This shoe style has been around for centuries and remains one of the most popular shoes today. Oxfords originated in the UK and became very popular at Oxford University in 1800 before making their way to the US.
Celebrities such as Diane Kruger and Rita Ora have shown us how to look stylish and on-trend even while dressing down. Taylor Swift has been spotted pairing heeled Oxford shoes with various outfits, inspiring fans to embrace this style.
There are plenty of options for grown-up versions of oxfords that will perk up any outfit and make you look charming and sophisticated.
3 Defining Features of Classic Oxford Shoes
There are certain defining features of an Oxford shoe. Traditionally speaking, they must have all three elements to be classified as an oxford.
Foremost among these is their closed lace system. Additionally, these shoes typically extend just below the ankle. Lastly, a defining trait is their low heel, distinguishing them during the early 1800s.
Classic black Oxford shoes paired with cuffed blue jeans for a smart casual look
Oxford shoes often come in two primary toe cap styles: cap toe and plain toe. A cap toe features a stitched or perforated toe cap design, while a plain toe has a smooth, uninterrupted vamp without any additional decorative elements.
Although initially a men’s shoe (and still is), they are also a popular women’s shoe. Women now have the option of traditional-looking oxfords and more modern interpretations of the classic shoe.
Timelessly elegant, women’s Oxford shoes blend style and comfort with a traditional design that has remained a fashion staple for centuries
Women’s Oxford shoes are a great addition to a casual look or a comfortable alternative to heels when wearing office attire. They are incredibly versatile, stylish, and comfortable! You can find hundreds of Oxford shoes on Nordstrom and Zappos.
Brooklyn Decker Proves Oxford Shoes Are Red Carpet Worthy
Sometimes, a girl wants to be comfortable. So, we understand Brooklyn Decker’s sartorial choice of a puffy-sleeved off-shoulder top, shorts, and low-heeled oxfords to the premiere of her new Netflix series, Grace and Frankie, at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live.
Brooklyn Decker at the premiere of the new Netflix series “Grace and Frankie” held at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on April 29, 2015 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
However, in the unforgiving world of Hollywood fashion critique, a casually dressed outfit like Brooklyn’s, with its loose, roomy, and concealing elements, often invites a wave of criticism.
Brooklyn Decker complements her tousled, shoulder-length blonde waves with a delicate black floral choker necklace (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The then-28-year-old Sports Illustrated model got people asking what baby bump she might be hiding underneath her black-and-white striped peasant top. Brooklyn must be thinking, “Seriously, pregnancy speculation straight away?”
Brooklyn Decker pairs a breezy off-shoulder black-and-white striped top with tailored shorts and sleek black Oxford shoes for a chic yet relaxed red carpet look (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Hiding a pregnancy or not, our issue with the top is that it looks like it’s barely hanging on to Brooklyn and is seemingly threatening to cause a wardrobe malfunction at any moment. Is that her hand holding one of the sleeves in one of the pictures?
Brooklyn Decker welcomed her first child with husband, tennis pro Andy Roddick, on September 30, 2015. In other words, she was clearly pregnant when attending the Grace and Frankie premiere.
Brooklyn Decker’s black patent oxfords with cowboy-inspired applique, gold tongue trim, and gold star eyelets (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Brooklyn Decker is a known fan of Oxford shoes and has worn the shoe style on numerous red carpet occasions. While we’re out trying to get an ID on Brooklyn’s shoes, check out our summer Oxford picks in fun metallic colors below.
1. Markus Lupfer Hologram Oxfords, $430 / 2. Rollie Derby Punch Metallic Oxfords, $110 / 3. Matt Bernson “Gimlet” Oxfords, $199 / 4. Meandher “Jimmy” Oxfords, $445
Discover Oxford Shoe Styling Tips and Timeless Fashion Ideas
For readers interested in further exploring the versatility and styling of Oxford shoes, consider delving into our comprehensive guide on the defining characteristics of Oxford shoes, which provides insights into their history and key features.
Our article on styling Oxford shoes with jeans, dresses, socks, and blazers offers practical tips to incorporate Oxfords into various outfits seamlessly.
For inspiration from fashion icons, discover how to wear Oxford shoes with jeans like Sienna Miller, showcasing chic ensembles that highlight the adaptability of Oxfords in modern wardrobes. Sarah Jessica Parker celebrated her shoe line’s anniversary in Chaucer-heeled Oxfords, demonstrating the shoe’s place in high fashion.
