Matching suits is an everyday routine. But, are we really doing it right? They say black shoes go with all color since black is classic and neutral. This is a big No-no!
Mixing and matching is not that easy unless you are always on the safe side such as black shoes and black suits. What about the other colors?
Shoes have three main colors – black, brown and oxblood/burgundy. Suits have five main colors – navy blue, light or medium gray, charcoal gray, brown and black. And did you know that those three shoe colors can’t easily go with the five main suit colors?
How do you perfectly match your shoes and suits then? Here’s how:
Navy Blue Suits
Best shoe colors for this suit are:
– Black
– Brown
– Oxblood/burgundy
In short, navy blue suits go well with all 3. This is because blue naturally has a calming and tranquil effect. Blue also convey wisdom, trust, and responsibility. Black brown and burgundy naturally blend well with a larger amount of blue which is very pleasing to the eye.
Perhaps, this is the reason why most companies have a hint of blue in their logos. Interior designs also incorporate blue in offices as this color encourages productivity.
If you want to look confident and relaxed for an upcoming job interview, navy blue suit with any of the leather shoes is the safest option for you.
While the colors mix and match, remember that leather color can also affect your entire getup attitude.
– Black: formal
– Brown: relaxed or flexible
– Burgundy: playful
Light/Medium-Gray Suits
Best shoe colors for this suit are:
– Black
– Brown
– Oxblood/burgundy
Gray suits are less formal, but just like blue, this color perfectly suits all three shoe colors. Gray suits may not be that ideal for business wear, but they’re fine in offices with a relaxed dress code.
Medium-gray suits are best matched with black shoes especially when wearing a white shirt with a tie. Brown and burgundy are more of a casual look which pairs well with a patterned shirt.
Light gray suits, on the other hand, work really great during spring or summer. Since they are lighter in shade, you can work around with patterned neckties. Light gray is the most casual and relaxed shade of gray which you can definitely wear during parties or the warm months.
Charcoal Gray Suits
Best shoe colors for this suit are:
– Black
– Oxblood/burgundy
Never wear brown shoes for a charcoal gray suit.
Both navy blue and charcoal gray are versatile suits, but charcoal gray tends to add a little maturity. Navy blue makes the wearer look younger which gives him the chance to choose from any of the three shoe colors. Unfortunately, that is not the case with charcoal gray because brown is naturally less formal. Matching brown and charcoal tends to create a very sharp contrast,
The best shoes to wear are black shoes, but burgundy can add a relaxed but classy feel to your outfit.
Brown Suits
Best shoe colors for this suit are:
– Brown
– Oxblood/burgundy
As mentioned in category 3, black and brown just don’t match each other Brown is less formal and black or charcoal gray are formal suits. Mixing them would definitely ruin your style.
Brown shoes definitely go well with brown suits, but the shoes must be darker than the suit. Oxblood or burgundy shoes also provide contrast this color is totally fine as well.
Black Suits
Best shoe color for this suit are:
– Black
Black is a neutral but elegant color but is also the least flexible among the suit colors. A black suit is best paired with black shoes. Black suits are also not very ideal for regular use. Black suits are best during strict dress environments, black-tie parties, and funerals.
Charcoal gray or navy blue suits are appropriate enough for most occasions, so it’s a great idea to keep them in your closet. Lighter grays and brown suits are also great options so better start adding them to your wardrobe as well.
No worries, those mentioned above are just guidelines. So if you are one who likes to experiment in colors and look, just do it! That is your conscious decision, and you are aiming for a unique but comfortable look, so it’s up to you which is which. You still might want to consider though the appropriateness in terms of place, celebration, and people. But since these events are not that many, just spice up your look however you want but don’t forget the classic combos as they are proven and tested.
There are still many different colors and types of footwear. Some men like experimenting with casual trousers and leather shoes or suits with sneakers.
There will be some trial-and-error but the more casual, the lesser strict rules. If you look good in the mirror and you are confident about it, well there’s no stopping you. Just avoid something that’s not even close to matching.