It would be difficult to come across a worst fashion disaster than wearing totally the wrong color or style shoes with your suit. Of course, it goes without saying that what looks good with one outfit may not look good with the whole of your closet.
When you wear a suit of navy blue, dark gray, or black, you can’t go wrong with a pair of black shoes. Brown shoes might work, but only if they are of a dark shade. If the shoes are a light shade of brown, they will clash with a dark suit.
With light-colored or white suits, light brown or light tan shoes may be appropriate. You should follow this simple rule: the lighter the color of the suit, the lighter the color of the shoes you wear with it. A contrasting belt may help bring the look together by preventing to much contrast between the suit and the shoes.
A tie can also help to “tie” the look together. The tie should be of, or at least include, a color similar to that of the shoes. Many people make the mistake of checking their reflections in the mirror from only the waist up, and thus not regarding how the shoes look with the outfit.
Choosing the correct shoe style is also important. For a formal occasion, lace-up shoes are a must, slip-on shoes should never be worn. Also, be sure that the laces are not too widely spaced, that can lead to a shoe looking too casual.
The material or finish of the shoes is also significant. Shiny shoes of black leather may work well with a black business suit.
Black suede shoes such as Hush Puppies, however, would not work with the same (if any) suit. Slip-ons and loafers are also wrong for a business environment. Remember, then, that color is not the only consideration when choosing the best pair of shoes for your suit.
Keep your shoes clean and polished. Be sure your socks match the color of your pants, unless you are wearing a light brown suit, in which case you should match your socks to your shoe color.
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