Prince Albert Slippers or Wholecut patent leather oxfords?
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Though I'm sure many use the terms interchangeably, albert slippers are traditionally not worn with formal or semi-formal wear, pumps, which they resemble, are. The vamp of a formal pump is cut lower down on the foot than albert slippers, and they have a cross grain bow at the top of the vamp. Black velvet pumps are more formal than patent leather oxfords.
can you send a link to an example. Preferably a pair under 350 dollars.
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Sorry, but when I went looking, they're now scarcer then hen's teeth! No doubt reflects rarity of wear of formal wear, and a general confusion of forms. Did find these, which are fair representatives of the genre. No doubt, additional on-line searching may yield more.
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Prince Albert sippers are a more versatile and would in my estimation see substantially more wear time.. However if the patent leather look is a must, get a pair of quality black calfskin PTB's or captoes and spit shine them. In my experience patent leather shoes are just not that comfortable on the foot. Comfort rules! 
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When I used to wear black tie a lot in a conservative provincial milieu, slippers were pretty common, pumps reserved for white tie.
Searching for the most formal alternative to wear with black tie is contrary to the fact that black tie is not formal.
Searching for the most formal alternative to wear with black tie is contrary to the fact that black tie is not formal.
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More time, and better photos. Note that opera pumps and albert slippers are different footwear. Opera pumps, either velvet or patent are traditional formal and semi formal footwear. Albert slippers are bedroom/smoking slippers, sometimes worn with smoking jackets and black tie more informally at home.
While patent, this Brooks opera pump offers a good view of some distinguishing differences. The vamp is cut low on the instep, and there is no tongue and there is a cross grain bow at the top of the vamp.
![Footwear Shoe Synthetic rubber Sneakers Outdoor shoe]()
Conversely, the opera slippers are cut higher on the vamp, have a tongue extending from the vamp and lack a ribbon.
![Shoe Synthetic rubber Automotive design Sneakers Flip-flops]()
While patent, this Brooks opera pump offers a good view of some distinguishing differences. The vamp is cut low on the instep, and there is no tongue and there is a cross grain bow at the top of the vamp.
Conversely, the opera slippers are cut higher on the vamp, have a tongue extending from the vamp and lack a ribbon.
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Shipton and Heanage offer them.
offering a discount for first time purchase when you sign up.
offering a discount for first time purchase when you sign up.
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