Classic Black-Tie Footwear

Whether slip-on or lace-up, the defining characteristic of formal footwear is its aesthetic minimalism.  “Small, slim, and narrow feet give a light, quick, and (and hence) young lift to the overall silhouette” explains the black-tie treatise The Aesthetics of the Tuxedo, pointing out that this optical slight-of-hand was often employed by vintage fashion illustrators.  Consequently, formal shoes have a distinctly slipper-like appearance.

Patent leather was the material of choice for evening shoes from the 1850s through to the 1950s when well-polished calfskin became an acceptable alternative.  In both cases the high gloss of the shoe is intended to complement the outfit’s various silk facings as part of black tie’s sophisticated contrast of textures.  Just be sure to avoid inexpensive patent PVC (vinyl) footwear as it will not only look cheap but will crack and peel as well.

Formal Pump (Court Shoe)

The formal pump (also known as an opera pump or, in the UK, men's court shoe) has its origin in eighteenth century court dress and has changed very little in the ensuing three hundred years.  A vestige of an era of more effete men’s wear – it was originally worn with knee breeches and silk stockings – it is often misunderstood by more macho contemporary dressers.  However, sartorial connoisseurs continue to appreciate its club elegance and the aristocratic nature of footwear intended to be worn exclusively indoors. 

The evening pump is decorated with a silk bow, either pinched or flat, that complements the overall outfit in a couple of ways according to The Aesthetics of the Tuxedo.  First, it coordinates with the necktie to bookend the suit and, secondly, it tricks the eye into seeing a smaller vamp (the upper portion of the shoe where the bow sits) thus enhancing the illusion of a smaller foot.  While it would stand to reason that the bow should be satin or grosgrain to coordinate with the rest of the outfit’s facings, it is almost always grosgrain.  This is because the high gloss of the shoe’s leather already complements the luster of the facings and so the bow fabric is utilized to offset the pump’s sheen rather than overdo it.

Pumps have traditionally been associated with dancing which is why they are often quilted for additional comfort.  However their slight build and lack of ties require that they fit the foot perfectly in order not to slip at the heel. 

Formal Lace-Up (Oxford)

Although not as formal as the pump, the evening lace-up still boasts an impressive heritage dating back to the turn of the twentieth century.  The low-cut oxford derives its elegance from its “closely cropped soles, delicately beveled waist, and glovelike fit” as Dressing the Man so poetically explains.  In addition, the ready-to-wear version has an advantage over its slip-on counterpart because of its ability to fit a wider variety of foot shapes and subsequent reduced likelihood of pinching or slipping while dancing. 

Laced shoes must be as basic as possible in order to respect formalwear’s refined minimalism.  Plain-toe models are best due to the absence of decoration.  Of the two types of oxfords, the closed-laced balmoral (considered the only true oxford by the British and by American traditionalists) is considered more formal than the open-laced blucher (derby in UK) because of its shapelier silhouette.  Conversely, wingtips and brogues should be avoided as they are too similar to daily work shoes and loafers are also much too casual. 

Formal Hose

With a classic black-tie ensemble even the hosiery is carefully selected to enhance overall elegance.  The traditional choice is black silk socks, descendants of the hose worn at court with knee breeches.  The material's dull luster serves as a an effective complement to the trouser's silk stripes and an elegant transition from the matte wool of the trousers to the glossy finish of the shoes.  When wearing a midnight blue dinner suit hose should be of the same color.

Fine-ribbed cotton-lisle and even wool have been acceptable alternatives for evening hose since Edwardian times.  However, GQ’s Style Guy wisely advises that if a man is wearing pumps he should make sure the socks are very thin because “If you wear them with thick black socks you’ll look like a lesbian.”

Regardless of the material or color chosen, formal socks must be calf height.  There is probably no better way to ruin a formal outfit than by flashing bare shins when you sit or cross your legs.

Calfskin pump with pinched bow.

Patent leather pump with flat bow.

 

Patent leather plain-toe balmoral (top) and plain-toe blucher.


Patent Leather plain cap-toe balmoral. 

Silk over-the-calf socks.  

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