A Complete Guide to Matching Shoes and Clothing for Men/How to Choose Coordinated Colors?

Selecting colors, like any wardrobe choice, can be both the simplest and most challenging part of dressing. Many men opt for basic color combinations, such as black dress shoes with black trousers or brown shoes with beige pants. While these combinations work, relying solely on them makes your style monotonous. Expanding the color variety in your shoe collection is essential for creating a more versatile wardrobe that can suit any occasion.

Essential Shoe Colors for Every Man

Andrew Nicholas Vieira, Senior Product Development Manager at Aldo, states:

"Every man should own at least one pair of simple, lace-up leather shoes."

He suggests making light brown shoes your next purchase, recommending models with unique details in this color. Vieira emphasizes:

"Overlooking other colors is a big mistake. Keep your black shoes classic, but explore creativity and unique details with other colors."

If you're unsure about selecting shoe colors, following a few simple rules can help:

• Solid colors are generally more formal and stylish than multi-colored patterns.

• Darker tones are usually more versatile than lighter ones.

• The elegance of a shoe depends not only on its color but also on its design details. For instance, a black Derby shoe is more formal than a brown one, but a dark brown Oxford might outshine both.

• With sneakers, the rules are slightly different. While white Oxfords might seem odd, white sneakers effortlessly pair with almost any outfit.

• Regardless of shoe color, dirty or worn-out shoes can ruin your style.

Maintain your shoes with the appropriate polish color or, if unavailable, use a neutral polish. This not only enhances their appearance but also extends their lifespan.

Black Shoes

Black shoes are the most formal and stylish option across all categories. According to Luke McDonald:

"A pair of black Oxford shoes is perhaps the most formal footwear you can own. However, this makes them less suitable for more casual attire."

For example, just as a black blazer complements formal styles but looks out of place with jeans, black shoes require careful pairing.

• Formal Attire: Black shoes pair excellently with black suits for formal events or work settings. They also go well with gray or charcoal suits in professional environments.

• Casual Styles: Choose less formal designs, such as black Derby shoes, which are more comfortable and bulkier than Oxfords. Pairing black Oxfords with skinny black jeans might evoke a rock-band vibe, so opt for Chelsea boots instead.

• When wearing colored trousers, black shoes may create a stark contrast. To mitigate this, cuff your pants, skip socks, or choose casual black loafers.

Brown Shoes

Brown shoes, available in a wide range of shades and styles, are ideal for semi-formal and casual looks. They pair well with most suits, except black ones, offering a more personalized, relaxed style. McDonald notes:

"Lighter brown shades appear more casual, especially if the shoes have detailed designs like brogues."

Avoid matching brown shoes too closely with brown trousers. For instance, pair light brown pants with darker brown shoes for a balanced look.

• Dark brown shoes work well with denim, especially indigo or lighter-wash jeans. Suede Chelsea boots in brown are excellent for these combinations.

• While pairing black jeans with brown shoes is controversial, close-to-black shades of brown can create a harmonious look.

Burgundy Shoes

Burgundy shoes act as a neutral in your wardrobe, similar to brown, but with a bold twist that adds character to your style. Vieira says:

"Adding new colors to your everyday footwear is a simple yet effective way to diversify your style."

Burgundy shoes pair effortlessly with jeans for casual looks or with polished Oxfords for formal events like weddings. For summer styles, consider lighter burgundy loafers, which work well with light-wash jeans or even shorts.

Light Brown Shoes

Light brown shoes are the most casual among brown shades, perfect for everyday wear. Suede or brogue styles in light brown are particularly appealing. Vieira comments:

"Light brown suede shoes are excellent for casual outfits."

For a daring twist on formal attire, light brown shoes pair well with unique suits featuring classic stripes or vibrant colors. They also complement denim in all shades, making them a versatile summer choice.

Blue Shoes

Blue shoes are less common in formal styles but can be striking for casual or everyday wear. Textured materials like nubuck or suede in blue add interest to your outfit, even alongside black clothing. Pair blue suede shoes with colorful chinos or light-wash jeans for a casual look. Desert boots or chukka models in blue are great for daily styles, and darker tones hide rain spots better. Add contrast with complementary sock colors like bright red.

White Sneakers

When the Italian-American brand Common Projects introduced the Achilles Low around 15 years ago, it revolutionized men’s fashion by creating sneakers that looked as sophisticated as formal shoes. While white sneakers existed before, such as Adidas’s Stan Smith, they were rarely deemed suitable for formal or semi-formal occasions.

Today, a pair of minimalist, logo-free white leather sneakers can pair with almost any outfit. However, they might not suit ultra-formal settings like a law firm interview. They work wonderfully with suits, especially if worn with a long-sleeve polo or turtleneck instead of a shirt and tie. White sneakers also pair with various jeans, chinos, shorts, and even parachute pants.

Pro Tip: Keeping white sneakers clean is crucial. McDonald recommends always carrying a few wet wipes for quick cleaning.

Colorful Sneakers

After white sneakers gained popularity, colorful models followed suit. Initially limited to sports, these vibrant sneakers have now entered workplaces and become a trendy way to showcase your taste in brands and designs. However, McDonald warns that colorful sneakers are harder to style and usually only match neutral clothing unless you're adept at color coordination.

Stick to jeans (in any color, from white to black), joggers (gray, black, or navy), and chinos (safe shades like light brown or navy) to make these sneakers the centerpiece of your outfit. Avoid pairing them with other bright colors to keep your look cohesive.