What are they?
So maybe you haven’t seen oxfords around, let alone knew what they were until I introduced them today. Oxfords are almost like dress shoes but a bit more casual. That’s not necessarily the true way to define them, but it makes it easier to point them out. You’ll also notice that almost all of them have a pointed toe and the majority have little “eyelit” holes (almost like a mini hole-punch!) that the laces are put through. Oxfords were originally made of leather and were plain, but have been manipulated so that there can be intricate stitching, cutouts, different fabrics and add ons.
My oxfords
Why do I love them?
The two pairs I have shown above are my absolute favourite! I love them because I feel like they are new to us, yet vintage, so they’re old… but still stylish. I’m the type of person who tucks in her shirt everyday with a brown leather belt and jeans, because I enjoy the feeling of being a bit more dressed up. I feel like oxfords can give a different look to what I’m wearing, because I used to always wear flats. I also love them because they are unlike sneakers. I don’t enjoy the look of sneakers on my own two feet, because they feel too casual and typical, but I know some people can pull them off very well. In my opinion, I feel like oxfords are almost like flats, they don’t puff out the bottom of your jeans and still look dressy. I also think that it’ll follow the same phenomena that flats did: everyone will hate them at first, but love them in a year or two.
Just a couple of suggestions:
Because oxfords are new, and probably a little bit more dressier than what you’re used to, it’s probably hard to understand the mechanics of how to style them. Well it’s not that different! But just in case, here are a few suggestions (for both girls and guys of course):
- You really don’t have to change. Wear them with what you would normally wear! Just because you have a casual outfit of a hoodie matched up with jeans, doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up with a pair of oxfords. There are even some oxfords that are distressed, so this laid back casual style will work very well.
- With this whole skinny-jean epidemic taking over the fashion industry, it seems like it only makes sense that oxfords do go best with them. You don’t have to have them skin tight, but as long as they do not have a flare at the bottom then I’m sure it’s fine.
- Try balancing out the dressy with the casual. A suggestion would be a blazer layered with a v-neck, jeans and oxfords. Or even a dress shirt tucked into jeans with a brown belt and oxfords. And to make it even more simple, a plain v-neck sweater with jeans and oxfords.
- Go simple. Plain t-shirt, whatever neckline it has, and jeans.
- Being in Calgary, I’m sure theres an urge to look like a cowboy/cowgirl! So why not? For this I recommend brown/cognac coloured oxfords, with a plaid shirt, jeans, and brown belt.
- So I’ve been recommended jeans for every single point BUT it’s because that’s what we wear most and they provide balance. However, don’t be afraid to replace your dress shoes, heels or flats with oxfords with dress wear! I love wearing a short dress paired with black translucent tights and oxfords. However, it gets more difficult for males because there is less flexibility in fashion for guys. But there are many different styles of oxfords to chose from. Some often look like dress shoes, which would work perfectly, but others can be grungy or casual. Just use your own judgment on this one and see if it flows.
- I’m sure you’ve seen this way to style oxfords around on the streets very often and it’s with jeans that are cuffed or folded up. The top that can go with this is basically anything, whether it’s a leather jacket, baggy sweater, plaid shirt, t-shirt or cardigan.
So now…
I’m sure you’re wondering where to get them! Well you can virtually find them almost anywhere now. A few places would be at Aldo, Spring, Steven Madden, Browns, Town Shoes, American Apparel and vintage stores! I love oxfords, but I understand if you don’t! They are different, they can be very unique and might just be outside of your comfort zone. Remember, fashion exists in many different ways, but your own style is what’s most important.