Is it fine to wear calfskin in lieu of patent leather for black tie?

I am going to a black-tie event in about a month. I've got a pair of plain-toe Oxfords, but they aren't patent leather. As much as I'd like to have patent leather pumps, ot seems like a lot of money for something I would seldom wear. Then again, the same is truebfor my tuxedo and dinner shirt, so why not have the shoes?
15 Replies
tuzonghua
tuzonghua8mo ago
I recently faced this dilemma and decided against patent leather. Went with a wholecut oxford instead. I think, if you wanted to stay close to convention, as long as the shoes aren't bluchers you'll be fine
sorrynodice
sorrynodice8mo ago
It depends on the crowd, IMO. If you're going to a Manhattan wedding, no one will care if you're wearing calfskin oxfords. If you're going to the Third Baron of Winchester's annual fundraiser for psoriases in Chensworth Castle, then idk maybe?
Benji
Benji8mo ago
Just polish the oxfords before the event
Holfram
Holfram8mo ago
Mirror polish, it’ll look the same.
HaveanA1day
HaveanA1day8mo ago
Any guides on mirror polish?
Holfram
Holfram8mo ago
https://youtu.be/ca6zo8WOy-M?si=ID4WFsAzMr8X6YxY this’ll usually work if the leather isn’t waxy or anything
Tring Shoe Repairs
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How to polish shoes | mirror shine | Quickest way | Cobbler secret...
Here's a tutorial on how to mirror shine your shoes when you're short on time. Thanks for checking out the video, here's my secret way to polish shoes, to achieve a mirror shine really quickly and easily, Dan.
Ragonk_Force
Ragonk_Force8mo ago
I just had this same debate, ended up going for some black wholecut oxfords in regular leather as well, though in retrospect I kind of wish I'd gone for a plain toe (1% less formal but much more versatile). If it's a wedding or a gala I think your plain toes are likely A-OK as long as they're polished as said above
Benji
Benji8mo ago
Yah plain toe is just a better looking shoe imo
tuzonghua
tuzonghua8mo ago
re: cap vs plain toe, same thought. I went for these, which I think will be fine with a tux or a suit
No description
Benji
Benji8mo ago
If you don't want to figure out how to shine them yourself, can just bring them to a cobbler to do it too
HaveanA1day
HaveanA1day8mo ago
Would I need a wax for a high-shine as opposed to cream polish?
Benji
Benji8mo ago
@ll.beansandrice if you don't mind answering
awburkey
awburkey8mo ago
Yes
Benji
Benji8mo ago
Resident shoe care expert lol
awburkey
awburkey8mo ago
But tbh you can prolly get away with just making sure they’re nice and freshly cleaned and polished I haven’t read the thread beyond the title
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