18 December 2008

Black Shoes, Black Heart

As you may have heard, I have a new-found appreciation for my black shoes. And not just any old black shoes, such as those plastic, square-toed Kenneth Cole horrors that increasing numbers of chaps in the office seem to be wearing. I am referring to proper English shoes in an oxford, brogue, or tassel loafer style. These are the only shoes, in my opinion, that should be worn with a business suit. (I have specific views concerning dress boots, which I shall address in a later post).

My revived enthusiasm for black recently has led me to spend hours reassessing my footwear collection, much to the consternation of my new editor. I have even considered, in a phase of madness, liquidating all dress shoes in cabernet and oxblood colours; I rarely wear them to the office. I have worn black oxfords and loafers for ages. At school, convention required black loafers from New & Lingwood. Brown shoes, as everyone knew, are unsuitable for urban environments, solicitor's offices, and trading floors.

Black oxfords project an aura of professionalism and seriousness, which is especially helpful if these are qualities you yourself do not possess. Professional success is largely a result of dressing well and looking good, and wearing the right shoes to the office plays a large role in the equation.

Photo: Shipton & Heneage

7 comments:

Charles said...

I have black tassels and black winged bals that I haven't worn in years. I should break them out. I need to get serious. But mine are American, I hope no one asks.

Anonymous said...

Shoes in any colour other than black approach vulgarity (same goes for socks).

heavy tweed jacket said...

I wore black semi-brogues today with charcoal grey flannels and a grey Harris Tweed 3/2. Longwing, break 'em out.

Anonymous said...

Black is also my favorite color for shoe….

Anonymous said...

can't go wrong with a pair of beautifully made (ie:english) black brogues. i'm a great admirer of anything in oxblood too, paired with tweed, in the appropriate environment. So glad reason prevailed when you were re-examining your shoe closet.

Turling said...

Gettig rid of the collection? What size are you, my good man? I may be able to relieve you of some of your burden.

Anonymous said...

Interesting post.!! Well, shiny black shoes are my favorite.