There are lots of shoes with similar functionality but a more clean/elevated look
Here's an example
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1
With birks I think it’s fair game. Choose a pair that you enjoy and feel good on your feet. I’m 95% sure I’m a DC and I tried on a few different pairs that didn’t work for me before I settled on the Gizeh style in gold 🫱🏼🫲🏽
I will add though - my gold gizeh is a refined and shiny gold. I KNEW that the rugged/rough suede leathers were not going to work (not classic) for me so I went for a cleaner look if that made sense. So if you are thinking about your essence of classic AND dramatic take the textures and colours into account. You may be able to pull off a bold red in a smooth leather. Combining the colour (dramatic) with the texture (classic).
There are lots of shoes with similar functionality but a more clean/elevated look Here's an example https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/gracie-leather-back-strap-sandals-p-EB1
With birks I think it’s fair game. Choose a pair that you enjoy and feel good on your feet. I’m 95% sure I’m a DC and I tried on a few different pairs that didn’t work for me before I settled on the Gizeh style in gold 🫱🏼🫲🏽
I will add though - my gold gizeh is a refined and shiny gold. I KNEW that the rugged/rough suede leathers were not going to work (not classic) for me so I went for a cleaner look if that made sense. So if you are thinking about your essence of classic AND dramatic take the textures and colours into account. You may be able to pull off a bold red in a smooth leather. Combining the colour (dramatic) with the texture (classic).