The Tuxedo Shoe Guide

So, you’ve decided on a tuxedo for your attire on the big day. Bravo.

But there are still more decisions left to make, ranging from what kind of tuxedo shirt you’ll wear to studs vs. no studs and the old question of the boutonniere. Yes, that’s a lot to ponder, so while that soaks in allow us to knock off one more pressing concern from your list: footwear.

What kind of shoes to wear with a tuxedo
When it comes down to it, there are three categories of shoe you can pair with a tuxedo: lace-up oxfords, velvet slippers, and opera pumps:

• Oxfords may look similar to a derby shoe at first glance, but have a “closed” lacing system, meaning that the laces are sewn directly under the vamp, eliminating the need for the raised sections of leather that mark a derby. This gives the oxford shoe a sleeker silhouette that better sorts it to formalwear. Oxfords worn with tuxedoes should always be black: either black calfskin, or more traditionally, black patent leather, whose high shine will match the sheen of a tuxedo’s silk or grosgrain facings.

• Velvet slippers are the more casual footwear choice for a tuxedo. They work particularly well with tuxedoes that have shawl lapels, or dinner jackets worn with tuxedo trousers. The most traditional and formal choice is a black velvet slipper. But if you wish to show a little more personality—and so long as the rest of the outfit is restrained and classic—you can opt for a more colorful velvet slipper, or one that features embroidery or even a monogram.

• Opera pumps are a rare sight these days (and when were you last at the opera?) but they remain an excellent choice for the traditionalist that wishes to elevate their tuxedo game to the highest level. Opera pumps are a sleek, slip-on style with a loafer silhouette marked by a grosgrain bow detail at the toe.