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http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic...ents/Waist.htm
OP hasn't mentioned shoes yet. The most formal is supposedly the opera pump. But I think a lot of men have issues with wearing a shoe that has a giant bow on it. Thus, most men choose the patent leather plain toe oxford. I say go for the pump, though.
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic...s/Footwear.htm
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This reminds me of a thread I was wondering if I should start on shoes. They say good ones can last for decades. I tend to get pretty crummy ones, so of course they don't last long. So I'm probably losing money, plus not getting as good a shoe while doing it.
Does anyone here have custom shoes made? If so, can you recommend a maker? I'm in Orange County, California, so someone here or in L.A. I suppose would be ideal. But I can't spend a grand on a pair of shoes, even custom. Can I get custom shoes that are less spendy but still a great investment I'll be happy with?
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Depends on how much you're willing to spend. I've never heard of custom shoes for under $1000. All the "name" manufactures who do custom charge about twice that.
Here's a good summary of ready to wear shoes:
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/T...seyOnShoes.htm
Summary: the cheapest you can get for "good" shoes is Allen Edmonds at about $300 each. I have a pair that I bought about 7 years ago that still look great (I've had them resoled twice, though). Next step above that is Alden at about $400. Then you get to the more expensive, foreign brands. Crockett & Jones is pretty well respected and you can get them cheap at
http://plal.com/crockett.htm (the prices are in Malaysian dollars, the exchange rate is 3.50 = 1 US dollar, so the "bench grade" shoes start at about $428 and the other line starts at $342.
Here's a thread about custom shoemakers:
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/f...ad.php?t=49889