera pump then more men would wear them. I also think it's popular culture's fault because they present an image of the only shoes men should wear are oxfords and other laced shoes, I believe men should be able to wear loafers if it fits their own personal style. I wondered if you agree, Kirby. I would like to see the socks you wore without shoes on your feet, is that possible?
I would leave pumps strictly to white tie, and patent leather tie-ups to black tie. Any other shoes appear “off.” With formal wear it’s patent or nothing.
Back in the day, everybody of a certain class wore dinner jackets for dinner parties at home. Black tie provides the perfect backdrop for the ladies' gowns to shine. it was "everyday" wear for dining at home with guests. The practice disappeared with servants and now black tie is considered the height of formality, which would amuse men of a certain generation were they to time-travel to today. Only the host has the privilege of wearing colored velvet slippers in those situations, since only he wouldn't have been outside. As I understand it.
While I love my Opera pumps with Black tie, I find them to be too informal with White tie. With White tie, a patent leather Oxford sets the right tone and has the formality necessary to compliment the White tie and tails.
Umbrax It would be the last pair on earth I’d wear, but it fits the general rules and is probably the most commonly-available shoe here in the United States. But, yes, not appropriate.
Mason McCune unfortunately, a black suit jacket cannot be substituted for a tuxedo jacket. The tuxedo is a very different creature from the lounge suit (the typical business suit) in both function and form. The tuxedo has lapels with a special facing on it that gives it a very distinctive look, as well as a single strip of satin or grosgrain coming down the side of the trousers in matching fabric to the lapel facing. The tuxedo jacket has a noticeably different cut, and should only have a single button closure; whereas a lounge suit would likely have two or perhaps three buttons. If you can get your hands on a tuxedo jacket or a dinner jacket that fits at all well, you really should when going to a black tie event. A rented tuxedo or dinner jacket would be better than having even a bespoke & perfectly fitted suit jacket.
In this day and age, events calling for black tie will rarely turn you away for not wearing it (though there are places that will still be that strict). That being said, a black lounge suit is not a very good alternative to a tuxedo/dinner suit. You would be better off with a lounge suit in a dark colour other than black, be it charcoal, navy or even burgundy maybe. The problem with a black lounge suit is that it will look like a CHEAP tuxedo/dinner suit. For the same reason, it would be better to wear a regular necktie with the lounge suit, rather than a black bow tie. Again, this is to demonstrate that you can and do dress well, rather than simply trying to put together the cheapest alternative (which, sadly, a lot of people do).
One would almost always do better to go w a real tuxedo jacket color variant in midnight blue or an off white or light ivory dinner jacket w tuxedo trousers vs a black suit jacket
I've never liked patent leather shoes. I find them to be extremely artificial looking. I prefer a whole cut oxford in either a high shine calfskin or even a black suede.
What kind of foolish company would make or sell a patent leather dress shoe for black tie with a rubber sole? You can spot that sole from a mile away and instantly telegraphs that the person wearing it is deficient in dress education. And I am being nice about this comment too.
Presumably the same sort of company that sells black two or three button tuxedo/dinner suits with silk-faced notched lapels. I think a lot of guys are just not comfortable with going all out black tie.
I am told there are sections of the country where it is common for people to have a net worth under $1 million. A man who would rent a pair of shoes rather than commission a bespoke pair will obviously stoop to anything without conscience.
Kirby, generally I think you have good style. But there is nothing cool or stylish about wearing a pair of opera pumps with a bow on them. They have to be the worst, unstylish lane looking shoes on the planet and I would never take anyone seriously who wear them.
Thanks for watching! What is your favorite pair of shoes for Black Tie? Let us know. If you liked this video, make sure to hit like, subscribe to the channel and turn on Notifications so you very miss our videos.
I have never been to a black-tie event, but I would go with lace-up wholecuts.
My go to for black tie is a pair of a Bally of Szitzerland Opera pumps, non patent leather but they shine up nicely.
Supremely comfortable and easy to play piano with when I need to perform on stage but they serve me well in a social gathering setting or an evening pageant or concert event
I would love a dark forest green pair of formal velvet slippers, in low light they are appear black but when just rich you get a pop of sublte color
Is a patent penny loafer acceptable in black tie ?
How many shoes do you actually have???
I will attend a Black Tie wedding in October of 2018. I plan to wear a pair of black highly polished Santoni cap toe or Allen Edmonds Park Avenue shoes. I’m leaning more towards the Santoni shoes which to me appear a little more elegant than the Park Avenue shoes. Thanks for your videos - they are always helpful no matter the subject.
Never seen seamless wholecut oxfords before. How on earth do they make them? imo that is the most elegant pair in your formal collection. I'd kill for a pair
Definitely a proper black tie shoe instructional video. Kudos. Oh and yes, you confirmed my choice for the opera calfskin shoe for my wedding.
4 years later, I hope the Saint Crispin's opera pump fit you well and that you enjoyed it!
@@sackwhacker wow. 4 yrs later and a two year old son. Those shoes were icing on the cake. Made an evening elegant and enjoyable to the max. Been on a serious road of quality shoes ever since. Carmina, Gaziano and Girling, Alden, Todd’s, JFitzpatrick etc. Thanks for the wonderful follow up.
stunning to see the silk socks and opera pumps, love how it shows more of the foot
Interestingly, there is a circumstance in which brogues are completely appropriate for black tie, although I doubt many people in the US (where I assume the largest portion of your viewers reside) will find it relevant - the Scottish Highland dress equivalent of black tie calls for gillie brogues - these look very different to most shoes, and lack the tongue as well, and would look absurd worn with normal Western clothing. But... if anyone is desperate to wear brogues to a black tie event and they have a bit of Scottish blood in them...
Ah, yes, you have found the one exception! Bravo! Thanks for pointing that out. This definitely falls into the "Advanced Black Tie" category, though!
Definitely advanced, I think explaining it properly would require a whole series of videos on alternative national forms of formal dress after black tie, white tie, morning dress and more casual alternatives are covered. ;)
I wouldn't mind wearing shoes with brogue to a black tie event. The plum shoe or Buckinghamshire shoes are preferred for me.
@@kirbyallison by that reasoning wouldn't A balmoral boot with or without a quarter brogue also be reasonable for black tie? The balmoral boot preceeded the oxford by many year. It's both more tradition and more historic in formal day wear and nightwear settings. It was also invented specifically to be worn at balmoral castle in scottland by Prince Robert. While I'm certain a cap toe or plain toe variant would be acceptable in black tie, the quart brogue should also be acceptable as a Scottsman as it is a middle ground between the advanced broguing and "frills" of a gillie, and a traditional black tie. The heritage and history are all there to make it an acceptable choice.
@@Whatsup_Abroad not Prince Albert?
Thank you very much indeed Mr Allison, may you continue sharing your knowledge in this wonderful Art.
You can get calfskin opera pumps from Broadland Slippers in the UK, and they are very reasonably priced.
Good video. I’d include balmoral boots on one end and velvet Albert slippers on the other as outliers, thoughts?
Thank you, as always a great video! I like that you mentioned mirror shined calfskin shoes as a perfectly appropriate option - many insist on patent leather!
For Viennese balls, derbies are worn for dancing. Do you think that normal black derbies (with leather soles and no broguing) would be a good option for white tie in this circumstance, when they are mirror shined and paired with silk laces? Or does the formality of white tie indeed require patent leather? After all, this video was about black tie.
Thanks in advance!
I'm planning on buying a pair of Allen Edmunds Carlyle plain toe oxfords for black tie. I'm not a fan of patent leather, and I suspect I can use them for cocktail and more formal business wear.
That would be possible if they are really well shined.
I just wanted to compliment you on such quality videos. You bring a very interesting dynamic to the table and it is very refreshing. But I wanted to also at the same time challenge you by asking if possible, would you be able to give better insight on to what to do in the event that you’re completely dressed up and you somehow get a stain on your suit or pants? What is the best course of action when? Should you use club soda to blot out the stain or do you have any other recommendations for detergent when it comes to washing, to prevent ruining your outfit?
The Black Opera Bumps Shoes are My Favorite.
I like the cap toe oxford. The line allows a nice way to keep the area consistent with a shine.
The line at the cap does make maintaining the mirror gloss easier by defining a barrier.
Yes, just that it make a nice visual barrier into the vamp on the upper. Wholecut "toe shine" doesn't look right to me *IMO.
Two questions: 1. Do my eyes deceive me, or are the facings on your dinner jacket grosgrain (my preferred facing)? If so, would you still wear satin laces? 2. Did enjoying formal wear inspire you to want to go to opening night at the Lyric Opera? Fun story: my wife and I went to opening night at the opera a year or two ago because it was when we were in the city that weekend and the opera was a rarely performed opera that was the first opera I went to see when I was a freshman in college--a sentimental journey for me. We quickly realized that we needed to up our opening night opera-wear game a bit next time... Still had a great time at the opera, but we won't make the same mistake this fall at opening night...
For about 4/5 years, I'd been wearing a pair of black derby brogues to around 200 black tie events. I'm a photographer and have attended many events at the top London hotels in Park Lane. No one says anything, but it's a subtle item of clothing that makes a huge difference. Once I realised, I felt quite embarrassed about it. I have seen people turn up wearing tan coloured brogues, I can only imagine they forgot to take an appropriate pair to work at change into.
That's interesting. You have to see a pretty wide range of attire at these events. Derbys are nice, but the least-formal of all the appropriate black tie footwear. I'm curious what the story is about how they made it into black tie... I speculate that it might be because the open laces are the most accommodating of a wide range of feet.
Mon dieu! What a social faux pas. Lashing yourself with a wet noodle is de rigueur under such circumstances.
I thought tan brogues in London was the last hanging offense in the UK? The statute is under the no brown in town codicil I think
I have seen a lot of people wearing black velvet slippers to black tie events, some with designs on the toe. I think it does not look good, but if you could comment on that, possibly in another video, it would be a goof topic. Thank you
I probably won't go to any proper black tie events but thanks for the very informative video. Now I know where I stand, no pun intended! I have an excellent pair of newer black cap toe oxfords and a pair of the 3 eyelet blucher derby shoes in patent leather. Would it be appropriate to put the wider, satin laces on those?
You could certainly put satin laces in either! It would make both more formal.
You sure I'm not supposed to be wearing bright green shoes while holding a boombox?
Hi Kirby, I've have just watched your video with regards to black tie event and found it very informative. I was wondering if you can help me with my problem ? I am giving my daughter away next year at her wedding and as all dads I want to be perfect on the day from my speech to my suite to my shoes etc. Can you point me in the right direction with regards what style blue/grey shoe should I wear with my blue/grey suit. Your help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you from Michael in the uk.
Another great video to ensure we don't embarrass ourselves!
Hi Kirby, thanks for the video. I have question regarding sizing of the opera pump. How snug should the shoe fit? Should I be able to snugly fit one finger or no?
Really good video. How about monks, do they qualify for black tie wear?
Hi Kirby, I'm getting ready for New Years Eve. I have very few opportunities to wear a black tie attire, so I haven't planned on buying a pair of gorgeous opera pumps nor patent leather shoes yet. Instead I'd opt to wear my pair of calfskin cap toe oxford, obviosly mirror-shined. Here's the question: Is it appropriate to replace their laces with a pair of satin laces, or it is just a patent leather shoes thing? thanks in advance and congratulations for the great videos
Opera pumps are more appropriate for "White Tie". Black tie which is far more informal, I find only requires a patent leather or mirror shined Oxford. Not sure where in the USA you hail from, but in my area, Black tie is nowhere near considered as formal as you make it sound. Nevertheless your recommendations are good. I would enjoy hearing your descriptions for White Tie.
Thanks, SteamGent. Where are you from?
The Hanger Project Outside NYC and Philadelphia. There are still White tie events or organizations that use them around there. White tie is the most formal followed by black tie. Depends who's hosting the event of course but white tie is still very common at the symphony and opera especially on opening night.
In the UK, opera pumps are worn with black tie (the Prince of Wales often does so with black silk socks of course) but I agree they are more usual for white tie. I have also seen velvet Grecian slippers worn with black tie, sometimes with a crest or bow, but I think they look better with a smoking jacket.
thanks for posting .... always learning
What about the cowboy boots for the region variant the "Texas Tuxedo?"
I know you've seen it, dark rinse wranglers substituted for wool tux trousers , so of course pair w your trusty black shined Justins 😉
Only if you are also wearing a cowboy hat. ;)
If I ever go to a black tie event, I would lean towards black plain-toe oxfords or wholecuts.
It's a solid choice!
My choice would be to get a plain toe patent Oxford but having trouble finding this where I am. Here are my three options.
1.) patent cap toe oxford - think cap toe is too informal
2.) patent plain toe blucher - open laces are less formal but I think the plain toe is more formal than the cap toe of the oxford
3.) patent slipper/loafer with satin band (similar to Jimmy Choo - John slipper) - looks like a modern opera shoe but without the bow and not so cut out around the top of the foot.
Of the three which one would you recommend?
Thanks
I think the dinner jacket look is as close to the 18th century dandy look men get to now so the Opera shoes are I think perfect.
What are your thoughts on shoes with leather soles that have rubber on the bottom for traction?
Joe Lo Truglio keep up the good work! Nice to see you doing something you're passionate about outside your acting career
How do you feel about velvet or cashmere slippers for tuxedos ?
I agree with all your statments bar one there is one black tie dress outfit that brogues will be aceptiable, that is highland evening wear ie kilt
Question about opera pumps. I found a company that makes opera pump in Scottish plaids, so the question is, if I were to get them, what would I wear them with?
I have seen black velvet opera pumps. Are they appropriate for black or white tie?
Inserting choices, but don't agree that the shoes need automatically to be black and plain. My favourite shoes to wear with either a traditional black dinner suit or a white tuxedo are black and white patent co respondent shoes. They match perfectly with my 1940's style double brested dinner suits and bring that little bit of the "spiv" to the outfit.
Lovely video however the derby is technically not allowed for Black Tie as they are too casual. Some might say they go with modern BT but the other ones are better. Even the cap toe is ok since its called: the poor mans evening shoe. Except the derby, GC captoe, and the GC wholecut, you could the wear these shoes with White Tie. Great video. Hope this helped. :)
Thanks for the videos very important info. Im getting married in 12 day is it posible to get a pair of wholecut seamless?
Do you have a video about fit?
I wear black western-style boots that look like patent leather for dress, very common in rural Utah where I live. I shine them by applying two coats of either Kiwi or Lincoln polish with my fingers until there is plenty of friction and there is gloss showing. Next I apply Kiwi leather lotion, again with my fingers until they start looking glossy. This boot is set aside to dry while I do the same with the second boot. While the second boot is drying, I spray a mist of water onto the first one and brush vigorously until good and glossy. I then apply a thin coat of black polish with my fingers until there is too much friction and I see some gloss. I mist the boot with water and buff vigorously with an old wadded up pantyhose to a mirror finish, misting again if needed. I then repeat with a thin coat of neutral for a spit shine look, again misting and buffing vigorously with the pantyhose. This is repeated with the second boot. Whether for black tie or any other events, this is the only way to shine boots or shoes. P. S. I served with the 82nd Airborne Division Band from November 1971 to January 1973, and I am still an All-American. AIRBORNE!
That's a great method! Thanks for sharing! I love the look of a pair of shined cowboy boots for black tie!
My shoe problem is that as I have one leg shorter than the other by about 2 inches and therefore have to wear a built up shoe, finding a decent shoe to wear is very awkward as the inserted piece usually weighs more than the shoe. The shoes that you have on the table are totally unsuitable for me. I normally wear a plain black shoe without brogue or toe caps. Is there another shoe type I can wear?
How about a leather Chelsea style boot with a high shine toe and heal? Like the Christian Louis Vuitton boot.
Questions:Which are most comfortable?do men find lace up most comfortable because it's adjustable,or prefer to go without laces? Fit and width of shoes? Padding and height? International shoe styling such as Italian, Brazilian etc. preferences?
2, Do you get get questions as to vegan leather/natural alt. for black tie formal?
3, Would you still wear black with a grey tux?
Most comfortable would be velvet Albert slippers, then opera pumps then laced shoes I expect
@@jeffhreid Thank you.
What are proper shoes for white tie and tails?
Is there a particular option that best for a black tie wedding?
Do you really only mirror shine the toe and not the rest of the shoe on the oxfords?
Dear Kirby Allison, I find it near impossible to find a company that makes women’s dress shoes. Do you know of any companies that make oxfords (or other dress shoes) for women, not brogues or high-heeled, just smaller and fitted for women? Thank you.
Question: Most of the black tie events I attend involves dancing. Shouldn't we also consider dance shoes as suitable.
is it appropriate to wear a patent opera shoe with a grey or navy tuxedo?
Do you think it’s a good idea to have a pair of black tie/white tie shoes made from shell cordovan? Has anyone even encountered this option?
Hello, if my tie, lapel, and cummerbund are grosgrain would you use grosgrain shoe laces in your oxfords?
Hi Kirby, I would be wearing black Tux in my wedding very similar to the one you are wearing in this video. I bought Jerani of Aldo and wanted to know if it would be a good pair to wear on this occasion. I could not attach the picture of the shoe but it goes by name JERANI on Aldo website. Can you please let me know if this would be appropriate or not and I would be forever grateful to you. Thank you
Hello Mr. Allison. I'm from a small town and have never been invited to a gathering as formal as to require a tuxedo or something like that but I have found a very cheap tuxedo and thought it'd be fun to get it. Would I be able to pull off a pair of black toe cap oxfords from AE (I'm really good at shining shoes;) )?
Where can I purchase saint Crispins opera pump Mens shoes
What about black or patent leather belgian loafers ? Any comments ?
I recently got a $2600 patent leather oxford from artioli. Looks great!
Not sure I could think of a worse way to spend that amount of money than on something you use to walk over the piss-covered earth with
@@PestoPathogen69 You make zero sense.
@@crisyorke1328 actually that sentence makes perfect sense
Too expensive to my opinion,there are lots of traditional shoe makers at England at half or even fraction of the priced
Can you wear thick soled shoes or chelsea type boot shoes?
Is it possible to wear a black patent penny loafer ?
Two questions with regards to black-tie. First, would it be considered extra formal if the cap toe oxfords would have satin laces? Lastly, are full gold cufflinks acceptable?
The satin laces dress up the shoes a bit, nice t particularly extra formal but a nice detail. Gold or silver cufflinks are acceptable just match the metals meaning the watch metal to the cufflinks
Black tie is not the pinnacle of formality. It's white tie, morning coat or stroller suit.
Daniel Arul You’re absolutely right about white tie, but not the other two. Morning coat step below and stroller below that.
I understood that morning dress was always more formal than black tie, being defined as formal in the traditional sense versus the black tie semi-formal. Morning dress is certainly regarded as more formal here in the UK.
zoukatron Morning dress and black tie are equivalent. Morning dress is just the day time equivalent of black tie
Morning dress is the daytime equivalent of White Tie, while the stroller suit is the daytime equivalent of Black Tie.
I would prefer to wear a pair of black plain toe oxfords in calf skin with satin laces. I do own a pair of cheap patent leather ones, sadly with a rubber sole but I'll still put satin laces on it. :)
Do you have a contact at saint crispins for a first time custom build of the calf skin opera pump?
Check out their contact information here: www.saintcrispinsamericas.com/service/contact-us/
Great video Kirby. Where are the shoe trees from for your Grenson’s?
Carl J. Locsin Those are a pair of our Hanger Project Ebony Shoe Trees. Available on the website, although we don’t have a ton of sizes at the moment. Having more made.
The Hanger Project Thanks for the prompt response! Any chance you’ll have them available for UK customers?
What do you think about seeing brown shoes on a black suit? I've seen too many wear it
As long as they are a dark brown, it is acceptable. But never for black tie!
What about dress boots. I wear US size 14 EEE and find other than bespoke shoes almost impossible to find and just don’t have the income to purchase bespoke shoes.
I also use a captoe oxford with my tuxedo and my other suits. It's really versatile.
What is a modern twist for Millennial men are black patent leather tennis shoes.
So... no boat shoes?
What about velvet Shoes?
What about cordovan oxfords? Are they appropriate?
As long as they have a nice, high polish on the cap, and no broguing, I don't see why not.
@@kirbyallisonI plan on wearing Carmina black wholecut cordovan oxfords to my black tie optional wedding. I was hoping to hear a more assuring answer than this😂. If you were me, would you then dress them up more with a high polish on the cap, or add satin laces?
Kirby - your thoughts about wearing traditional Ghillie Brogues with a kilt & Prince Charles jacket & vest to a black tie event??
As always, I will go with the slip on. Laced shoes seems bulky and a shoe should easily be graceful.
I agree. Nothing more elegant than a classic Opera Pump! Wish more men were brave enough to wear them...
The Hanger Project, I have a theory that if the shoe wasn't called an Opera pump then more men would wear them. I also think it's popular culture's fault because they present an image of the only shoes men should wear are oxfords and other laced shoes, I believe men should be able to wear loafers if it fits their own personal style. I wondered if you agree, Kirby.
I would like to see the socks you wore without shoes on your feet, is that possible?
Dean Christensen I suspect that it has more to do about men not feeling comfortable wearing shoes with a bow on them...
The Hanger Project, if that's true then why wear laces? You tie them in a bow, my friend.
I would leave pumps strictly to white tie, and patent leather tie-ups to black tie. Any other shoes appear “off.” With formal wear it’s patent or nothing.
can I wear sheer socks with opera pumps cheers mark
The traditional sock would be a black silk over the calf dress sock.
Mark I always wear sheer hosiery with My tuxedo
Great video Kirby; I was just wondering, would a pair of chelsea boots with a high shine be acceptable for black tie? Thanks
Can you wear a patent leather jodhpurs tods boots?
You could certainly get away with it, but I'd personally stay away from boots. They're not traditionally appropriate.
@@kirbyallison not even a whole cut black Balmoral with a plain sleek toe?
Who wears black tie at home? Love the dinner pump but it's impossible to find. Can't I just wear a black Norwegian loafer and call it a day?
How about a velvet slipper such as the Herring Monarch with a dinner jacket as an alternative black tie outfit at ones home.
Back in the day, everybody of a certain class wore dinner jackets for dinner parties at home. Black tie provides the perfect backdrop for the ladies' gowns to shine. it was "everyday" wear for dining at home with guests. The practice disappeared with servants and now black tie is considered the height of formality, which would amuse men of a certain generation were they to time-travel to today. Only the host has the privilege of wearing colored velvet slippers in those situations, since only he wouldn't have been outside. As I understand it.
While I love my Opera pumps with Black tie, I find them to be too informal with White tie. With White tie, a patent leather Oxford sets the right tone and has the formality necessary to compliment the White tie and tails.
What do you think about a velvet slip on? Would that be elegant enough?
Patent derby or a calfskin oxford for a wedding
A patent leather Derby, completely appropriate? Isn't the open lacing entirely too informal for something like black tie?
Umbrax It would be the last pair on earth I’d wear, but it fits the general rules and is probably the most commonly-available shoe here in the United States. But, yes, not appropriate.
Agree with you, much prefer the wholecuts. Another fantastic video, Kirby!
I personally think opera pumps are a bit too formal and elegant and should be reserved for white tie
The shiny ones
You can't go wrong with those!
Satin laces......wow
Not about shoes but can I wear my black suit jacket for a tuxedo jacket?
Mason McCune unfortunately, a black suit jacket cannot be substituted for a tuxedo jacket. The tuxedo is a very different creature from the lounge suit (the typical business suit) in both function and form. The tuxedo has lapels with a special facing on it that gives it a very distinctive look, as well as a single strip of satin or grosgrain coming down the side of the trousers in matching fabric to the lapel facing. The tuxedo jacket has a noticeably different cut, and should only have a single button closure; whereas a lounge suit would likely have two or perhaps three buttons. If you can get your hands on a tuxedo jacket or a dinner jacket that fits at all well, you really should when going to a black tie event. A rented tuxedo or dinner jacket would be better than having even a bespoke & perfectly fitted suit jacket.
In this day and age, events calling for black tie will rarely turn you away for not wearing it (though there are places that will still be that strict). That being said, a black lounge suit is not a very good alternative to a tuxedo/dinner suit. You would be better off with a lounge suit in a dark colour other than black, be it charcoal, navy or even burgundy maybe. The problem with a black lounge suit is that it will look like a CHEAP tuxedo/dinner suit. For the same reason, it would be better to wear a regular necktie with the lounge suit, rather than a black bow tie. Again, this is to demonstrate that you can and do dress well, rather than simply trying to put together the cheapest alternative (which, sadly, a lot of people do).
One would almost always do better to go w a real tuxedo jacket color variant in midnight blue or an off white or light ivory dinner jacket w tuxedo trousers vs a black suit jacket
Question
I've never liked patent leather shoes. I find them to be extremely artificial looking. I prefer a whole cut oxford in either a high shine calfskin or even a black suede.
I own Patten leather with double monk strap and white piping
Can you wear a loafer with a tuxedo
temidayo dosunmu ofcrs bruh when i wear suits i always wear loafers coz you look sexy and fresh when you wear it
Disagree on the last one. No open laces, and yes, no plastic sole. What about Prince Albert’s
Those hull cuts look clumsy, not my type
What kind of foolish company would make or sell a patent leather dress shoe for black tie with a rubber sole? You can spot that sole from a mile away and instantly telegraphs that the person wearing it is deficient in dress education. And I am being nice about this comment too.
Presumably the same sort of company that sells black two or three button tuxedo/dinner suits with silk-faced notched lapels. I think a lot of guys are just not comfortable with going all out black tie.
I agree. It is an unfortunate but true comment on our times.
Surprising that you find these at rental companies...
They are the shoes that Tuxedo rental stores buy to rent out. Usually constructed of a man made patent leather look.
I am told there are sections of the country where it is common for people to have a net worth under $1 million. A man who would rent a pair of shoes rather than commission a bespoke pair will obviously stoop to anything without conscience.
Kirby, generally I think you have good style. But there is nothing cool or stylish about wearing a pair of opera pumps with a bow on them. They have to be the worst, unstylish lane looking shoes on the planet and I would never take anyone seriously who wear them.
First two shoes are just horrible. Others are fine.