There is no right or wrong when it comes to colors of shoes being paired with suits, what matters is what looks good and what doesn’t. I have seen so many so called ‘Style Advisers’ tell people “You can’t wear tan shoes with navy suits or black shoes with brown suits etc.” but yet have seen so many people wear these combos so gracefully and well done that it just goes to show that these rules should be thrown out the window. I really think that everything just plays to your personality and your ability to pair things that go well together and the confidence to pull them off.
Take for example this gentleman on the right. His pairing of medium brown shoes with a navy suit lends a beautiful contrast to the eye that in my opinion could never be done by pairing a solid black shoe with a navy suit. Yet time again, you have so many individuals that say you should never put a navy suit with a light colored brown shoe. These gentlemen who make these remarks usually tend to be older than 40 hence their minds only thinking in terms of what they saw growing up. To their unknowing, times have changed and it is acceptable and, in my mind, more appreciative and elegant to pair a navy suit with any other color but black which will usually make your outfit stand out quite more than the boring monotone assembly of dark colors with dark colors. Of course to argue the contrary, it is usually considered more professional to wear black shoes since they have been branded in our minds as being more elegant in a business like situation. However, this statement also depends upon where you live, America vs. England vs. France vs. Italy, and also what profession you are in e.g. the arts, fashion, retail, finance, banking etc.
So here are my rules:
(Suits: Shoe colors)
Black Suits: Black (and patent) or Gray
Navy Suits: Brown (any shade), Burgundy, Red, Green, Yellow, Black etc. The possibilities to what you can pair with navy suits are limitless
Gray Suits: Same things as navy, the possibilities are pretty much endless (depending on the shade of suit). Lighter grays for me, are a bit more versatile, where as charcoal suits head towards the territory of black.
All in all, I have no rules, I generally tend to wear what I feel like. However sometimes I feel like an anomaly, especially in America, and what I believe the average man would be comfortable wearing is: black suits with black shoes; navy suits with either black, any shade of brown or burgundy/oxblood/cordovan colored shoes; and gray suits with the same colors as a navy suit. However, with gray suits there are different shades and for me the more contrast you create the more catching and appreciative the outfit. Here are several other pictures to show the different looks in pairing suits with shoes.
Good point of view and great examples!
you have a flair for description.. im not a man but i would pair a navy suit with brown shoes..:)
Hi JustinDo you think it is ok to go for a pair of Graphite Grey Chraney's with a very dark charcoal suit?Many thanksOwen
OwenB – Is that graphite grey light or dark? I would say that it's best to have a little contrast, if they are too close in shade then I would avoid pairing them, but the shoes should go great with a navy suit!-Justin
Ahem…Let's not assume that all the over 40S folks are stuck in the traditional way of looking at things….That navy and brown combo is HOT!
Anon – You are right, it was just a generalization….I was scared by the amount of men that I saw in America that gave me this impression. Yet after coming to Europe, I think that it is switched. The younger men dress quite rubbish and the older gentleman maintain the elegance…-Justin
I really enjoyed this knowledgeable article,thank you Justin…….
"you have so many individuals that say you should never put a navy suit with a light colored brown shoe…their minds only thinking in terms of what they saw growing up. To their unknowing, times have changed and it is acceptable…."You are mistaken. Times have not changed; light brown shoes with a navy suit have always been acceptable. As you say, it's merely a question of whether the wearer can pull off the look. Such people didn't appear suddenly twenty years ago. They have always existed.
What color of suit/pants should I wear with navy shoes? Should it be gray suit/pants?
What color of suit/pants should I wear with navy shoes? Should it be gray suit/pants?
Anh Vu Doan – with navy shoes, yes, I believe that gray suits and/or pants would be preferable….-Justin
I have been given a pair of these Jeffery West aubergine coloured shoes -http://www.jeffery-west.co.uk/jefferywest/product.asp?item=moon-punch-front-gibson-29-230#.UNx50qVFFJ8What colour suits can I wear them with?
Craig M – The color aubergine complements any shade of grey or blue….-Justin
Thanks Justin, great site you have here.
Craig M – No worries my friend! Thanks for the kind words.-Justin
Justin, I appreciated your article. Keep up the great work!! The key is being true to one's self/style. Too often, so many allow themselves to be bound by antiquated dress codes. Being an older gent of 54, I don't always conform to fashion's dictates, as I believe if it feels & looks good on you, go for it. Having traveled extensively during my military career, only further encouraged my "clotheshorse" attitude.Regarding my black and grey/charcoal suits, moreso pinstripes, I like to wear cognac wingtips with complimenting shades accessorized by ties, shirts and/or cufflinks thrown in. I like the sublte contrast of colors.
E.Harrison – Thanks for sharing my friend! And well said with regards to one's style and "the rules." I could not agree more!-Justin
Snob! Im getting married in a burgundy suit!? Help me i've gone shoe colour blind…in the eyes.Love the blog. Just Saying
Benny – With a burgundy shoe, I would go with a nice medium brown shoe…or even better a navy one!!glad that you enjoy the blog, thanks!!Oh, and congrats!!-Justin
hey just
for a reception party I am going to wear this Navy blue suit http://www.express.com/clothing/navy+micro+twill+photographer+suit+jacket/pro/6071099/cat730008
what color shoes would go best with them besides black and burgundy?
thanks
haha, I was corrected on that one by a reader, so I cannot take credit for getting it right the first time around…
brown my friend….any shade of it….possibly mid-dark brown…have a great time
I’m wearing a silver suit(it’s got some shine but not to much) to a red carpet event. What are good options for shoe color?
black or navy….
I own a few darker navy suits. I am thinking of buying Ed et Al Outrams in Antique Brown. Are the shoes too light to wear with a dark navy suit? Too flashy? http://edetal.sg/shop/outram-antique-brown/
I don’t personally believe so, unless they are on the verge of black….it will be a strong contrast but can look good especially in the sunnier months…
Greetings Justin,
I am about to graduate from university and I’m afraid I don’t have much when it comes to fashion sense. I found these Fluevogs, and I thought that between the two different shades, burgundy and blue, they could work with just about any shade of suit I could buy. Would you agree with this assessment?
The forgotten link: http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=search%3Aswordfish&pp=1&view=detail&p=9&colourID=3552
Dear Chris, if you want my honest opinion, the boots themselves would not go with any suit. I am sorry but would rather be honest than lie to you.
Just got those dark navy shoes. Can I wear a navy suit with or should I put in a grey one?
either….
I wanted to know if you think these Tan Wingtips would go with this Navy Tonal Stripe suit or would you recommend a different style/color shoe? Thanks
http://www.menswearhouse.com/mens-clothes/mens-suits/portly-suits/ralph-by-ralph-lauren-navy-tonal-stripe-portly-suit-308E41?cm_mmc=Channel%20Advisor-_-Comparison%20Shopping-_-PriceGrabber-_-Shopping%20Feed&CA_6C15C=1635199439
http://www.zappos.com/bostonian-alito-tan?ef_id=U0sUVwAABMRl36T7:20140614151141:s
that navy looks almost like black….if you are going to wear tan with blue, may I suggest a lighter shade of blue than dark navy…mid blue would be best
In both of the examples shown,the suit does not appear to fit well. The choice of shoe and it’s color seem secondary to the look of the suit.
yea, this pic was before I knew about proper fit…and it was a cheap suit, but the post was not intended to talk about suit fit, but rather color pairing
I just bought dark gray shoes to wear with a black suit. I would like to wear a white shirt and was thinking about options of ties. A lighter silk gray tie, a flower bright pattern tie, a plain tie, a purple and grey pattern tie and a red tie. Please suggest.
I would go red….
Getting hitched in May. Fellas are wearing light grey suits. The ladies in mint green dresses. Most likely our ties will be mint as well. Thoughts on a medium cognac shoe/belt? Maybe some funky mint grey/grey socks? Suggestions for sock shopping?
I’d suggest against matching ties. You’ll end up looking like a prom. Instead try coordinating colors like a dark green tie, deep green or so. For the shoes, I’d wear a black or burgundy shoe. You can have more fun with socks with a bright green or lime green. It’s a funky and fun green coordination. It’ll look classy, expensive and fun. Best of luck!
i would not wear any belt, it is a much cleaner look….at least if the trousers don’t have belt loops…. grey socks would be good. …see this link: http://www.meschaussettesrouges.com/fr/
Hey Justin – Big fan of our products! I just bought myself a pair of Barkers in Cedar Calf – What colour suit do you think they will work best with?
I would say, mid blue or light grey would be best…stay away from anything too dark…..
Do you know who says light tan shoes DONT go with dark suits? Bausch and Lomb!!!! What’s up with these NFL guys on sports shows wearing this hideous combo????
I am not Justin, but absolutely yes.
I hope you did not wear tan/brown shoes with a black suit to your function.
I’d like advice on pairing a pair of grey oxfords with a dark-blue pinstripe suit. I think they look good together, but I’m not sure how to proceed with the shirt, tie and belt. It’s for a semi-formal xmas party.. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Can you wear burgundy suede shoes with a black suit with pink shirt?
Greetings, how about a dark purple slim fitting suit, best shoe color choice?
when it comes to colors of shoes being paired with suits that a good thing, nice work.carry on this kind of work.