Just started my job. In office 5 days a week and dress is pretty formal. I’m the only young guy so no associates/VPs to draw ideas from.
What color and style shoe should I get?
I’m partial to loafers like the Gucci bit or Carmina, but not sure about black or brown or if I should stick to Oxfords/laces.
I prefer navy/charcoal pants (would take recs on brand and style for pants too)
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Black park aves are a must have
Depends on your office, but you can't go wrong with classic oxfords - should definitely aim to have a pair or three.
I have the Gucci 1953 Horsebits and love them for more social professional scenarios (board dinners, LP happy hours, etc.) but don't wear them to the office. We do have people who wear loafers day-to-day, so it wouldn't be weird, but I like to keep my footwear flexible (i.e., wear something that wouldn't be out of place if I suddenly get called into a more formal situation). Some of our senior partners wear dressier sneakers into the office... love the shoes but definitely more of a move for someone who's already made it
If you want to play it safe, wholecut black oxfords will never steer you wrong, but in my experience in NYC at least most people are willing to go a lot more casual these days - totally fine to build a collection with a mix of toes (cap toes are supposed to last longer, so usually a solid choice - probably the most common shoe in offices anywhere), shades of brown, etc. Brogues less common, but still around... not a huge fan personally but no hate. I'm a big fan of light brown oxfords with a navy suit... less traditional than darker shoes but looks sharp and super normalized most places these days
At the expensive but not ridiculous price level, which it sounds like you're at, Crockett & Jones and Carmina both make excellent oxfords. Allen Edmonds are everywhere as well
Very helpful, appreciate it man
Allen Edmonds all the way. Take them to a cobbler and get a half sole put on them and some metal toe taps. If you walk a lot, these will make the shoes last much, much longer and you can avoid a resole for a few years at least.
Style wise - Park Ave, Fifth Ave, McAllister (these are my go to, they're kind of old school, but I like the broguing and wingtip), and any loafer from them (Verona is cool if you don't want to go the Gucci route), and I have a Dainite sole Dalton boot that I love for Winter.
Colors - Mix up browns and blacks. All of my oxfords and my bit loafers are black, walnut penny loafers. Really just look at the shoe and feel out what color makes sense for it and for how you plan to use it.
Agree with TryTheDip on the sneakers. I see a bunch, but they just rub me the wrong way in 85% of scenarios. Also, white soled shoes just get dirty and ugly outside. If you wanted to wear something more casual like that the Open/Summer Walks (or one of the many similar looking venetian loafers) by Loro Piana are a nice mix of casual and formal.
Best of luck!
+1 here. Fifth Ave is ~40% off in their father's day sale currently, both leather and dainite (rubber) soles included.
Agree on sneakers/hybrids as well. Thanks for the advice on the cobbler
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