Every gent must have the smart basics on rotation in his wardrobe, but when in it comes to choosing between the classics, what’s the difference between a derby and an oxford shoe? From smart-casual affairs with the in-laws to the tricky black-tie event, what works best when dressing for the agenda, the derby or the oxford?
Before you invest in your back to work shoe edit, brush up your footwear etiquette with our need-to-know guide, you’ll have your formal to casual dressing mastered down to a fine art.
What makes a Derby shoe?
The smart-casual dress code can be met with ambiguity, but a well-chosen pair of derbys will make all the difference. The derby strikes that balance between smart and casual, offering a refined yet relaxed footwear option, think post-work drinks, race days or country weddings.
Differing from the oxford shoe, the derby is constructed with an open-lace structure that gives freedom of movement, the quarters are stitched on the upper of the shoe, then the tongue is cut as part of the vamp.
The derby shoe rose to fashion in the 1850s, popular amongst gentlemen with pastimes of hunting and has since grown to become a recognised silhouette for smart-casual footwear collections through town and into the city.
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How To Wear Your Derby Shoes
The derby shoe is the most versatile option for your footwear repertoire, as wearable with your chinos at the weekend or just as daring with your workwear tailoring, the derby shoe deserves to sit at the forefront of your smart-casual footwear rotations.
Albie: Unapologetically Eccentric
Brown Leather Derby Shoe £89
Albie updates a dashing derby shoe silhouette, adding charisma and charm to your summer suiting. The woven leather upper is punctuated with smooth leather wings presenting a derby shoe with a difference, Albie is the blaze of eccentricity we all need to liven up our smart footwear edit.
Woven Leather Upper | Cushioned Leather Insole | Dual Grip Sole
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Calvin: Clock On, Clock Off
Dark Brown Leather Derby Shoe £129
It’s said there is perfection in simplicity and Calvin holds the key to this style formula. Beautifully a crafted with a Goodyear Welted construction and presented with a classic elongated vamp and square toe finish, our derby shoe is versatile enough to work with both your weekend denims and workwear attire.
Polished Leather Uppers | Goodyear Welted | Leather Sole
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What is an Oxford shoe?
Dubbing a sleek silhouette, the Oxford is the pinnacle of elegant footwear - the smartest of the bunch in fact. Consider the Oxford shoe the key to your formal attire from the office to weddings and those black-tie-optional events, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its versatile nature.
The Oxford shoe, often referred to as a closed-lace shoe it offers a closer fit to the foot than a derby shoe as the internal and external quarters are stitched under the vamp followed by the tongue and then stitched underneath the quarters, vamp and facing.
With a history dating back over two hundred years, the Oxford shoe is believed to derive from the traditional attire of Oxford University students. Today, the Oxford shoe brings a crafted heritage, impeccable quality and of course, classic British style. Case in point?
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How To Wear Your Oxford Shoes
A well-placed Oxford shoe can elevate the sharpest of suits, conservative yet assured, every man should own at least one pair of classic Oxfords. Best worn with clean-cut tailored trousers, matching jacket and a crisp shirt. Looking to add a more eccentric twist? Team with your skinniest tailored separates and the brightest of socks to satisfy your rebellious streak, like a glass of bourbon with a twist.
Matthew: Suit Yourself
Black Leather Oxford Shoe £84
Matthew is the work investment you need right now, profiling a sleek, pared-back design with twin-stitched seams and almond toe. Comfortable to wear in the office all-day versatile enough for after-work reservations.
Exquisite Leather Uppers | Padded Sheepskin Linings | Dual Grip Sole
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Mayfair: In Detail
Black Leather Oxford Shoe £99
An Oxford shoe boasts many qualities, versatile, effortless, and non-negotiable, but Mayfair takes things one step further. Perfectly polished and punctuated with classic brogue punching, our Mayfair Oxford shoe is made with a Goodyear Welted leather sole, which can be re-soled in years to come.
Polished Leather Uppers | Goodyear Welted | Leather Sole
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Back to Work?
Ready to re-master the art of business to pleasure dressing? It’s time to re-invest in your work shoe edit. From the formal classics to the modern footwear staples, with our Back to Work Collection. Your 9-5 rotation has never looked so good.