Menswear & Oxfords

It's no secret that I adore menswear. I drool over fitted blazers, tailored trousers, and hand-tied bow ties. What I love even more than all of those parts, is the sum of the woman who confidently wears them. My wardrobe, which I will post pictures of eventually, is a menswear Mecca. There is nothing that makes me feel more powerful and confident than than a perfectly-put-together menswear inspired outfit. This generally entails a sharp blazer, pressed button down, cigarette pant, and a sharp pair of oxfords. And that last piece is just what this post is about.

Oxfords can be a tricky shoe to for women pull off. There is almost nothing feminine about them (when done properly, like with wingtips and brogues) so it is the details of the shoe and the outfit that are essential to making them a perfect fit.  When I shop for oxfords I look for a shoe of substance. Good oxfords usually don't come at a steal price. The shoes should be lightweight, yet have solid sides and soles. They should not be able to fold into themselves like an everyday flat. Shoes of this quality keep creases from developing around the ball of the foot and toe area. These creases can quickly cheapen any outfit. It is imperative to walk a few rounds in new oxfords; their stiff body can painfully dig into heels and there is nothing powerful about a new-shoe-created limp.

Oxfords are wildly popular at the moment and finding the perfect pair that mixes masculinity and femininity together isn't always too difficult (you just have to know what to look for). A well-made oxford is clearly a nod to classic men's style, but its color, laces, and texture are what brings out its inner goddess. Colorblocking, which is also having its style moment, is a great option when applied to oxfords. Look for a neutral body with a bright colored sole or laces. Textures also provide a feminine option. Depending on the style of the oxfords, small panels of the shoes can be covered in metallics, glitter, sequins, or prints. This makes the shoe a bit less versatile as far as composing outfits, but they are definitely eye-catching statement pieces.

This style of shoe isn't always the most versatile, but there are certainly some outfits which would not be complete without them. My go-to styling option is with bootcut or boyfriend jeans, haphazardly cuffed about two inches about the ankle bone. This highlights the shoe and adds a bit of casual flair to the entire ensemble. I always suggest keeping the upper part of the outfit relatively polished in order to achieve balance (think a tucked in, starched button down with rolled up sleeves and a grand watch).

My suggestions of the best brands for oxfords are JCrew, Nasty Gal, and Anthropologie.