Formal Buckle Shoes

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would be concerned that this shoe will not take a glossy shine because the leather seems to have a soft finish. That being the case, it really won't look it's best in a formal setting. It is also just a trifle "costumey" to my eye, although I am sure others will be attracted to its neo-Georgian style, just as some people are attracted to neo-Georgian architecture.

The dress brogue is still, in my opinion, the best choice for formal wear; with a wee bit of searching a nice set of cut steel buckles can usually be picked up for $35-$50, and any reasonably competent shoe repair shop can swap them for the pressed tin buckles for about $10-$20. Patent leather evening pumps with silk bows are another option; for a more distinctive look the silk bows can be swapped for cut steel buckles, as with the dress brogues.

In my closet are three pair of shoes that I wear with Highland attire: a well shined pair of black oxfords, a pair of proper brogues with flaps over the laces, and a pair of dress brogues with cut steel buckles.

I know that there are some gentlemen who advocate the wearing of velvet slippers, but in reality these are dinner shoes, intended to be worn in one's home when entertaining guests or when invited to a smart dinner party. Nothing looks worse at a public function than a gentleman in velvet slippers who has stepped into a puddle with one foot...