I'm of the personal belief that ever man would be better off with a pair of oxfords in his closet. They can almost always be worked into an outfit, and it's a nice dressier shoe to have on hand in any sort of 911 situation. However, "having a pair of oxfords" is a completely vague term that could take many different forms. Different interpretations of this wardrobe command lead to very different style results. There's lots to consider besides the top-- sole fabrication, thickness, color. But those things comes with personal preference. Today is about what you see from above. Brought to you by Esquire.com's style blog feature, shoe porn.
the casual
Sometimes you want your casual to be a little fancy. I would say the suede variety usually falls into this category, but sometimes stylized leather or unexpected colors or color combinations sneak in, too. These are best worn with jeans, khakis, cords or shorts (if you will). Most suit occasions call for something a little fancier, but if you're a recreational suit wearer, these might be just the thing to tone it down.
Sometimes you want your casual to be a little fancy. I would say the suede variety usually falls into this category, but sometimes stylized leather or unexpected colors or color combinations sneak in, too. These are best worn with jeans, khakis, cords or shorts (if you will). Most suit occasions call for something a little fancier, but if you're a recreational suit wearer, these might be just the thing to tone it down.
 Alden |  G.H. Bass & Co. |  Reiss |  Noah Waxman |
the minimalist
For those who a shoe is a means to an end and not a way to demonstrate personality, simple is probably better. Plenty of oxfords of all formality levels come in the non-adorned variety, and simple is perfectly acceptable in the shoe game. Plain goes with everything. Sometimes the coolest options speak for themselves.
For those who a shoe is a means to an end and not a way to demonstrate personality, simple is probably better. Plenty of oxfords of all formality levels come in the non-adorned variety, and simple is perfectly acceptable in the shoe game. Plain goes with everything. Sometimes the coolest options speak for themselves.
 Agnès B. |  Burberry |  Common Projects |  Grenson |
the classic
When you first think of oxfords, you tend to think of the old timey detailing that went into men's shoes of yore. The wingtip embellished oxford hasn't disappeared, but it's no longer the only player in the game. Today's versions come in many varieties, some which you've seen and some that are a little updated. Sometimes a little detail is what you need to elevate an outfit, and it's a type of detail that will never go out of style. Well, at least it hasn't after all this time. And despite what you see below, these do come in more colors other than...brown.
When you first think of oxfords, you tend to think of the old timey detailing that went into men's shoes of yore. The wingtip embellished oxford hasn't disappeared, but it's no longer the only player in the game. Today's versions come in many varieties, some which you've seen and some that are a little updated. Sometimes a little detail is what you need to elevate an outfit, and it's a type of detail that will never go out of style. Well, at least it hasn't after all this time. And despite what you see below, these do come in more colors other than...brown.
 Botticelli |  Ecco |  Ludwig Reiter |  John Varvatos (okay, not technically a wingtip, but the detailing is classic!) |
the modern
For those not afraid of detail but not wanting a footwear throwback, the cap toe is the way to go. There is some visual interest there, but they are still pretty minimal and extremely modern. These go well with a suit and elevate a more casual pant or pant/blazer combination to super stylish levels, though generally these keep things a little fancier.
For those not afraid of detail but not wanting a footwear throwback, the cap toe is the way to go. There is some visual interest there, but they are still pretty minimal and extremely modern. These go well with a suit and elevate a more casual pant or pant/blazer combination to super stylish levels, though generally these keep things a little fancier.
 Barneys New York |  John Lobb |  Burberry |  Mr. Hare |
the flashy
These are for the risk takers. They're not always the most formal, but they're bright, daring and full of personality and detail. I'm a fan of people who are willing to step out in these in both casual and dressy situations, but I say wear at your own risk because looking clownish is possible with too much effort to make these work.
These are for the risk takers. They're not always the most formal, but they're bright, daring and full of personality and detail. I'm a fan of people who are willing to step out in these in both casual and dressy situations, but I say wear at your own risk because looking clownish is possible with too much effort to make these work.
 Mark McNairy |  Tommy Hilfiger |  Paul Smith |  Oliver Sweeney |
