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Oxfords | How to wear them and where to buy them...

An Oxford is a style of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp, a construction method that is also sometimes referred to as "closed lacing". Oxfords first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are occasionally called Balmorals after the Queen's castle in Scotland, Balmoral. Most shoe stores in U.S. will refer to Oxfords as bal-type opposed to blucher-type. In France, Oxfords are better known under the name of Richelieu.

Oxfords are traditionally constructed of leather and were historically plain, formal shoes but are now available in a range of styles and materials that complement both casual and formal forms of dress. It is derived from the Oxonian, a half-boot with side slits that gained popularity at Oxford University in 1800. The side slit evolved into a side lace that eventually moved to the instep, as students rebelled against knee-high and ankle-high boots. The toe cap can either be lined with two narrow rows of stitching, perforated holes along the end cap stitching (quarter-brogue), perforated holes along the end cap stitching and on the toe cap (semi-brogue), or a semi-brogue with the classical wingtip design (full-brogue). Men's quarter brogue oxford shoes

Oxfords, characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp contrast with Derbys, or blücher design, characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are sewn on top of the vamp. Men's full brogue (or wingtip) oxford spectator shoes

The meanings of the terms Oxford and Balmoral vary geographically; in the U.S., "Balmoral" is synonymous with "Oxford" in U.K. usage (as described in this article), while "Oxford" is often used to refer to any "dressy" style of lace-up shoe, including the Blücher (Derby); elsewhere, especially in Britain, the Balmoral is a particular type of Oxford where there are no seams (apart from the toe cap) descending to the welt, a style particularly common on boots. The bal-type shoe (Oxford) is considered more formal than the blücher-type (Derby/Gibson) design.

Oxfords can be made from a variety of materials including calf leather, patent leather, suede and canvas based on considerations of function or fashion. These are commonly black or brown, and may be plain or ornately styled Brogues. 






































Not Rated Women's Little Star Oxford 
Menswear-inspired fashion gets a fabulous makeover in Not Rated's Little Star oxford. This half lace-up in metallic textile offers easy dressing and feminine shine to an old favorite. A flat heel and rubber sole promise walking that couldn't be easier in Little Star. materials: Synthetic upper. Synthetic lining. Rubber sole. measurements: Heel measures approximately 0.25" country of origin: China. 
120 RON ($35) - endless.com 
Wanted Shoes Women's Jigsaw Oxford 
The Jigsaw oxford from Wanted Shoes features vintage styling with a modern vibe. This shoe offers a nod to the classic wingtip, but the textured canvas, satiny laces and almond-shape toe make the look feminine and contemporary. Pair this shoe with leggings or slim jeans or wear it to add a sassy touch to a cute dress. materials: Canvas and synthetic upper. Synthetic lining. Rubber sole. measurements: Heel measures approximately 1/2" country of origin: China. 
99 RON ($29) - endless.com 
Steve Madden Taxxi Oxfords 
Steve Madden Taxxi Oxford Flat lace up oxford 1/2' heel Synthetic lining Synthetic outsole Lace up closure Upper: leather and fabric 
310 RON ($90) - piperlime.gap.com

mel Dreamed by melissa Women's Mel LemonII Oxford 
materials: Synthetic upper. Synthetic lining. Rubber sole. measurements: Heel measures approximately 0.25" item details: Slip-on closure. country of origin: Brazil. 
165 RON ($48) - endless.com

MATHS Tan Leather Brogues 
Tan leather lace-up brogues. 100% Leather. Do not wash. 
170 RON (£30) - topshop.com

Dollhouse Women's Julz Oxford 
Great Gatsby! Travel back in time in the super spiffy style of Dollhouse's Julz oxford. This breezy take on the classic spectator shoe boasts two-tone styling, a medallion toe, and cutaway sides that bare all for a sexy take on a menswear tradition. materials: Synthetic upper. Synthetic lining. Manmade sole. measurements: Heel measures approximately 0.5" item details: Slip-on closure. two-toned. country of origin: China. 
82 RON ($24) - endless.com 




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