Basic Bastard First Brown Leather Footwear Advice
I am looking to buy my first brown leather footwear.
The guide (https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/building-a-basic-wardrobe-v70) suggests Clarks Desert Boots / Chukka, Derbies/Bluchers (possible preference for round toed suede in 2023), Chelsea Boots, Blucher Mocs, or Service boots.
The updated 2023 guide (https://imgur.com/Xvv3AO4) suggests lace up/service boots.
I already have stan smiths and some older black oxfords - my ideal setup is the stan smiths for generally going out / parties, black oxfords for formal, and the brown leather I will be buying is for MAINLY business casual / dates, but I would like them to ideally be as versatile as possible without sacrificing on the business casual.
I have done hours worth of reading and I have come to the conclusion that there isn't really a consensus.
My main confusion is on whether to get a single pair of nicer more expensive service boots, (Allen Edmonds Higigns Mill Brown Chromexcel Leather, or Grant Stone Diesel Crimson CXL or Earth Waxed commander).
OR
To have 2 cheaper more specialized boots/shoes for the same total price, such as one Chukka (Clarks Desert Boot Beeswax) and/or one Chelsea (Canada West Romeo 14337, Blundstone, or a different dressier one), and/or one service (Canada West WM. Moorby 2801, Iron Ranger Blacksmith) and/or one derby shoe or blucher moc (I have no idea what to choose for shoes).
Again, my main concern is having something nicer than sneakers to wear for dates, business casual, stage presentations, etc.
I live in Canada and so I am leaning more towards boots, but I am not sure what is ideal for my situation. I am in my mid 20s if that changes anything.
My budget depends on how much use I can get out of it. For something I will wear at least twice a weak and will last years, I could spend up to around 500 USD.
The guide (https://malefashionadvice.substack.com/p/building-a-basic-wardrobe-v70) suggests Clarks Desert Boots / Chukka, Derbies/Bluchers (possible preference for round toed suede in 2023), Chelsea Boots, Blucher Mocs, or Service boots.
The updated 2023 guide (https://imgur.com/Xvv3AO4) suggests lace up/service boots.
I already have stan smiths and some older black oxfords - my ideal setup is the stan smiths for generally going out / parties, black oxfords for formal, and the brown leather I will be buying is for MAINLY business casual / dates, but I would like them to ideally be as versatile as possible without sacrificing on the business casual.
I have done hours worth of reading and I have come to the conclusion that there isn't really a consensus.
My main confusion is on whether to get a single pair of nicer more expensive service boots, (Allen Edmonds Higigns Mill Brown Chromexcel Leather, or Grant Stone Diesel Crimson CXL or Earth Waxed commander).
OR
To have 2 cheaper more specialized boots/shoes for the same total price, such as one Chukka (Clarks Desert Boot Beeswax) and/or one Chelsea (Canada West Romeo 14337, Blundstone, or a different dressier one), and/or one service (Canada West WM. Moorby 2801, Iron Ranger Blacksmith) and/or one derby shoe or blucher moc (I have no idea what to choose for shoes).
Again, my main concern is having something nicer than sneakers to wear for dates, business casual, stage presentations, etc.
I live in Canada and so I am leaning more towards boots, but I am not sure what is ideal for my situation. I am in my mid 20s if that changes anything.
My budget depends on how much use I can get out of it. For something I will wear at least twice a weak and will last years, I could spend up to around 500 USD.
