I like the idea of simple brogues and thats what I tend to do. I have a pair of pipers ghillie brogues which are pretty sturdy for tartan day parades etc, but never have taken to the laces.
The buckle thing does kind of cross the line into period costume. But if thats what you are going for, fine.
Prince Charles seems to wear standard brogues with his day wear and Mary Janes for evening. Never got around to investing in MJs and have decided never to as my Alden black cordovan monk straps with perforated cap toe seem to work just fine for most formal or semi-formal occasions.