What Shoes to Wear with a Suit

The suit is the crown jewel of a man’s wardrobe. Whether it’s your first tailored two-piece or a designer tuxedo, a suit reflects power, poise, and intention. But no matter how well your suit fits, it’s never truly complete without the right pair of shoes.

So, what type of shoes should you wear with a suit? Which shoe styles are best, and which ones should be avoided altogether? This comprehensive guide breaks down the best shoes with suits, matching them by occasion, suit colour, and styling personality.

Why Shoe Choice Matters with Suits

A suit is about structure—and shoes are part of that architecture. Choose the wrong style or colour, and you disrupt the whole look. But pair it correctly, and you create symmetry from head to toe.

Here’s what the right shoes can do:

• Maintain the formality of the suit
  

• Enhance your silhouette and height
  

• Create visual harmony
  

• Reflect your personal style without breaking etiquette
  
  

Let’s explore the top dress shoe categories you can trust when wearing a suit.

1. Lace-Up Shoes: The Most Formal Choice

Lace-ups, particularly Oxfords and Derbies, are considered the gold standard for suiting. Their structured design and symmetrical lacing make them perfect for any formal event.

When to Wear:

• Business meetings
  

• Corporate presentations
  

• Black-tie events
  

• Job interviews
  
  

Best Pairings:

• Black Oxfords with black, navy, or charcoal suits
  

• Brown Derbies with grey or beige suits
  

• Oxblood lace-ups with checkered or deep wine suits
  
  

Why They Work:

• Closed lacing keeps the look clean and formal
  

• The slim profile aligns with narrow suit trousers
  

• You can wear them with socks or subtly patterned hosiery
  
  

Lace-ups should be your go-to when tradition, formality, and polish matter most.

2. Loafers (Slip-Ons): Easy Sophistication

Loafers are slightly more relaxed but no less stylish. Their slip-on design makes them ideal for events that demand elegance without rigidity.

Choose from a wide range of loafers, from suede tassels to sleek penny styles—each designed to deliver effortless elegance.

When to Wear:

• Cocktail events
  

• Summer weddings
  

• Day parties or brunches
  

• Travel-ready business looks
  
  

Best Pairings:

• Tan loafers with light grey or linen suits
  

• Black leather loafers with olive or blue suits
  

• Suede loafers with pastel or cream suits
  
  

Why They Work:

• Loafers feel relaxed but look sharp
  

• No-show socks or bare ankles modernize the look
  

• Great for warmer climates or outdoor settings
  
  

Loafers say, “I know the rules—and I know when to bend them with style.”

3. Monk Strap Shoes: Bold and Modern

Monk straps feature buckles instead of laces, offering a unique aesthetic that falls between formal and expressive. They’re for men who want to stand out subtly.

When to Wear:

• Semi-formal weddings
  

• Fashion-forward workspaces
  

• Gallery openings or private dinners
  
  

Best Pairings:

• Double monks in tan with navy suits
  

• Oxblood single monks with grey or check suits
  

• Black monks with black or charcoal formalwear
  
  

Why They Work:

• Their minimal design is still sharp
  

• Works well with ankle-length trousers
  

• Great conversation starter without being flashy
  
  

Monk straps add depth and edge to otherwise classic suits—perfect for the modern gentleman.

4. Chelsea Boots: Sleek Winter Dressing

Chelsea boots are a great alternative to traditional dress shoes, especially in colder weather. They’re ankle-high, streamlined, and work well with tapered trousers.

When to Wear:

• Winter weddings
  

• Casual Fridays at upscale offices
  

• Smart-casual formal events
  

• Date nights or rooftop parties
  
  

Best Pairings:

• Brown suede Chelsea boots with charcoal or cream suits
  

• Black leather Chelsea boots with navy or grey suits
  

• Cognac Chelseas with olive or beige suits
  
  

Why They Work:

• Clean design pairs well with slim-fit suits
  

• Easy to slip on/off without compromising the look
  

• Versatile across formal and casual dress codes
  
  

Chelsea boots offer function and flair—great for when you want to dress like a creative but keep it classy.

5. Brogues: Texture and Heritage

Brogues are for the man who loves detail. Their perforated patterns add texture to any formal look and pair beautifully with solid colour suits or vintage-inspired tailoring.

When to Wear:

• Daytime events
  

• Garden weddings
  

• Business-casual presentations
  

• Academic or creative professions
  
  

Best Pairings:

• Tan brogues with navy or light blue suits
  

• Brown brogues with olive or plaid suits
  

• Two-tone brogues with cream or cotton suits
  
  

Why They Work:

• Adds visual interest to plain suits
  

• Great for transitional seasons like spring and fall
  

• Can be dressed up or down depending on accessories
  
  

Brogues are heritage-rich shoes with modern-day charm. Ideal for the confident dresser who notices the details.

Matching Suit colours with Shoe Shades

colour coordination is crucial when choosing what shoes to wear with suits. Here's a breakdown of pairings that always work:

Navy Suit

• Best Shoe colours: Brown, Oxblood, Burgundy
  

• Avoid: Light tan or overly casual finishes

• Options: Shoes to wear with a Navy Blue Suit
  
  

Grey Suit

• Best Shoe colours: Black, Brown, Oxblood
  

• Avoid: White or offbeat colours

• Options: Shoes to wear with a Grey Suit
  
  

Black Suit

• Best Shoe Colour: Only black
  

• Avoid: Brown, tan, or anything suede

• Options: Shoes to wear with a Black Suit

Beige/Cream Suit

• Best Shoe colours: Tan, Cognac, Light Brown
  

• Avoid: Black (too harsh), Patent leather

• Options: Shoes to wear with beige suit
  
  

Wine/Burgundy Suit

• Best Shoe colours: Oxblood, Dark Brown, Black (occasionally)
  

• Avoid: Light brown or high-contrast tones

• Options: Shoes to wear with a Burgundy Suit
  
  

Do's and Don'ts of Suit Shoe Styling

Do:

• Match your belt colour to your shoe colour
  

• Choose socks that blend with your pants, not your shoes
  

• Keep shoes clean and polished, especially leather
  

• Match shoe texture with the suit fabric (e.g., suede with linen, leather with wool)
  

• Let the occasion dictate the formality of the shoe
  
  

Don't:

• Pair loafers with a tuxedo—lace-ups are mandatory
  

• Wear Chelsea boots with overly formal pinstripes
  

• Combine brogues with printed suits—too much going on
  

• Choose light shoes for winter suits or dark suits
  

• Over-accessorize—your shoes are already making a statement

Final Word: Choose Shoes That Match Your Suit—and Your Story

Finding the best shoes with a suit is about more than checking off a dress code. It’s about using footwear to complete the story your outfit is telling.

At LUSSO, we believe in intentional dressing. Every shoe in our collection is handcrafted to align with both traditional tailoring and modern-day fashion sensibilities. From lace-ups that impress in boardrooms to loafers that shine at sundown weddings, our shoes are designed to step confidently into every chapter of your life.

So the next time you're asking, “What shoes with suit?”—you’ll already know the answer.

Explore our premium range and let your next suit look begin with the perfect pair of shoes.