Oxfords Are Proving to Be This Season's Preppiest Shoe Trend — Shop Our Favorites
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If there's one shoe revival our shopping editors are most excited about this season, it's arguably the return of Oxfords. While the origins of the clunky, collegiate style date back to the 1800s in (rather unsurprisingly) Oxford, England, the shoe has undergone a pretty major makeover in recent decades — evolving from a '90s prep essential to a grunge aesthetic staple of the early aughts and finally reemerging this season as the moody, Wednesday Addams–inspired style of our gothic fashion dreams. The polished shoe — defined by its exposed-heel frame, closed laces, and often blister-inducing design — has been reimagined in more ways than one by designers and celebrities alike (hi, Kourtney Kardashian!), which is why we're convinced the style is now primed to be one of this year's biggest shoe trends.
With this in mind, we went ahead and shopped out 10 timeless pairs of Oxford shoes that prove the preppy style is here to stay and so worth investing in (assuming, of course, that you haven't already). From platform Oxfords that will take your winter wardrobe to new (literal) heights and comfortable Oxford shoes that you can endlessly wear on repeat, each of these styles has its own unique structure, coloring, and even composition — though not to worry, as there are still plenty of leather variations included in the mix. Browse our selects below, and embrace the classic Oxford shoe in a whole new way this season.
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Best Black Oxford Shoes: Clarks Raisie Bloom Oxford
Get back to the basics with this Clarks Raisie Bloom Oxford ($53). The muted shoe is understated and chic in all the best ways, with a matte leather design that's elevated by a rubber sole, comfortable Ortholite footbed, and contrasting brown lining along the base.
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Best Lace-Up Oxford Shoes: Odema PU Leather Oxfords Wingtip Lace-Up Pumps
These Odema PU Leather Oxfords Wingtip Lace-Up Pumps ($33) combine two of our favorite shoes into one: a classic heel and a refined Oxford shoe. With its lace-up design, users can easily adjust the style to better accommodate their fit preferences. (Love that!) Plus, we just can't get over the shoe's decadent wine-red coloring.
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Best Casual Oxford Shoes: Madewell Intentionally Blank Queen Street Oxford
Oxfords might have a reputation for their polished appeal, but there are plenty of more casual variations of the shoe to shop as well — just like this Madewell Intentionally Blank Queen Street Oxford ($149, originally $199). Wrapped in a glossy, caramel-colored leather material, this natural style would pair beautifully with a light-wash jean and T-shirt combo, or even a patterned midi dress.
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Best Overall Oxford Shoes: Dr. Martens Audrick Leather Platform Oxford
If you've been anywhere near TikTok in the past year, then you know this Dr. Martens Audrick Leather Platform Oxford ($160) style all too well. The chunky Oxfords check all of our boxes in regard to comfort and durability, plus they seamlessly fit within the resurgence of '90s grunge styles, along with the new Wednesday Addams fashion craze that's taking over social media.
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Best Lug Sole Oxford Shoes: A.S.98 Harpie Lug Sole Oxford
If you're looking for a long-lasting pair of Oxfords that you can wear on repeat and in any weather, you can't go wrong with this black-and-white A.S.98 Harpie Lug Sole Oxford ($224, originally $320). With its lug-sole design, the Oxford shoe lifts the style well off the ground and provides users with a comfortable, supportive base.
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Best Leather Oxford Shoes: Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Plain Oxford
We love the look of black Oxfords with jeans, but this leather Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Plain Oxford ($150, originally $180) style would pair equally well with high-waisted trousers or any other polished pants for that matter. The flat Oxford shoe is made all the more chic with its camel-colored lining on the sole.
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Most Comfortable Oxford Shoes: Aldo Cerquedaflex Cognac Oxfords
Everything about these Aldo Cerquedaflex Cognac Oxfords ($90) scream traditional elegance, and we couldn't love them more. With its light-brown coloring, this leather-wrapped style would make the most perfect daytime shoe. Pair it with a flowy maxi skirt and oversize sweater blouse, and you'll be on your merry (and stylish!) way.
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Best Platform Oxford Shoes: Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Patent Oxfords
Elevate your winter shoe game to new (literal) heights with these Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Patent Oxfords ($150). The style is available to shop in two colors, including an alpine green and maple sugar–brown colorway. We adore the sophisticated gold hardware on the foot, which provides plenty of styling opportunity to pair with other delicate gold jewelry pieces.
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Best Pointed-Toe Oxford Shoes: Nisolo Sustainable Emma d'Orsay Oxford
There's nothing traditional about this Nisolo Sustainable Emma d'Orsay Oxford ($160), and perhaps that's why we love them so much. According to the retailer, the pointed-toe Oxford shoe was designed specifically for actress Emma Watson and aims to encompass a more "elegant and timeless" essence. BRB, we're already adding it to our shopping carts now!
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Best Designer Oxford Shoes: Stella McCartney Elyse Platform Oxford
You'll have to dish out a little more money to get your hands on this Stella McCartney Elyse Platform Oxford ($975), but if you're in the market for a truly unique pair of designer Oxfords, we'd argue that it's definitely worth the investment. The style boasts a whopping 3.5-inch heel, which makes it a great shoe to wear with bootcut jeans or a maxi dress.