The Only Shoes You Should Wear With A Tuxedo | Best Formal Shoes

From patent leather shoes to velvet slippers, in this video you will learn the five pairs of formal shoes that are appropriate to wear with a tuxedo so you can nail the black tie dress code.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:24 - Patent Leather Oxford
1:22 - Plain Leather Oxford
1:58 - Opera Pump
2:29 - Belgian Shoe
3:08 - Velvet Slippers
3:54 - What Socks To Wear?
4:10 - What Kind of Laces?
4:26 - What To Avoid
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#FormalShoes #TuxedoGuide #GroomStyle

[@05Rudey]

Not sure I'm brave enough to wear Opera Pumps.

[@sludgehammerz]

i feel this! one day i'll work up the confidence

[@jochem1986]

You are. You just didn’t realize it yet. Opera pumps are a new level of gangster.

[@jobmclaren4150]

Do it, you wont regret it

[@hespokestyle]

You can do it! Unless you're REALLY not comfortable. Definitely a conversation starter.

[@hespokestyle]

@@sludgehammerz Nice!

[@danielduggan5405]

These wedding guides are both helpful and rather timely. It’s nice to have HSS back. Thanks, as always, Brian!

[@hespokestyle]

Glad you like them! More to come.

[@chadbailey7038]

Fantastic advice and coverage! 👏🏾

[@sludgehammerz]

Love these tuxedo guide videos! so short, easy, and to the point. Keep them coming Brian!

[@hespokestyle]

Wilco!

[@andrewholden2768]

S NOT a tuxedo, it is a dinner jacket. Tuxedo is the name of a club in Tuxedo Park

[@gentlemenoasis4210]

Best videos for wedding , you nail it 👍

[@jobro524]

Great video. Loved this series

[@hespokestyle]

Many thanks, Johnra!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video, thanks for the lesson 👏

[@hespokestyle]

you got it!

[@petercoccaro5299]

I actually purchased from Floresheim a pair of patent leather sneakers that rock! And very comfortable

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@dennisgurtner5192]

If I may ask (because I love the collar): From which brand is the blue shirt you are wearing in the video from? Thanks ever so much!

[@ed_nothing]

Hi Brian, will you be doing a video on the different types of pants to consider? (honestly idk if there are any but to me it seems you missed that video? thanks anyways and sorry for bad english.)

[@matthewcormier8744]

tuxedo shoes love it

[@denisboateng27]

What's your thought on loafers with fringe detail in polished black leather, please?

[@logical582]

Where would be the best place online to find a dress socks in your opinion for a reasonable price? Thank you

[@justindrummond8006]

Carmina just screwed up a custom order of my dream Opera Pumps. No longer have enough time to re-order before the wedding. Any thoughts on Bowhill & Elliott? OR any other suggestions? Getting desperate for help at this point. Cheers.

[@shabberbashir8991]

Please please make a video on lapel length

[@liderta5850]

Hi, just wondering, if wearing black jacket, and black trouser, does the velvet slipper must be or better be black as well? how about navy/dark blue?

[@faridmahnad4985]

Love these quick and to the point videos as an addition to the channel.😁

[@hespokestyle]

Glad to hear it!

[@bonganinondudule9022]

Can I wear a horse bit loafer with a tux?

[@dishonored8458]

I would personally love to add that wearing a nice and handmade shoe make a significant difference to your outfit. In addition of that, appart that it will a cost you a lot more than simple industrial shoes, this type of handmade shoes will last you longer due to the hight quality of leather and the techniques of « making nice shoes ». In NY you’ve got a nice shop which named Fitzgerald shoes store. (Carmina, Crockett and jones, Alden, Church’s, John Lobb, Officine Creative, Caulaincourt, etc etc….)

[@hespokestyle]

Fair.

[@GabrielHernandez-gp2fs]

From what brand are those opera pumps?

[@qxh1717]

I must say that in Europe plain leather shoes under a Smoking (Tuxedo) is really a no go. Most common is the verniz, lak, patent leather. More fashionable is of course the embroidered velvet loafer. However the embroidery can never be the same but must always be mirrored.

[@0425549345]

It is going to shatter the typical men's style rules but I'll just say - if you're wearing a tux in Texas you CAN pull off a pair of high polish shined black boots. (Though not the lace-up style of boots you showed here.) Great video.

[@hespokestyle]

Thanks for the comment, Landon!

[@roberttudisco6530]

Great video, and great series! I am getting married in December so these videos have been SO helpful. Could you recommend some brands that make Opera Pumps? I really want to wear them for my wedding, but they are a little harder to find. I love the ones made by Morjas, but they don’t seem to have my size.

[@hespokestyle]

Awesome! I was lucky to get mine during the Brooks Brothers super sale when they went bankrupt, but it looks like they are all sold out now. A quick google search might yield some results.

[@Nathan_Wright]

Good opera pumps: Brooks Brothers if you can find them, Arthur Sleepers of England, Bowhill and Elliott, and others. You can also try searching vintage or second hand on eBay or Etsy. I find stuff that’s good quality and hardly if any wear at all on stuff I’ve gotten. I got my opera pumps new though from Edward Green for my wedding and other black tie occasions and they feel incredible.

[@tyronejoihnson7046]

You go to Crockett & Jones and order a pair of James Bond tuxedo shoes.

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Most people would be best served by a good quality plain leather oxford, and learn to apply a high gloss finish on the toe cap with a good wax.

[@SomeNot]

Is not a mirror shined plain black leather and velvet balmoral boot acceptable? They are certainly the most formal boot and have an esteemed history here in Great Britain, evoking elements of Victorian dress

[@TheThinkerBodyMindSpirit]

Just asking, can you wear a 34mm watch?

[@SP-pn7xx]

Of course you can. That was a normal men's watch size 40 years ago. I will say they are easier to wear with long sleeves. They can look odd with short sleeves if you are tall. Also keep in mind that modern 34mm watches are almost always designed with women in mind, and wear very differently to vintage men's watches.

[@dakotarayprice]

I wear black oxeford boot with black tuxedo

[@hespokestyle]

Cool.

[@danielmejia2148]

You are crazy the opera pump is # 1

[@andreleverettejr3747]

I could wear opera pumps for white tie but I think whole cuts could cover the White tie dress code due to the simplicity, at least I believe so.

[@jobmclaren4150]

You most certainly can exchange the footwear for the White Tie dress code

[@hespokestyle]

Thanks for the comment.

[@hespokestyle]

@@jobmclaren4150 Cheers.

[@Nathan_Wright]

Yeah patent oxfords work with white tie too. White tie being so amazing and naturally having this vintage appeal as it is, opera pumps are my favorite to wear with it.

[@mirto1000]

Loved this video. Many thanks!

[@hespokestyle]

You are so welcome!

[@rlkinnard]

i think that black whole cut or cap toe oxfords are fine. How often does one ever need to wear a tux?

[@hespokestyle]

If that's your position, then do whatever you want. I'm just here to try and help you know what to do.

[@rlkinnard]

@@hespokestyle I think that we have become less formal with time; I dress more formally than most already just by owning and wearing simple black oxfords. You pointed out the traditional way to do things.

[@JesusGarciaco]

I love opera pumps

[@smacwhinnie]

Chelsea boot has been done

[@SP-pn7xx]

I invested in Gucci horsebit loafers for black tie occasions because I've been to two black tie events in the last 7 years. Bernhard Roetzel said these were fine in his book 'Gentlemen'.

[@Steve-Daichi-Ishimatsu]

Can you wear boots with a three piece tuxedo. What is the most formal boots.

[@hespokestyle]

I wouldn't

[@andreleverettejr3747]

Those square toed shoes you showed almost made me repeat my breakfast on myself, God help the soul that thinks those are great shoes.

[@mph7282]

Square toed shoes are appropriate for...well, maybe your steel-toed boots on a construction site. But other than that, they are just a horrible look and should be avoided at all times, irrespective of the formality.

[@hespokestyle]

LOL

[@andreleverettejr3747]

@@mph7282 point received sir, I'd recommend chiseled toe Boots or Moc toed boots for construction sites, squared toe shoes are the devil sir.

[@Nathan_Wright]

Lol. If not a round toe then a chiseled toe is a lot better. I actually have been getting more chiseled toe here recently than anything.

[@andreleverettejr3747]

@@Nathan_Wright great choice sir!

[@countalma9800]

The suede loafer is a great option. I believe, Nettleton used to make a unique loafer that was a combination of suede and patent leather. Looked amazing, but I don’t think it’s possible to find anymore. I would only consider wearing velvet slippers to a black-tie event organized at someone’s private home (like a New Year’s celebration) or an event at a private club. Definitely no embroidery for me. I’m not from an old-money “wasp” family from New England, and I’m afraid such a look would appear pretentious. But that’s just me. For any other formal event, I’d wear lace-up formal shoes. There used to be a type of formal shoe that doesn’t seem to exist anymore - a very lightweight, soft, 3-eyelet, plain-toe derby. Incredibly simple, elegant, and most importantly - as comfortable as it gets. Too bad such shoes aren’t made anymore. Oxfords, unfortunately, tend to be heavy and stiff.

[@hespokestyle]

Thanks so much for the very thoughtful comment!

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

I cant stand wearing dress shoes or any kind of formal shoe, but the velvet slippers actually look nice. Not that I'll ever wear anything that formal.......

[@justcaused6182]

How are studio renovations going? When can we expect usual content?

[@hespokestyle]

It's a time thing. I know you've followed for a long time so you likely know that this is not my full time job. I am an active duty Soldier in the US Army. And when you have 19 years in service, you tend to be in charge of and responsible for a lot of people and things.

[@justcaused6182]

@@hespokestyle Hopefully it'll all calm down soon, I know what's it like to have a busy schedule. Looking forward to seeing new videos from you.

[@plainrocky4209]

Can I wear penny loafers with my formal Black Tie?

[@hespokestyle]

No

[@plainrocky4209]

@@hespokestyle noted. Thanks btw, I’ve been contemplating that.

[@Javi_C]

👍

[@hespokestyle]

Thanks, as always, Javi!

[@Nathan_Wright]

I wear opera pumps most often but also have a pair of patent leather wholecut oxfords and some velvet slippers.

[@hespokestyle]

Very nice!

[@Nathan_Wright]

@@hespokestyle I saw Hugo Jacomet had a pair of Corthay arcas in patent leather with golden leaf laces. The trim was also in gold leaf. Not much of a derby guy but the two eyelets looked really cool and worked in the patent leather.

[@malufet333]

Are Converse shoes good for a little less formal?

[@hespokestyle]

No.

[@ron56pvi13]

The only formal event I would wear Opera Pumps to is my own funeral- and only if they were covered up with a blanket.

[@ghosthost100]

1:59 glass slippers for guys.

[@sandzmd]

Yay

[@sandzmd]

Im first!😊

[@hespokestyle]

Cheers!

[@justinpatalsky1]

Opera pump are you kidding me

[@fredcoles6013]

2:09 a guy's glass slipper

[@leonstevens1382]

Pumps go only with white tie! Patent lace-ups exclusively with black tie! No exceptions!

[@jobmclaren4150]

Not exactly many men and those with sartorial influence have word their opera pumps with black tie

[@hespokestyle]

That's incorrect.

[@Nathan_Wright]

Pumps can be worn with black tie and historically was for many years before the patent leather Oxford became more popular. The transition from white tie to black tie being the most popular formal dress code saw many cross-over things like that. Wearing a white tie waistcoat and a wing collar shirt with a tuxedo is something really cool to do and can be seen in some old magazines. I personally love the wing collar shirt anyways and wear one not every time but often with black tie.

[@MrDanielWP]

The velvet slipper shouldn't be on this list, imo. You even said it's not recommended for a full tuxedo. The title of the video is about what to wear with a tuxedo. And, your plain leather Oxfords need to be mirror shined on the toe box. If you aren't gonna do that, get patent leather Oxfords.

[@hespokestyle]

Semantics. Formal shoes if you want to get picky.

[@Nathan_Wright]

Yeah, velvet slippers are really best with a dinner jacket but for creative black tie if people want to wear velvet jackets, velvet slippers look really good with them. Regular patent leather or shined leather looks great too though.

[@toddgaak422]

I absolutely LOATHE the opera pump. They are far, far too feminine.

[@hespokestyle]

Of the others, sure. But you've got to be a real man to pull them off.

[@Nathan_Wright]

@@hespokestyle Lol yeah true. Historically most things we see today as “feminine” were originally done or worn by men. Not saying go put on makeup, wear high heels, and a wig but that’s how it was. I don’t think it’s feminine so much as dandyish. They look different when actually seeing them on your feet. In full ensemble it looks and feels great.

[@lmlm_]

@LG 8341 There are versions cut more like a loafer. From photos I’ve seen, it looks like Frank Sinatra wore that style. The ones shown here are very low cut and rounded which look more like women’s ballet flats.

[@CAphotos]

Sorry. I'll continue to wear my smooth toe cowboy boots with my tuxedo.

[@andrewholden2768]

We wear dinner jackets, NOT tuxedos. Tuxedo is an abhorrent americanism. The dinner jacket was created by Henry Poole & Co of London at the behest of Edward 7th.

[@WatchWatchlist]

Wearing a Belgian shoe with a tux is completely wrong.

[@hespokestyle]

No it’s not.

[@WatchWatchlist]

@@hespokestyle Pumps and loafers are two completely separate things. It is inappropriate to wear loafers with a tuxedo.

[@hespokestyle]

@@WatchWatchlist no it’s not.

[@WatchWatchlist]

​@@hespokestyle This is such an issue with style youtubers. Making stuff up and passing it off as truth. It only confuses the people trying to learn from the videos.

[@hespokestyle]

@@WatchWatchlist Ah, that can of worms. So, when you really get down to it, people can wear whatever they want. the real issue with men's style is people who view the world in black and white and think: well, the rules say X, Y or Z and if you don't follow them, you have bad style or you're doing it wrong or you don't understand, therefore I am superior to you because *I* KNOW the rules. This mindset is elitist and it pushes people away from menswear, in general. I hate that crap and it's why I started HSS almost 10 years ago. I happen to love Belgians with formalwear. I wore patent Belgians with my wedding tux and suede ones with my dinner jacket. And there are plenty of other extremely stylish gentlemen I know who do the same, sometimes WITHOUT SOCKS [GASP!]. Many of them are friends of mine. They've got style. They've got class. And they don't care what the rules say.