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Never seen seamless wholecut oxfords before. How on earth do they make them? imo that is the most elegant pair in your formal collection. I'd kill for a pair

stunning to see the silk socks and opera pumps, love how it shows more of the foot

Thank you very much indeed Mr Allison, may you continue sharing your knowledge in this wonderful Art.

Definitely a proper black tie shoe instructional video. Kudos. Oh and yes, you confirmed my choice for the opera calfskin shoe for my wedding.

thanks for posting .... always learning

I just wanted to compliment you on such quality videos. You bring a very interesting dynamic to the table and it is very refreshing. But I wanted to also at the same time challenge you by asking if possible, would you be able to give better insight on to what to do in the event that you’re completely dressed up and you somehow get a stain on your suit or pants? What is the best course of action when? Should you use club soda to blot out the stain or do you have any other recommendations for detergent when it comes to washing, to prevent ruining your outfit?

You can get calfskin opera pumps from Broadland Slippers in the UK, and they are very reasonably priced.

Interestingly, there is a circumstance in which brogues are completely appropriate for black tie, although I doubt many people in the US (where I assume the largest portion of your viewers reside) will find it relevant - the Scottish Highland dress equivalent of black tie calls for gillie brogues - these look very different to most shoes, and lack the tongue as well, and would look absurd worn with normal Western clothing. But... if anyone is desperate to wear brogues to a black tie event and they have a bit of Scottish blood in them...

1:40 opera pumps 3:13 hull cuts 4:57 oxfords 6:57 derbies 7:48 favorites

The Black Opera Bumps Shoes are My Favorite.

I like the cap toe oxford. The line allows a nice way to keep the area consistent with a shine.

Thank you, as always a great video! I like that you mentioned mirror shined calfskin shoes as a perfectly appropriate option - many insist on patent leather! For Viennese balls, derbies are worn for dancing. Do you think that normal black derbies (with leather soles and no broguing) would be a good option for white tie in this circumstance, when they are mirror shined and paired with silk laces? Or does the formality of white tie indeed require patent leather? After all, this video was about black tie. Thanks in advance!

I have seen a lot of people wearing black velvet slippers to black tie events, some with designs on the toe. I think it does not look good, but if you could comment on that, possibly in another video, it would be a goof topic. Thank you

I agree with all your statments bar one there is one black tie dress outfit that brogues will be aceptiable, that is highland evening wear ie kilt

Joe Lo Truglio keep up the good work! Nice to see you doing something you're passionate about outside your acting career

Another great video to ensure we don't embarrass ourselves!

Two questions: 1. Do my eyes deceive me, or are the facings on your dinner jacket grosgrain (my preferred facing)? If so, would you still wear satin laces? 2. Did enjoying formal wear inspire you to want to go to opening night at the Lyric Opera? Fun story: my wife and I went to opening night at the opera a year or two ago because it was when we were in the city that weekend and the opera was a rarely performed opera that was the first opera I went to see when I was a freshman in college--a sentimental journey for me. We quickly realized that we needed to up our opening night opera-wear game a bit next time... Still had a great time at the opera, but we won't make the same mistake this fall at opening night...

I'm planning on buying a pair of Allen Edmunds Carlyle plain toe oxfords for black tie. I'm not a fan of patent leather, and I suspect I can use them for cocktail and more formal business wear.

Good video. I’d include balmoral boots on one end and velvet Albert slippers on the other as outliers, thoughts?

My choice would be to get a plain toe patent Oxford but having trouble finding this where I am. Here are my three options. 1.) patent cap toe oxford - think cap toe is too informal 2.) patent plain toe blucher - open laces are less formal but I think the plain toe is more formal than the cap toe of the oxford 3.) patent slipper/loafer with satin band (similar to Jimmy Choo - John slipper) - looks like a modern opera shoe but without the bow and not so cut out around the top of the foot. Of the three which one would you recommend? Thanks

I think the dinner jacket look is as close to the 18th century dandy look men get to now so the Opera shoes are I think perfect.

You sure I'm not supposed to be wearing bright green shoes while holding a boombox?

Hi Kirby, I've have just watched your video with regards to black tie event and found it very informative. I was wondering if you can help me with my problem ? I am giving my daughter away next year at her wedding and as all dads I want to be perfect on the day from my speech to my suite to my shoes etc. Can you point me in the right direction with regards what style blue/grey shoe should I wear with my blue/grey suit. Your help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you from Michael in the uk.

Hi Kirby, thanks for the video. I have question regarding sizing of the opera pump. How snug should the shoe fit? Should I be able to snugly fit one finger or no?

I probably won't go to any proper black tie events but thanks for the very informative video. Now I know where I stand, no pun intended! I have an excellent pair of newer black cap toe oxfords and a pair of the 3 eyelet blucher derby shoes in patent leather. Would it be appropriate to put the wider, satin laces on those?

How do you feel about velvet or cashmere slippers for tuxedos ?

What about the cowboy boots for the region variant the "Texas Tuxedo?" I know you've seen it, dark rinse wranglers substituted for wool tux trousers , so of course pair w your trusty black shined Justins 😉

What are your thoughts on shoes with leather soles that have rubber on the bottom for traction?

Hi Kirby, I'm getting ready for New Years Eve. I have very few opportunities to wear a black tie attire, so I haven't planned on buying a pair of gorgeous opera pumps nor patent leather shoes yet. Instead I'd opt to wear my pair of calfskin cap toe oxford, obviosly mirror-shined. Here's the question: Is it appropriate to replace their laces with a pair of satin laces, or it is just a patent leather shoes thing? thanks in advance and congratulations for the great videos

Lovely video however the derby is technically not allowed for Black Tie as they are too casual. Some might say they go with modern BT but the other ones are better. Even the cap toe is ok since its called: the poor mans evening shoe. Except the derby, GC captoe, and the GC wholecut, you could the wear these shoes with White Tie. Great video. Hope this helped. :)

I have seen black velvet opera pumps. Are they appropriate for black or white tie?

Question about opera pumps. I found a company that makes opera pump in Scottish plaids, so the question is, if I were to get them, what would I wear them with?

Is there a particular option that best for a black tie wedding?

is it appropriate to wear a patent opera shoe with a grey or navy tuxedo?

Hello Mr. Allison. I'm from a small town and have never been invited to a gathering as formal as to require a tuxedo or something like that but I have found a very cheap tuxedo and thought it'd be fun to get it. Would I be able to pull off a pair of black toe cap oxfords from AE (I'm really good at shining shoes;) )?

For about 4/5 years, I'd been wearing a pair of black derby brogues to around 200 black tie events. I'm a photographer and have attended many events at the top London hotels in Park Lane. No one says anything, but it's a subtle item of clothing that makes a huge difference. Once I realised, I felt quite embarrassed about it. I have seen people turn up wearing tan coloured brogues, I can only imagine they forgot to take an appropriate pair to work at change into.

Really good video. How about monks, do they qualify for black tie wear?

Hello, if my tie, lapel, and cummerbund are grosgrain would you use grosgrain shoe laces in your oxfords?

Can you wear thick soled shoes or chelsea type boot shoes?

Inserting choices, but don't agree that the shoes need automatically to be black and plain. My favourite shoes to wear with either a traditional black dinner suit or a white tuxedo are black and white patent co respondent shoes. They match perfectly with my 1940's style double brested dinner suits and bring that little bit of the "spiv" to the outfit.

Is it possible to wear a black patent penny loafer ?

How about a leather Chelsea style boot with a high shine toe and heal? Like the Christian Louis Vuitton boot.

Do you have a video about fit?

What are proper shoes for white tie and tails?

Hi Kirby, I would be wearing black Tux in my wedding very similar to the one you are wearing in this video. I bought Jerani of Aldo and wanted to know if it would be a good pair to wear on this occasion. I could not attach the picture of the shoe but it goes by name JERANI on Aldo website. Can you please let me know if this would be appropriate or not and I would be forever grateful to you. Thank you

If I ever go to a black tie event, I would lean towards black plain-toe oxfords or wholecuts.

Do you think it’s a good idea to have a pair of black tie/white tie shoes made from shell cordovan? Has anyone even encountered this option?

I would prefer to wear a pair of black plain toe oxfords in calf skin with satin laces. I do own a pair of cheap patent leather ones, sadly with a rubber sole but I'll still put satin laces on it. :)

Thanks for the videos very important info. Im getting married in 12 day is it posible to get a pair of wholecut seamless?

My shoe problem is that as I have one leg shorter than the other by about 2 inches and therefore have to wear a built up shoe, finding a decent shoe to wear is very awkward as the inserted piece usually weighs more than the shoe. The shoes that you have on the table are totally unsuitable for me. I normally wear a plain black shoe without brogue or toe caps. Is there another shoe type I can wear?

What about black or patent leather belgian loafers ? Any comments ?

Where can I purchase saint Crispins opera pump Mens shoes

I also use a captoe oxford with my tuxedo and my other suits. It's really versatile.

Questions:Which are most comfortable?do men find lace up most comfortable because it's adjustable,or prefer to go without laces? Fit and width of shoes? Padding and height? International shoe styling such as Italian, Brazilian etc. preferences? 2, Do you get get questions as to vegan leather/natural alt. for black tie formal? 3, Would you still wear black with a grey tux?

What about dress boots. I wear US size 14 EEE and find other than bespoke shoes almost impossible to find and just don’t have the income to purchase bespoke shoes.

Great video Kirby. Where are the shoe trees from for your Grenson’s?

Opera pumps are more appropriate for "White Tie". Black tie which is far more informal, I find only requires a patent leather or mirror shined Oxford. Not sure where in the USA you hail from, but in my area, Black tie is nowhere near considered as formal as you make it sound. Nevertheless your recommendations are good. I would enjoy hearing your descriptions for White Tie.

Question

What about velvet Shoes?

Do you really only mirror shine the toe and not the rest of the shoe on the oxfords?

Do you have a contact at saint crispins for a first time custom build of the calf skin opera pump?

I recently got a $2600 patent leather oxford from artioli. Looks great!

Dear Kirby Allison, I find it near impossible to find a company that makes women’s dress shoes. Do you know of any companies that make oxfords (or other dress shoes) for women, not brogues or high-heeled, just smaller and fitted for women? Thank you.

What is a modern twist for Millennial men are black patent leather tennis shoes.

Two questions with regards to black-tie. First, would it be considered extra formal if the cap toe oxfords would have satin laces? Lastly, are full gold cufflinks acceptable?

The shiny ones

I wear black western-style boots that look like patent leather for dress, very common in rural Utah where I live. I shine them by applying two coats of either Kiwi or Lincoln polish with my fingers until there is plenty of friction and there is gloss showing. Next I apply Kiwi leather lotion, again with my fingers until they start looking glossy. This boot is set aside to dry while I do the same with the second boot. While the second boot is drying, I spray a mist of water onto the first one and brush vigorously until good and glossy. I then apply a thin coat of black polish with my fingers until there is too much friction and I see some gloss. I mist the boot with water and buff vigorously with an old wadded up pantyhose to a mirror finish, misting again if needed. I then repeat with a thin coat of neutral for a spit shine look, again misting and buffing vigorously with the pantyhose. This is repeated with the second boot. Whether for black tie or any other events, this is the only way to shine boots or shoes. P. S. I served with the 82nd Airborne Division Band from November 1971 to January 1973, and I am still an All-American. AIRBORNE!

What do you think about seeing brown shoes on a black suit? I've seen too many wear it

As always, I will go with the slip on. Laced shoes seems bulky and a shoe should easily be graceful.

Black tie is not the pinnacle of formality. It's white tie, morning coat or stroller suit.

So... no boat shoes?

Satin laces......wow

Patent derby or a calfskin oxford for a wedding

What about cordovan oxfords? Are they appropriate?

I would leave pumps strictly to white tie, and patent leather tie-ups to black tie. Any other shoes appear “off.” With formal wear it’s patent or nothing.

Can you wear a patent leather jodhpurs tods boots?

Great video Kirby; I was just wondering, would a pair of chelsea boots with a high shine be acceptable for black tie? Thanks

can I wear sheer socks with opera pumps cheers mark

Who wears black tie at home? Love the dinner pump but it's impossible to find. Can't I just wear a black Norwegian loafer and call it a day?

Kirby - your thoughts about wearing traditional Ghillie Brogues with a kilt & Prince Charles jacket & vest to a black tie event??

I personally think opera pumps are a bit too formal and elegant and should be reserved for white tie

I've never liked patent leather shoes. I find them to be extremely artificial looking. I prefer a whole cut oxford in either a high shine calfskin or even a black suede.

Not about shoes but can I wear my black suit jacket for a tuxedo jacket?

A patent leather Derby, completely appropriate? Isn't the open lacing entirely too informal for something like black tie?

Disagree on the last one. No open laces, and yes, no plastic sole. What about Prince Albert’s

While I love my Opera pumps with Black tie, I find them to be too informal with White tie. With White tie, a patent leather Oxford sets the right tone and has the formality necessary to compliment the White tie and tails.

I own Patten leather with double monk strap and white piping

What do you think about a velvet slip on? Would that be elegant enough?

Can you wear a loafer with a tuxedo

Those hull cuts look clumsy, not my type

First two shoes are just horrible. Others are fine.

What kind of foolish company would make or sell a patent leather dress shoe for black tie with a rubber sole? You can spot that sole from a mile away and instantly telegraphs that the person wearing it is deficient in dress education. And I am being nice about this comment too.

Kirby, generally I think you have good style. But there is nothing cool or stylish about wearing a pair of opera pumps with a bow on them. They have to be the worst, unstylish lane looking shoes on the planet and I would never take anyone seriously who wear them.