[George1982]

Hi all. We’re due to get married next year, and it’s going to be black tie.

I’ve already purchased a lovely dinner suit, with grosgrain silk piping, and gauntlet cuffs. Picture attached.

It’ll be worn with a barathea silk cummerbund and bow tie, and a marcella dress shirt with antique yellow gold studs and cuff links.

I’ve always preferred boots to shoes. Opting to wear black brogue boots with my suits, when I go to the office.

What boots would you think would look best with evening wear?

Currently, I’m considering George boots or Chelsea boots. Almost certainly a whole cut boot, with leather soles, for a more refined profile. However, open to ideas.

I dislike patent leather. So, will instead be bringing the boots to a high shine.

My question isn’t asking what is technically/traditionally correct. However, as you good people have excellent taste, I’m asking for ideas on what you feel would look best.

Quite happy to be rakish/unconventional.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

An answer from Texas would be an exotic, probably lizard. It has a good sheen. I would avoid ostrich, alligator, or any other exotics that tend to look more flashy. Black of course with a not overly showy shaft. Avoid extremely pointed snipped toes. (Called roach kickers 'cause you can kick cockroaches in corners with 'em.) Well shined black calf Luccheses would be a nice option as well. Both lizard and calf from a good boot maker are incredibly comfortable. Have a great time! Welcome to Ask Andy. Now members with better taste than I have can weigh In.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0522/6712/2861/products/GY1034.X13_Pair_2048x.jpg?v=1626791336

 

[George1982]

An answer from Texas would be an exotic, probably lizard. It has a good sheen. I would avoid ostrich, alligator, or any other exotics that tend to look more flashy. Black of course with a not overly showy shaft. Avoid extremely pointed snipped toes. (Called roach kickers 'cause you can kick cockroaches in corners with 'em.) Well shined black calf Luccheses would be a nice option as well. Both lizard and calf from a good boot maker are incredibly comfortable. Have a great time! Welcome to Ask Andy. Now members with better taste than I have can weigh In.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0522/6712/2861/products/GY1034.X13_Pair_2048x.jpg?v=1626791336

Thank you, Vecchio.

Hailing from the UK, I'm not sure that I could pull off cowboy boots.

That being said. Your comment did encourage me to run a Google image search, and has given me another idea.

I really like the look of these. Just need to find something similar, and slightly more affordable.

Tom Ford isn't really in my price range.

https://www.tomford.com/edgar-leath...2T-ANU_color=NER&cgid=men-shoes-boots#start=7

 

[eagle2250]

Thank you, Vecchio.

Hailing from the UK, I'm not sure that I could pull off cowboy boots.

That being said. Your comment did encourage me to run a Google image search, and has given me another idea.

I really like the look of these. Just need to find something similar, and slightly more affordable.

Tom Ford isn't really in my price range.

https://www.tomford.com/edgar-leath...2T-ANU_color=NER&cgid=men-shoes-boots#start=7

I've worn both Chelsea and George boots, shined to a mirror finish, with military and civilian formal wear. I don't recall anyone ever questioning the practice.

 

[George1982]

I've worn both Chelsea and George boots, shined to a mirror finish, with military and civilian formal wear. I don't recall anyone ever questioning the practice.

Brilliant. Thank you 😁

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Thank you, Vecchio.

Hailing from the UK, I'm not sure that I could pull off cowboy boots.

That being said. Your comment did encourage me to run a Google image search, and has given me another idea.

I really like the look of these. Just need to find something similar, and slightly more affordable.

Tom Ford isn't really in my price range.

https://www.tomford.com/edgar-leath...2T-ANU_color=NER&cgid=men-shoes-boots#start=7

Tony Lamas are less than half the price of Luccheses and are still very nice and quite comfortable.

 

[George1982]

Tony Lamas are less than half the price of Luccheses and are still very nice and quite comfortable.

Thank you. However, cowboy boots aren't really my style.

 

[David J. Cooper]

Welcome. I would say definitely YES to dress boots. My choice would be Velvet Belgians though.

 

[challer]

My only advice is to avoid a boot with a overly heavy sole, particularly the double sole extra as can appear from Alden.

 

[George1982]

Thanks, all. I’m seriously considering a Chelsea from Sanders. It’s within budget. Well made, and fits the brief 👍🏻

 

[StephenRG]

I would second plain black Chelseas - in an elegant last and with leather soles. Brought to a high shine, they would look very good IMO. FWIW if I didn't already have a pair of patent leather shoes, I would myself have chosen a pair of Chelseas over any other shoes to go with my dinner suit.

 

[Tiger]

Perhaps something like this?

https://www.tlbmallorca.com/scott-black-boxcalf

 

[George1982]

Perhaps something like this?

https://www.tlbmallorca.com/scott-black-boxcalf

They are lovely. However, I'm thinking either whole cut Chelsea's. Or zip ankle boots.

 

[Dhaller]

Sid Mashburn in Atlanta used to specifically recommend Chelsea boots.

I'd probably go with Balmorals myself.

Of course if the bride & groom are mounted on horseback (it must happen!), then that does change things!

DH

 

[Tiger]

They are lovely. However, I'm thinking either whole cut Chelsea's. Or zip ankle boots.

How about this?

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/milton_boots/black-calf

 

[medhat]

Crazy, faced with this exact issue this past weekend, shopping for shoes for my college-aged son who has a formal event at the end of term. He's in my old now-vintage tux but was without shoes. We settled on a Chelsea, given that the portion that will be visible beneath the pant leg will easily pass to the casual observer as a wholecut, and in general usage for him will be much more versatile than a bal, like the AE Carlyle that I wear. So thumbs up for the Chelsea.

 

[upr_crust]

Ironically, I wore my black Cheaney jodhpurs just today, of which I've attached a couple of photos. I believe that this is the look that you wish to achieve, minus the buckle and straps - single sole, and a reasonably elegant plain front.

I also have included a URL from Carmina - the Chelseas are not whole cuts, but the Simpson last is very elegant (albeit narrow for some), and would seem to fit the bill.

Best of luck in your search, and congratulations on your impending nuptials.

https://www.carminashoemaker.com/black-chelsea-boots-mens-80216

 

[challer]

The Carmina Chelsea in my last are quite sophisticated, even more so than Weston, in my opinion.