How to Match Shoes with Suits: All-Encompassing Guide

Should Shoes Match the Suit?

An age-old fashion question: should your shoes match your suit exactly? While it’s essential to coordinate your shoes with your suit, they don’t necessarily have to be an exact match. Oftentimes, being too matchy can make your overall outfit rather lacklustre and void of personality. Instead, you should aim for complementary pairings that enhance your outfit while showcasing your individual style.

What Are the Different Types of Suit Shoes?

Before we get into combining the right shoe colour with your suit, let’s explore the various types of shoe styles. Below are some of our favourite and most versatile styles.

• Oxford shoes: Oxford shoes are eponymous with sophisticated, timeless formal wear. They feature closed lacing, a sleek silhouette and a low heel and pair best with bespoke tuxedos, three-piece or single-breasted suits.
• Derby shoes: Derby shoes are less formal than Oxford shoes but retain an abundance of elegance. They have open lacing and are versatile across many suit styles, working well with finely crafted single- or double-breasted suits for tailored or business ensembles.
• Monk shoes: The laceless design of monk shoes gives any outfit a contemporary yet formal touch. Wear with suits for formal occasions and special events, as they pair beautifully with single- or double-breasted suits, as well as three-piece suits crafted with exceptional craftsmanship.
• Brogues: Characterised by their decorative perforations, brogues add personality to an outfit. They come in Oxford and Derby styles and complement tweed jackets, patterned or textured bespoke suits and other finely crafted pieces.
• Loafers: Loafers are slip-on shoes that strike a balance between formal and casual. They can range in material from leather to velvet and suit smart-casual or relaxed bespoke suits, including casual wedding suits or lighter fabrics.
• Dress boots: Chelsea boots and chukka boots are the most popular style of dress boots. Both exude a modern and sophisticated look and can help inject personality into an outfit, working well with casual wedding suits, tweed jackets or highland dress-inspired tailored pieces.

Which Type of Shoe to Wear by Occasion?

The shoe style you choose will be heavily influenced by the occasion. Below are some guidelines to follow.

• Formal events: For black-tie, tuxedos or black suits, opting for classic black Oxford shoes is most appropriate and will elevate the overall elegance of your suit.
• Business events: For business events and meetings, classic Oxfords, monk shoes or Derby shoes will exude professionalism and are suitable for most business settings. A polished finish maintains a refined, professional appearance.
• Weddings and special occasions: For weddings and special occasions such as engagement parties, christenings etc, Oxfords, Derby, monk shoes, Chelsea boots and chukkas are again the ideal choices. Keep weddings reserved for Oxford and Derby shoes, however.
• Casual/semi-formal events: For those semi-formal or casual events, opt for loafers or dress boots, for a more laid-back but sophisticated look. Suede or lighter-coloured options can add personality.

Which Colour Shoes to Wear by Suit Colour?

Now we’ve established the predominant shoe styles, we can delve into the specific shoe combinations that will work best with certain suit colours.

What Colour Shoes to Wear with a Black Suit?

Black suits are among the most classic and versatile. Black Oxford or patent leather shoes are ideal for formal occasions, while dress boots or loafers work for slightly less formal settings.For a subtle twist, a very dark burgundy shoe can add personality while still looking formal. However, the all-black look is still the safest choice, no matter the suit-shoe style combination.

What Colour Shoes to Wear with a Navy Suit?

Navy suits offer more flexibility in shoe choices. Brown Oxford shoes or Derby shoes complement a navy suit best and create a warmth and sophisticated contrast, highlighting richness and depth in each shade. Darker browns offer classic elegance, while reddish-browns add subtle personality. Pairing smooth leather shoes with a lightly textured suit can enhance the overall outfit.

What Colour Shoes to Wear with a Blue Suit?

Like navy, blue suits work best with brown shoes or lighter-tones shoes. We recommend a lighter shade than you would opt for with a navy suit, such as tan, brown or light grey, as these shades add a fresh and light touch to a spirited blue suit. Suede shoes are also an option, adding a relaxed but polished edge.

What Colour Shoes to Wear with a Grey Suit?

For most shades of grey suits, whether it be dove, charcoal or anything in between, black shoes offer a classic and polished appearance. You also run less chance of undertone mismatch when sticking with black and grey. However, dark brown or burgundy shoes can be a stylish alternative if done right, particularly with
medium grey tones.

What Are The Winning Combinations For Men?

We don’t believe in one-style-fits-all combinations and always encourage personality and individuality in everything you wear. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of winning combinations so you can find a look that suits you. Below are some winning combinations.

• Navy suit and brown shoes: a timeless and stylish look suitable for various occasions, including weddings and business wear
• Charcoal grey suit and black shoes: a winning combination for formal events, including groomswear.
• Black suit and black loafers: occasions such as parties call for this combination. Swap out the loafers for black Oxfords or brogues for a more formal finish.
• Tan suit and dark brown brogues: a tonal look that will add a touch of individual style. Wear this during summer/spring events.
• Plaid suit with black Oxfords or dress boots: when wearing a patterned suit such as plaid, windowpane or houndstooth, pair it with black Oxfords or dress boots for a sleek finish that is still dapper enough to showcase your individuality.

Remember, these are guidelines, and true fashion is about experimentation and expressing your unique style, so feel free to adapt them according to your own preferences. With practice, you’ll be able to master the skill of matching these two articles together so you’re ready for any event at any given time.

Common Shoe Matching Mistakes

• Choosing shoes that are too casual with formal suits. This can easily undermine your intended look.
• Wearing shoes in mismatched or overly loud colours that clash with the suit.
• Choosing shoes with a poor fit or a style of shoes that doesn’t complement the tailoring.
• Ignoring the season or characteristics of the material, for instance wearing suede in wet conditions.
• While classic colour matches are recommended, being too rigid can be a mistake. Subtle variations in shade or texture often add personality.

For more inspiration and ideas on styling, make an appoinetmnet to visit our studio. You can also browse our bespoke accessories page here.