Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Perd Hapley on September 01, 2009, 06:21:39 PM
-
I need a pair of shoes that would go well with a suit, but would also go with business casual. Would black wing-tips be OK?
-
I need a pair of shoes that would go well with a suit, but would also go with business casual. Would black wing-tips be OK?
What color is your suit?
What do you call business casual? Khakis and a polo shirt or slacks and an oxford?
Shiny black wing-tips not for business casual, least my own opinion. Actually I personally don't like black shoes or black belt for business casual, I'm a matte brown or cordovan kind of person.
-
I'm no expert, but when we've faced this dilemma, my spouse has gotten cap-toe or plain oxfords in a regular leather finish (neither matte nor highly polished).
-
Thanks, BW.
What color is your suit?
What do you call business casual? Khakis and a polo shirt or slacks and an oxford?
I was thinking khakis, but I was hoping I could use one pair for all three. The thing is, I don't have a suit and probably don't own any pants (maybe not even any shirts) that would be "business casual." But I was thinking about getting a job where I might need bus-cas or suits. And one of my two pair of logger boots just suddenly became un-wearable, so I was thinking of replacing them with a pair of nice shoes.
I also prefer brown leather, but I'll go with whatever will be most versatile.
-
If you're getting an interview suit, it'll end up being along the lines of navy blue or gray-charcoal, so you'll be in black shoes. Cap-toes go well with a business suit (remember, you're dressing for the job the interviewer has, not the one you're applying for (unless you're applying to be the interviewer's boss)).
Otherwise if you don't plan on wearing the suit much, Timberland makes some pretty comfortable shoes that you can get by with on the interview, but then wear with your khakis and polo. I usually wear brown shoes (Timberlands actually) with my business casual clothes though, since I'm usually in khakis or jeans.
-
Grey, single breasted business suit never go out of style. Black polished plain toe shoes and belt to match. Go hit J.C. Penny's or Men's Warehouse. A good tailor can make a cheap suit look good.
You may also want to pick up a pair of dress slacks and sportcoat for not so formal affairs.
My favorite suit is a tailored wool Lauren grey pin stripped business suit with a blue cotton shirt, black shoes and silk screened tie that is neither conservative or wild.
-
For business casual I recommend brown.
I am a fan of Sperry Topsiders. If casual/boat looking shoes aren't appropriate they make several dressier styles as well. Great shoes for the low side of a hundred bucks.
-
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.zoovy.com%2Fimg%2Fchampionboot%2F-%2F200703%2Fplatbtdicew.jpg&hash=55c5aaf2d008a08ad9f43c8d4461755fb10f83a5)
-
Wingtips are fine with a suit. Perfect, in fact ... especially if you can find authentic wingtips, and not the pseudo-wingtips most places sell these days.
Loafers for business casual.
Pseudo wingtip design:
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bloomingdales.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2FBLM%2Fproducts%2F1%2Foptimized%2F985651_fpx.tif%3Fwid%3D325%26amp%3Bqlt%3D90%2C0%26amp%3Blayer%3Dcomp%26amp%3Bop_sharpen%3D0%26amp%3BresMode%3Dbilin%26amp%3Bop_usm%3D0.7%2C1.0%2C0.5%2C0%26amp%3Bfmt%3Djpeg&hash=0a6f11269f9aa2647ff0e1c36d06ad3f0fcd797a)
Genuine wingtip design:
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.peltzshoes.com%2Fimages%2F98F%255CLGIMAGES%255CLGMVC-AF.jpg&hash=f5c8c3e4311818c6927f707e3528294f0b5bb1c0)
-
Depends on what part of the country you are inhttp://www.lucchese.com/products_detail.php?id=248 (http://www.lucchese.com/products_detail.php?id=248)
-
Basic smooth, polished black leather dress shoes are Ok with biz casual and can also be worn with a suit. Full wing tips are ok for the suit, way too much for biz casual. I tend to think even oxfords or cap toes are too much for casual, unless they're very plain.
-
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bamason.com%2Fassets%2Fproduct_images%2Fstyles%2Flarge%2F000626BRN1Z.jpg&hash=615ca63c25a6383f0cb135da545483d709591356)
Anywhere you can't wear 'em, you probably don't want to be.
-
Most versatile dress shoe on the planet, good for black tie (given a spit shine for black tie) on down to business casual, anywhere in the USA:
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/product_590000_1_40000000001_-1?categoryId=123802&top_category=120552
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allenedmonds.com%2Fwcsstore%2FAllenEdmonds%2FAttachment%2Fimages%2Fdatabase%2F5615.jpg&hash=8b3176277ccff30a4b8d83af9a0390a4f777bee4)
You can pay more money for a nice dress shoe, but you won't find one any more comfortable to wear then Allen Edmunds.
A nice set of western boots are even more versatile where western boots are appreciated (South & West). A black pair are good from everything from black tie (spit shined with black tie) on down to blue jeans & a t-shirt.
I am not sure how St Louis views western boots. If they are OK there, the western boots are the most versatile option.
-
NO cowboy boots, please. They cramp my gigantic toes, are too loose on the ankles, and I hate the lack of traction. They would look funny to St. Louis folk, anyway.
-
One way not to get job in Iowa is to wear cowboy boats to the interview.
-
RE: JamisJockey's option:
Only if you spend your off time in your garage drinking beer and shouting out at passers by "I'M RICK JAMES B***!!!"
For "Buisness wear" aka dress slacks and a button down shirt I have pair of these, which work great even when I've spend the day standing on a concrete floor right under the AC vent in the server room.
http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10051_11205_10601_143170_-1_11205_BLACK_10051
Buisness casual in my wardrobe is brown or tan cargo pants, black or white polo and a pair of these.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/ViewProduct.mvc.aspx/12009M/0/Mens/Radius-Wide-Width?galleryId=M-F
-
For "Buisness wear" aka dress slacks and a button down shirt I have pair of these, which work great even when I've spend the day standing on a concrete floor right under the AC vent in the server room.
http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10051_11205_10601_143170_-1_11205_BLACK_10051
I have a pair of Prada's similar to those, I got mine before Prada got uber popular a few years ago.
I just did a price check on Prada shoes, holy cow they are expensive. I paid about what those Floorsheims are listed at now.
-
Thanks, all. You've given me a decent idea of what to look for. Any further suggestions welcome. =)
-
For "Buisness wear" aka dress slacks and a button down shirt I have pair of these, which work great even when I've spend the day standing on a concrete floor right under the AC vent in the server room.
Dude -- I have a pair of those in brown I got the last time I got a suit at Men's Wearhouse. I was kinda thinking I was letting the salesman talk (sucker) me into them, but they are the most comfortable dress shoes for "all day" wear I've ever owned.
-
Would black wing-tips be OK?
AFAIK, they're good for anything less formal than a tuxedo - wing-tips, that is. Put a shine to 'em if possible. If you want non-shiney shoes, go with suede. Only blue suede if you've got the sideburns and cape for the job. :laugh:
Black shoes are always acceptable... with the exception of tux & white tie, which require plain toes.
I also prefer brown leather, but I'll go with whatever will be most versatile.
Brown shoes work okay with navy suits and lighter colors. Dockers has/had a very comfortable pair.
-
If you're looking for a nice-looking, comfortable shoe with good traction, I've had great luck with Sketchers...
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/men/styles/wide_widths/product/alley_cats_-_extra_wide/dbrn/ (http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/men/styles/wide_widths/product/alley_cats_-_extra_wide/dbrn/)
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_cool_cats_shoes/product/cool_cat_-_pixel_-_extra_wide/b/ (http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_cool_cats_shoes/product/cool_cat_-_pixel_-_extra_wide/b/)
For work, I mostly wear New Balance walking shoes...
http://www.newbalance.com/fitness/walking/MW576/ (http://www.newbalance.com/fitness/walking/MW576/)
As for cowboy boots....I prefer Roper-type work boots myself....esp. with non-skid soles and heels.
-
If you're dressed in an "interview suit" just about any black leather shoes are fine (excluding black leather athletic shoes) as long as they're well maintained (polished).
Seriously, how often do guys look at another guy's shoes?
(Uh oh . . . just realized the interviewer may be female. Or gay. If either is the case and you're going to be judged on the sartorial splendor of your footwear . . . you're hosed.)
-
HankB, after I graduated from law school, all three interviews I've had commented on my spit-shined shoes. Straight males, but all three had military backgrounds, so all three saw properly polished shoes as a sign of attention to detail that they were looking for in an employee. During trials, especially jury trials, I always spit-shined my shoes. On more than one occassion, I had older jurors comment on how I was dressed and mentioned my shoes. Can't sell your case unless you can sell yourself.
I always wore plain-cap toed oxfords. Black with grey, olive, or black suits, cordovan with grey or blue. Belts match the shoes.
-
Seriously, how often do guys look at another guy's shoes?
If the guy is dressed up I check his shoes out to see what he wearing, how much shine there is and does he take care of his shoes.
-
If the guy is dressed up I check his shoes out to see what he wearing, how much shine there is and does he take care of his shoes.
I take the opposite approach. If his shoes (or belt, or tie) draw your attention away from the rest of himself, he did something wrong. They should be attractive and tidy, but they should not be a focal point.
-
I take the opposite approach. If his shoes (or belt, or tie) draw your attention away from the rest of himself, he did something wrong. They should be attractive and tidy, but they should not be a focal point.
I purposely look at the shoes. One of my pet peeves is people who can't polish or take care of shoes. Scuffs that aren't taken care of, etc.
I even polish my wife's smooth leather dress heels\pumps for her.
-
I even polish my wife's smooth leather dress heels\pumps for her.
Ladysmith wants to know how you feel about polygamy..... =D
-
Ladysmith wants to know how you feel about polygamy..... =D
Easy killer. I've been working on that already. I'm pretty sure I've got the lead, since I have awesome taste in picking out women's shoes.
:angel:
-
Ladysmith wants to know how you feel about polygamy..... =D
I'm ok with it, wife on the other hand, not so much.