The Ultimate Guide to Shoes with Suits for Men’s

The modern gentleman knows that style isn’t just about the cut of a suit or the color of a tie—it’s about the details. And the most important detail? Your shoes.

Pairing the right shoes with a formal suit isn’t just a fashion decision—it’s a functional one. It reflects your attention to detail, your understanding of style etiquette, and your awareness of the occasion. The wrong shoes can easily underdress or overdress an otherwise perfect suit.

This guide is crafted to help you understand the best shoe categories and colors to wear with suits, based only on refined dress shoes like lace-ups, loafers, monks, Chelsea boots, and brogues. Let’s step into it.

1. Lace-Ups: The Foundation of Suit Styling

If you're unsure about what shoes to wear with a formal suit, always start with lace-ups. Whether it’s an Oxford or Derby, this is the most classic and acceptable shoe style for suiting. It maintains symmetry, structure, and a timeless appeal that suits virtually all formal environments.

When to Wear Lace-Ups with Suits:

• Job interviews
  

• Black-tie or boardroom events
  

• Weddings (Western or cocktail dress code)
  

• Corporate presentations
  
  

Best Suit Pairings:

• Black Oxfords with a charcoal, black, or navy suit
  

• Brown Derbies with light grey or blue suits
  

• Oxblood lace-ups with checkered or patterned suits
  
  

What Makes Them Ideal:

• Closed lacing creates a sleek silhouette
  

• Looks best with well-fitted trousers
  

• Offers high polish and sophistication
  
  

Lace-ups are your go-to shoes when formality is non-negotiable. They’re the kind of shoes that demand respect and deliver authority.

2. Loafers: Sophistication with a Relaxed Edge

When the dress code is "smart," but not necessarily strict, loafers offer the perfect alternative to lace-ups. They’re especially useful for day events, cocktail parties, or warm-weather occasions where a little relaxation in style is appreciated.

At LUSSO, we offer tassel loafers, penny loafers, and minimal suede slip-ons that blend ease with elegance.

When to Wear Loafers with Suits:

• Day weddings and outdoor functions
  

• Creative workspaces
  

• Networking events or semi-formal parties
  

• Travel-ready business dressing
  
  

Best Suit Pairings:

• Suede loafers with linen or light grey suits
  

• Tan penny loafers with navy or pastel suits
  

• Black vegan leather loafers with wine or olive suits
  
  

Loafers Work Best With:

• Slim-fit or tapered trousers
  

• No-show socks or barefoot (if appropriate)
  

• Lightweight suiting (linen, cotton blends)
  
  

Loafers are confident. They tell the world you know how to dress formally, but you also know when to relax the rules just enough to stand out.

3. Monk Straps: Bold, Refined, European

Monk strap shoes—especially double monks—are a strong choice when you want a standout detail in your look. Featuring buckle closures instead of laces, they offer a contemporary edge without compromising formality.

They're especially suited to men who prefer sharp tailoring and bold structure in their wardrobe.

When to Wear Monks with Suits:

• Fashion-forward business events
  

• Wedding guest attire
  

• Formal dinners and style-centric functions
  
  

Best Suit Pairings:

• Tan double monks with navy or cream suits
  

• Oxblood monks with grey plaid suits
  

• Black vegan leather monks with sharply tailored black suits
  
  

Why They Work:

• Their buckle detailing draws attention (in a good way)
  

• Pairs exceptionally well with slim, ankle-grazing trousers
  

• Ideal for men who want to make a subtle yet distinct style statement
  
  

Monks are the kind of shoes that say, “I pay attention to the small things.” When worn with confidence, they are show-stoppers.

4. Chelsea Boots: Urban and Sleek Suit Pairing

Often misunderstood as a casual shoe, Chelsea boots—especially in vegan leather or fine suede—can be worn elegantly with suits, especially in cooler months. Their slip-on nature and ankle height give them a modern edge while retaining structure.

They work exceptionally well with fitted suits, trench coats, or wool blazers.

When to Wear Chelsea Boots with Suits:

• Winter events and business travel
  

• Casual Fridays or semi-formal client meetings
  

• Art openings, creative networking events
  
  

Best Suit Pairings:

• Brown suede Chelsea boots with charcoal or light grey suits
  

• Black vegan leather Chelseas with navy or dark blue suits
  

• Cognac Chelseas with beige or olive tones
  
  

Key Styling Notes:

• Make sure your trousers are tapered or slightly cropped
  

• Avoid baggy or heavily pleated trousers
  

• Keep polish minimal; Chelsea boots shine in matte finishes too
  
  

When styled correctly, Chelsea boots are a clean, powerful alternative that leans into modern masculinity.

5. Brogues: Detail-Oriented, Vintage-Inspired Charm

Brogues offer texture and depth. With their perforated detailing, they bring personality to your suit without overpowering the overall look. They are slightly more relaxed than Oxfords but still rooted in the formal shoe family.

Choose them when you want to step away from minimalism without going flashy.

When to Wear Brogues with Suits:

• Daytime events
  

• Brunch weddings or semi-formal ceremonies
  

• Business-casual settings with a twist
  
  

Best Suit Pairings:

• Two-tone brogues with cream or light suits
  

• Tan brogues with navy or checkered suits
  

• Brown brogues with olive or earth-toned suits
  
  

Brogue Styling Tips:

• Best worn with less formal suits (cotton, linen, or blends)
  

• Keep socks and belts coordinated for cohesion
  

• Avoid pairing brogues with tuxedos or ultra-formal wool suits
  
  

Brogues are about storytelling. Every little detail adds character and brings depth to otherwise simple suit combinations.

What Colour Shoes to Wear with Which Suit?

Your shoe colour should always align with the tone of your suit. Here’s a helpful breakdown to follow:

Navy Suit:

• Works with: Brown, Oxblood, Tan, Black
  

• Avoid: Very light or heavily textured shoes
  
  

Grey Suit:

• Works with: Black, Dark Brown, Oxblood
  

• Avoid: Tan unless extremely light grey and casual
  
  

Black Suit:

• Works only with: Black shoes
  

• Avoid: Brown, tan, or suede shoes of any kind
  
  

Beige / Cream Suit:

• Works with: Tan, Cognac, Two-tone Browns
  

• Avoid: Black or overly polished shoes
  
  

Wine / Maroon Suit:

• Works with: Dark Brown, Oxblood, Black (in some cases)
  

• Avoid: Light browns or contrast-heavy combinations
  
  

Shoe + Suit Styling Guidelines

• Tapered trousers make any shoe look more modern and clean
  

• Sock coordination matters—especially when wearing loafers or cropped trousers
  

• Polish and texture should match the formality of the event (patent vegan leather = black tie)
  

• Minimal hardware works better for highly formal suits (avoid busy buckles or patterns)
  

• Season matters: Go suede and lighter tones in summer; vegan leather and deeper tones in winter
  
  

Final Thoughts: Suiting Is About Symmetry

Understanding what shoes to wear with a suit isn’t just about following tradition—it’s about mastering balance. The lines of your tailoring, the weight of your fabric, and the tone of your shoes must all align.

To recap:

• Lace-Ups for timeless formality
  

• Loafers for semi-formal elegance
  

• Monks for modern flair
  

• Chelsea Boots for seasonal, sleek power
  

• Brogues for character and detail
  
  

Each of these has a role to play depending on the occasion, your personal style, and the season. Choose wisely, and your shoes will never just be accessories—they’ll be defining elements of your overall look.

For handcrafted, premium shoes that complement every suit in your wardrobe, explore the full range at Lusso Lifestyle.