Suits are great for their simplicity, and in a streamlined look, every detail matters. Since a suit is usually one colour, the shade of your accessories makes a big difference to the overall impression you make. Read on to discover how to match suits and shoes according to the occasion, for the sharpest formal result.
The Corporate Business Look
In a corporate environment, it's important to look the part. A navy suit is unbeatable here, as it's classic and assured, without being loud. The best shoes to wear with a navy suit are black, navy or cognac: keep within these tones for a foolproof office look.
Black
The most understated option, black will always look sharp with a navy suit. This will always be the most straightforward choice, since you don't need to consider different shades.
Navy
Navy is always a reliable option for any element of your workplace outfit. When teaming navy shoes with a navy suit, go for shoes that are several shades darker than the tailoring.
Cognac
Cognac is a particularly rich shade of brown, making it a great choice for contrasting with a navy suit while still looking appropriate for a corporate workplace.
The Elegant Business Look
On some occasions, you might want to create a more polished professional look - something that stands out from the everyday. In this case, opt for a sharply tailored black suit with one of the following shoe colours.
Dark Brown
Choose a very dark brown shade so that you have some contrast with your suit without creating a clash.
Black
A black suit with black shoes will look effortlessly elegant. Add a colourful shirt or tie to avoid looking too sombre.
Deep red
Make a powerful statement while still looking ready for business with deep red shoes and a black suit.
The Smart-Casual Business Look
The dress code might be more relaxed, but it's still important to have a coordinated outfit. A grey suit is understated and easy to mix with more casual elements from your wardrobe, making it an easy choice for informal business situations.
Dark Brown
When mixing a grey suit with brown shoes, opt for similar depths of colour. For example, a dark grey suit goes well with dark brown shoes.
Black
A smarter option than brown, black shoes with a grey suit look understated and elegant. Choose this option for a more minimalist take on business style.
The Informal Business Look
In very casual workplaces, it can still be appropriate to wear tailoring sometimes. In this case, blue is a winning choice. The shoes that go best with a blue suit are navy or white.
Navy
Ground a blue suit with navy shoes for a sophisticated tonal look that still feels relaxed.
White
White provides fresh contrast when worn with blue, and looks clean and crisp enough for the workplace.
The Summer Business Look
The warmer months call for lighter coloured tailoring to keep control of the heat. With a pale blue suit, choose black or navy shoes.
Black
Light suits can look quite casual, so if you need to stay smart, black is the best choice. It's an effortless option that never looks out of place.
Navy
Tonal looks always appear sophisticated, so balance the light blue suit with navy shoes for an accomplished finish.
