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  • Welcome back to The Gentleman's Gazette! Today's video is all about oxfords,

  • one of the most classic, timeless and versatile shoes a man can have.

  • What exactly is an oxford shoe?

  • Its history dates back centuries and if you want to learn all the details about it,

  • please check out our in-depth guide on our website, here.

  • So what exactly is an oxford?

  • First, it's defined by its quarters which are closed unlike a derby where they're open.

  • Then we have a vamp like here, the ankle is exposed.

  • Usually have a cap-toe and a center seam.

  • To learn more about the details of an oxford and how it differs from a derby or a blucher, please check out this video.

  • As explained, the oxford is just defined by these few characteristics and as such,

  • there are many different kinds out there.

  • Let's do a run through so you know exactly what is what.

  • The first and most important oxford you should have is the so-called cap-toe oxford,

  • and it's called that way because it has the cap-toe.

  • Basically, what you're looking for is a shoe with a cap-toe,

  • no broguing which means no hole perforations that's all black with neat lines and elegant last.

  • This is in fact, the very first black oxford I bought as a teenager

  • and I still have it today simply because it's so timeless and versatile.

  • The second shoe you can have is the plain oxford. Basically, it's like a cap-toe oxford,

  • it just lacks the cap-toe and sometimes you can see a medallion on them but then it's not a plain oxford anymore.

  • Usually, the plain oxford is favored in patent leather for evening shoes so you can wear it with a tuxedo.

  • So, how should you wear these oxfords? Like I said, first one should be in black.

  • If you have another cap-toe oxford, you can go with a solid, dark brown one that's going to be versatile, or burgundy.

  • Plain oxfords are best in patent leathers for evening wear and nothing else.

  • The third oxford on our list is the so-called wingtip oxford or brogue.

  • Basically, what that means, it has a wingtip in front that is like a W,

  • and we did an entire video just about this kind of style so, take a look at it, here.

  • The fourth kind of oxford is the so-called saddle oxford or saddle shoe.

  • It has the same closed lacing system but it has a middle strip of leather which is called a saddle.

  • It's particularly popular in the US, and outside the US, it never really caught on.

  • It's a more casual style, and I suggest you only wear it if you're big into Americana,

  • or you just want to create a preppy outfit. Otherwise, it looks out of place.

  • The next oxford is the so-called kiltie oxford.

  • It's very rare and it actually has an additional tongue on the outside

  • which looks a little bit like a kilt hence the name and it's sometimes seen on golf shoes.

  • Other than that, I really don't suggest you wear the kiltie unless you have a very specific look in mind

  • but it looks very special and unique and people will definitely ask you about it.

  • A very elegant form of the oxford is the so-called whole cut.

  • It's called that way because it is cut from one whole piece of leather.

  • Generally, it has just one center seam in the back and it's very popular these days.

  • The only problem with the whole cut is that if it's made out of a ready to wear shoe oftentimes,

  • it wrinkles more easily simply because it's one piece of leather that is shaped to your last

  • so keep that in mind when you invest in one.

  • The next step up from the whole cut is the so-called seamless oxford,

  • and all that means is that there's actually not a single seam

  • so you have to get a very good hide that adjusts to the entire last,

  • and that's why it's only something you often see in bespoke shoes.

  • Seamless and whole cuts are very sleek and elegant shoes that sometimes,

  • they have a medallion on top and you can wear them with suits

  • but if you have them in brown and burgundy colors, also with sportcoat combinations.

  • Overall though, I'd say it's more in the formal end of things

  • just because of the clean line and the lack of seams.

  • Another type of Oxford is the so-called U tip and it's similar to a wing tip

  • but it has that U shape when you look at it from the top.

  • It often comes as a spectator, as you can see here, with two tones,

  • and basically, it's a very loud shoe, it's unusual shoe and therefore,

  • it's only suggested if you want to create an outfit that is defined and that catches people's eyes.

  • That being said, one of the ways to get really a lot out of your oxfords is to change the color of your shoelaces.

  • While a pair of shoes can cost you $200, $300 or $2000,

  • a pair of shoelaces cost about ten bucks and it can really change the entire look.

  • This brown shoe here looks very different with yellow laces.

  • For example, you can add green or red or just brown laces and basically,

  • with a simple twist, you get an entirely different shoe and it makes the shoe more casual.

  • If you want to invest in some oxfords to start,

  • I suggest you get a black cap toe oxford with black shoelaces and then a few other colors

  • such as red or yellow or burgundy, and even purple works.

  • As a second shoe, I suggest you get a half brogue or full brogue, mid brown oxford,

  • and if you want to go a step further, you can get either a tan or a burgundy red one.

  • For example, these two would be good options for first two shoes.

  • As you grow your shoe collection, you can expand in more unusual models

  • such as this white, full brogue which is great in summer,

  • or this spectator shoe which looks great with a plain, navy suit, or striped suit.

  • Of course, there are lots of other color combinations for oxfords,

  • and since it's such a classic, versatile, and timeless last and style,

  • you will find basically anything under the sun.

  • If you want to find out what brands we recommend, please check out our in-depth guide,

  • and if you want to buy high-quality colorful shoelaces in round and flat and different shapes,

  • please check out our shop.

  • Make sure to check out the article because no matter your budget,

  • we have an option for low, middle, and high-end.

Welcome back to The Gentleman's Gazette! Today's video is all about oxfords,

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