The M.S. McClellan Advisor

Are patent leather shoes always necessary for a tuxedo?

Great question and one that often causes anxiety. Are they advisable - yes. But necessary? No. The cold facts are that you will probably, at best, wear formal dress about once a year. Twice maybe. Three times is unusual and throws you into the "charity party circuit" category. Kidding.

Truth be known, you can make do with your best black cap toe dress shoes with a high polish. You can also pull off a pair of black dress loafers from someone like Alden. Truth be known, no one will know - or care if you don't have the patent leathers.

If you're thinking about getting a pair of shoes for formal wear only then give a look at Stubbs & Wooten's velvet slippers with irreverent embroidery. It will get noticed for sure.

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