Highland Evening Shoes - Revisited

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

I have always been rather fond of HRH the Duke of Windsor's sartorial style, of which I am well aware many men are. I am especially fond of the manner in which he wore Highland dress, more specifically, his footwear worn with his Highland evening attire. I really like the slip-on style of shoe, complete with silver buckles attached and worn with diced, or Argyll style tartan hose. I do currently own a pair of formal pumps from Brooks Brothers in black patent leather and a grosgrain ribbon on each toe; however, I now typically reserve their wear for occasions when I am wearing a tuxedo, as I have grown to dislike the look of the extremely thin sole and heel with my Highland evening attire - the proportions just look off to my eye – and they look far better with trousers, versus thick kilt hose.

I am seeking the advice of the great rabble, since I realise that some of you actually wear the slip-on style with your Highland evening attire (Sandy (JSFMACLJR) immediately comes to mind). I have been perusing online, looking at various styles and brands of slip-ons and I found a pair that I really do like. They are from Loake, which is my preferred shoemaker of choice for all of my footwear that I wear with my Highland day attire. These particular slip-ons are a premium saddle loafer shoe, made in England with Goodyear welted leather soles, fully lined in leather and have leather insoles.

As you can see from the photos, the sole and heel of the shoes are not too terribly thin, nor are they disgustingly thick, which to me is entirely unsuitable for evening wear. Would this style of shoe work well with Highland evening attire, once silver buckles are attached near the tongue of the shoe, covering the middle (penny) area? Does the loafer’s style of stitching, granted, not as prominent and exaggerated as in other shoes of a similar loafer style, detract from the overall aesthetic of the shoe as it pertains to evening attire? Whereas I do like the bar and buckle look of the so-called, "Mary Jane" Highland evening brogues, I'm looking for something a wee bit different, yet also traditional. I am curious what the rabble thinks, also I should make it known that I am not completely sold on these shoes from Loake. As always, your advice and suggestions are appreciated.

Loake 'Embankment' Slip-ons








HRH the Duke of Windsor's shoe collection (I'm completely envious!). Note - HRH's Highland evening shoes can be seen to the far right - can't miss them!


Cheers,