How to Choose the Perfect Shoes To Wear With a Gray Suit

Shoe Color Options for a Gray Suit

Light Brown Light brown shoes are a slightly unexpected but still fashionable option for a gray suit. Light to mid shades of brown, like tan and walnut, work best with lighter gray suits, like silver and dove-gray, as long as they have cool or neutral undertones that compliment the undertones of the gray. However, light gray shoes paired with lighter brown shoes are not appropriate for truly formal occasions, and should be reserved for daytime events, like weddings. This combination would help make a great first impression at a daytime social networking event during the day, like a business brunch.

Dark brown Dark brown shoes, like burnished brown and mahogany, are an excellent choice for gray suits in general, but darker shades of gray in particular, like charcoal. Mid-gray suits, like pewter and steel, can also benefit from a pop of deep and luxurious brown. Additionally, dark brown shoes are super versatile, able to take a daytime business look to a formal evening look. A dark gray suit isn’t as formal as a black suit, but is still the most formal of all the shades of gray; dark brown shoes elevate the look even further.

Black Although not the most exciting choice in attire, black shoes are classic and compliment the subtle uniqueness of a gray suit perfectly. A black shoe-gray suit combination commands attention while radiating power and timeless elegance. Ideal for more formal occasions, it’s hard to go wrong with this stylish mashup. As a good rule of thumb, it’s best to reserve black patent leather shoes for the most formal events, like black-tie weddings. Although light brown shoes go best with light gray suits, black shoes could add a surprising touch to a light gray suit, as well.

Burgundy Burgundy is often used interchangeably with “oxblood,” which makes sense since both of these colors are composed of the same hues: dark brown, red, and purple. One subtle difference is that burgundy has a bit more purple in it, while oxblood has more brown. Although this may seem small, it can play an important role when it comes to coordinating with your gray suit. If you opt for burgundy, the pop of purple will be more prevalent, whereas oxblood offers a warmer, more neutral look. Try wearing a dark charcoal suit with dark burgundy or oxblood shoes for a rich and sophisticated combination.

White or cream-colored White shoes really only work well with gray suits in a very casual, daytime setting, like a beach wedding. A linen suit with white sneakers, for example, is appropriate attire for many informal summer events. When worn properly, an unexpected touch of white may help you stand out from the crowd in the right away. A light gray suit and white shoes help pull off a smart-casual look.

Other Elements of Style to Consider

Style of shoe Making tough fashion decisions doesn’t end with the shoe color. In fact, the style of shoe might require even more consideration and there are quite a few options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular shoe designs to wear with a gray suit, from fancy casual to elevated elegance. Oxfords: This type of lace-up shoe is a no-brainer for nearly any occasion. With roots at Oxford University, this preppy shoe can be dressed up or down, offering versatility as well as unparalleled class. Derbies: The main differences between Oxfords and Derbies are the lacing patterns and the level of formality. Derbies have open lacing and are less formal than Oxfords, great for daytime looks. Monk strap: A slightly less formal and more flashy style, the monk strap features 1 or 2 leather straps instead of laces, and was named after the 2-strap sandals monks used to wear. This shoe is a great way to push the limits of personal style! Brogues: Broguing refers to the decorative hole pattern in leather shoes, not the shoe itself. Oxfords can be brogue, for example, and vice versa! This is another bold option for the adventurous dresser. Chelsea boots: Cool and casual, Chelsea boots typically extend to the ankle and have origins in Victorian England. Wear Chelsea boots with a dark charcoal suit for a stylish yet informal look.

Occasion Generally speaking, the darker the shade, the more appropriate for a formal occasion, with few rare exceptions. Not wearing brown after 6PM, for example, is an old fashion faux pas that still rings true for highly formal occasions, reminding us that black shoes is the number one footwear for black-tie events. Consider the seasons, too, as darker outfits are more appropriate for autumn and winter, while lighter looks work better in spring and summer. The seasons can also help determine what color shirt to wear. Pair a dark gray suit with a classic white dress shirt in autumn and winter, and a light-mid gray suit with a pastel-colored shirt for spring and summer. Charcoal and dark gray suits paired with dark brown or black shoes work best for important business meetings, formal events, nighttime events, and evening weddings. Light gray suits paired with lighter shoes work best for outdoor events, beach weddings, business brunches, and smart casual looks.

Accessories Accessories can make or break a tailored look. Make sure that the undertones of all your pieces match, as well as the overtones. For example, a cool-toned gray suit should be paired with cool-toned shoes and a cool-toned belt to match. Here are some other ideas to curate the perfect look: Belt: Your belt should match your shoes for a cohesive, elegant look. Similarly, the metal details in your belt should match the metal of your watch and/or cufflinks. These small touches can easily elevate your outfit! Tie: Your tie should compliment your pocket square without being an identical match. Try finding colors both pieces may have in common for a subtle formal look, or pick colors that contrast to make a bold and vibrant statement. Socks: There’s tons of successful sock and suit combinations that work as long as the tones are similar. You can wear your gray suit and dark, cool-toned shoes with gray, black, or navy socks. However, if you’re wearing brown shoes, the socks should be brown, khaki, or olive, reflecting those warmer undertones.

Is a gray suit appropriate to wear for a wedding?

Yes, you can wear a gray suit to a wedding. Although this doesn’t violate any fashion rules, it’s important to consider the shade of gray as it pertains to the occasion. You can wear a light to mid gray suit to a daytime wedding, paired with medium brown or dark brown shoes. If attending a more formal, evening wedding, pair a charcoal gray suit with black shoes to play it on the safe side, or with or burgundy, or oxblood-colored shoes for a bolder look.