If you are thinking about stepping out of your comfort zone and matching brown shoes with a black suit, here’s your guide on how to do it properly.
Brown shoes and black suits are a rare combination. In fact, for years we were taught that these two colors were never to be combined, but let’s be honest that is just a myth. This color match is actually a great way to stand out from the crowd and to try something new aside from the classic black suit and black shoes style.
So yes, you can definitely wear brown shoes with a black suit. However this match can be a bit tricky and there are a few things you need to know in order to pull it off.
The two main aspects you need to always consider are the shoe style and the shade of brown. And this works with suits, as well as any other articles of clothing you would like to wear, like chinos, trousers or even jeans. These two elements will make the difference in any look.
But enough talking, let’s dive right into it.
Brown Shoes With a Black Suit
The monochrome black suit and shoes combination is always a safe bet. Nonetheless, it’s nice to know that there are other alternatives you can try to spice things up from time to time, such as changing to brown shoes.
Matching brown shoes with a black suit is a sophisticated and out-of-the-ordinary style, but it is crucial you choose the right shade and shoe type.
As it is a formal dress code, you need to opt for a dark shade of brown, in order to match the elegance of the suit. Any lighter shade of brown might not be a good match and it could actually break the outfit.
In terms of shoe style, a pair of brown Oxford shoes are a perfect option, yet you can try brogues or penny loafers as well.
What makes penny loafers so great is that they are quite a versatile shoe: they can be dressed down or dressed up, making them perfect for a variety of casual and formal outfits.
Remember, these dress shoes are always a good investment because they will last a lifetime and they will work for any formal event you may have to attend, from work to social occasions. Therefore, try to invest in a high-quality pair.
In addition, avoid wearing any other colors to keep your look flawless. Keep the outfit minimalistic and monochromatic, and give your shoes the spotlight. As well, you can wear a one piece or a three-piece suit, either way rules are the same.
If you want (or need) to accessorize your look with a belt, for example, then make sure it is the same dark shade of brown as the shoes.
When accessorizing, always make sure that the shade of your accessories matches the shade of your shoes, no matter if they are brown or black. The only exception to this rule are ties, which don’t necessarily have to match the color of your shoes. In fact, that would actually look odd.
Take a look at what color tie is the best for a black suit and white shirt look.
Brown Shoes With Black Jeans
Brown shoes with black jeans is a classic and very fashionable combination. And the great thing about it is that it works for both warm and cold seasons. You can keep the color dark, as we mentioned before, but you could also choose lighter shades of brown or even tan shoes.
Regarding the shoe type, the styles you would wear with a black suit work perfect for denim as well. That is brogues, penny loafers or Oxfords shoes. However, you can also try Chelsea and hiking boots, as well as suede or flannel dress boots. This is a timeless, relaxed look that you can wear all year long and it will always look on point.
On a similar note, here’s everything you need to know about wearing Chelsea boots with flannel.
You can keep things monochrome on top 一that is black jeans, a basic t-shirt and a black denim jacket, for example一 or you can play with printed clothing too, such as a red lumberjack shirt or a camel knee-length overcoat.
Brown Shoes With Black Trousers
If you are not a denim guy, you might want to try black chinos or trousers along with your dark toned shoes. For instance, these styles of pants are great for smart casual looks for going to the office or a date.
As we said earlier, brown shoes might not be the first choice that comes to our minds, but they are a versatile, unconventional alternative that works for multiple looks and dress codes (formal, casual and smart casual), and never goes out of style.
Plus, if you tend to struggle when adding color to your look, this is a great way to do so. And still be able to keep things classy.
When it comes to chinos and trousers, you have different options: you can opt for brown leather sneakers, loafers, Oxford shoes or even monk strap shoes. In this case, whether it is for casual or smart casual looks, you can choose either dark or light shades of brown. Both alternatives will look good.
For casual summer outfits, you can match your fitted black trousers with brown boat or deck shoes. This is a laid back, but still classic style.
Brown shoes are a perfect example that you can step out of the traditional styling rules and still look good. Stepping out of your comfort zone is not always a bad thing.
Finally, we hope we inspire you to wear brown shoes more often from now on and make the most out of this timeless option. For more insights on this, take a look at how to match your shoe color to your pants.
