How to Match Shoes with Different Suit Colors?

With regards to men’s suits, the attire is incomplete without the right set of accessories. And with accessories, there is always an imbalance between shoes and others (ties, belts, and watches). Of course, neckties and belts get more attention than shoes. But it does not mean you can play around with it. The right pair of shoes is badly needed to get the style balanced and enhanced. In other words, the wrong shoe selection can taint your overall look, feel, and confidence. 

In this short blog post, Bucco, the leading men’s couture brand, has developed some guidelines and tips for buying or choosing the right shoes that greatly complement the suit. 

The dependencies when selecting your shoes

Selecting a shie requires a thought process and analysis of various aspects, like the occasion, the suit style, and the suit color. Occasions can be formal, semi-formal, or casual. The suit style can be single-breasted, double-breasted, two-piece, three-piece, lapelled, structured, unstructured, etc. The suit colors can be anything from brown to black, blue to burgundy, pink to violet, and so forth. 

First, let’s see how to pick the shoes for particular occasions and their respective suit styles. Next, let’s get into matching the shoe and suit colors.

1. The type of occasion and the suit style

• Formal occasions

Most formal occasions involve black suits or tuxedos. So, opt for classic black shoes, like Oxford or Derby, to enhance the look and feel of your formal black attire. An advantage of owning a pair of Derby shoes is that you can wear them for any occasion, including semi-formal and casual ones.   

• Casual occasions

Casual suits need a relaxed feel. Thus, you can choose between boat shoes, boots, or loafers. When it is neither a formal nor casual occasion, like smart casuals or semi-formals, stick to loafers or dress boots. 

• Wedding occasions

Of course, weddings can be formal or casual. In that case, you can choose based on the above guidelines. However, most grooms retain Oxford, Derby, or Monk-type strapless shoes for weddings. 

• Business occasions

Business occasions are more similar to formal occasions, like meetings, conferences, etc. So, as mentioned above, the classic and timeless choice is an Oxford or Derby shoe.

2. The color of the suit

The most demanded and preferred men’s suit colors are blue, black, gray, brown, navy blue, charcoal, and beige. So, let’s explore the winning combinations of shoes with these suit colors. Are you a beginner at suit styling? Please save this post for future reference. 

• Blue or navy blue suits

These suits are mostly worn during business meetings or traditional wedding ceremonies. A chic brown shoe would be a great choice for this suit color.  

• Black suits

Of course, black suits need black shoes. It could be a pair of black Oxford shoes or black loafers. It depends on the occasion you attend. In the case of a plaid or patterned suit, black Oxford shoes or boots could be the best choice. 

• Gray or charcoal suits

The best pair of gray is always black. Yes, no other color can beat a pair of black shoes that complement gray-hued suits. Most groomsmen prefer this combination. 

• Brown or tan suits

Contrasting brogues are the best-suited shoes for brown suits. If it is a wedding or any celebrative occasion, choose a dark-colored brogue to show off your fashion sense.