Ask Chris Black: The right shoes for a wedding with a tuxedo requirement
Photo: Wes Ellis
Chris Black has returned to Strategist with a monthly column to answer all your burning questions, from very specific style questions and training and tennis recommendations to foolproof ideas for hostess gifts that will get you invited back to the beach house.
The trend for double knee pants is not going away, and there seems to be no shame in blue collar workers doing their heroic deeds. I got a pair of black Carhartt double knee pants from my friend Mikael over a decade ago when we were filming in Santa Fe and my RRL jeans ripped so badly that I subjected myself to indecent exposure. I wore them to death. I still have them, the patch has long since been removed, and they look great. Anyway, here are some great alternatives to Carhartt.
Photo: Courtesy of the Canoe Club
I’ve recommended OrSlow jeans here before, but everything they make is spot on. They’re made from a lighter 100 percent cotton so they break in a little easier, which is good since we know you won’t be doing any physical labor in them. The curved back pockets give them a different character than most.
Photo: Courtesy of Corridor NYC
This Italian-made pair from New York’s Corridor is absolutely simple in a great way. The hand-finished brown shade is perfect and the fit is relaxed without being too baggy. No logos, no frills.
Photo: Courtesy of Patagonia
Hemp is relatively durable, making it a good choice for these Patagonia Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants. It’s more abrasion resistant than regular cotton canvas and, best of all, there’s no break-in period. The pants are offered in several inseam lengths.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosa Rugosa
Matty Matheson’s Toronto-based company Rosa Rugosa offers its 10-ounce duck canvas Dufferin double knee pants in four great colors, including a fun “hickory stripe.” The pants feel durable but also work for less casual occasions, which is a nice bonus.
I avoid patent leather like the plague – I don’t know why, because it’s a very traditional choice for tuxedos. It makes any suit, no matter how nice, look like a rented one. That’s what we want to avoid. These won’t be cheap, but your wedding look is the perfect time to splurge a little.
Photo: Courtesy of Bode
This isn’t a super traditional option, but depending on the fit and finish of your tuxedo, these black leather slippers from Bode could be perfect. They’re simple, but the details make them interesting.
Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Porter
You can’t go wrong with the high polish of this pair of traditional penny loafers from John Lobb. They’re just formal enough and you’ll wear them for the rest of your life. They might last longer than your marriage.
Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Porter
A simple, well-made derby is another great tuxedo option that you can wear for years after the wedding. These are made in Northampton from a unique “bookbinder” leather that gives them a consistently high shine.
Photo: Courtesy of Belgian Shoes
For my money, this is the best shoe to wear with a tuxedo. The black ostrich is special and understated, the shoes are easy to put on and take off and feel elegant, which is exactly how you want to feel in such a situation.
Many people love heavyweight t-shirts; they feel substantial and have more shape. Technically, it’s not heavyweight unless it weighs six ounces or more. Anyway, it’s become increasingly popular and I’ve done the hard work in real life and online to find some good options for you.
Photo: Courtesy of Costco
My co-moderator on How long has it been?Jason Stewart, swears by these. They have just enough weight, a strong neck, and since they’re from Costco, they run a little big so you can wash and dry them without worry.
Photo: Courtesy of Lady White Co
This bad boy weighs ten ounces; they mean business. Everything LA-based Lady White Co. makes is simple, cool, and well-made, and this big boy tee is no exception. I would wash this one as often as possible; it keeps its shape and appeal, but shrinks nicely.
Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Apparel
We can’t underestimate Los Angeles Apparel. They consistently produce some of the best basics in almost every category and the price is right. “Garment-dyed” simply means that the shirt has been washed with dye after it was sewn, so the shrunken feel and color will stay, no matter how many times you run it through the Miele washer.
Photo: Courtesy of Uniqlo
This affordable option from the kings of basics at Uniqlo is the most popular heavy shirt in my circle. I see it constantly on friends and foes alike. The price is right, it comes in lots of pretty colors, and the neck will never go into bacon mode.
The strategist is designed to provide useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Each product is independently selected by our editorial team, which you can read more about HereWe update links when possible, but please note that offers may expire and all prices are subject to change.
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