When it comes to black suits, black shoes are a common choice. However, you don't have to limit yourself to black shoes or boots. It's okay to break the old rule about not pairing black and brown, whether it be with accessories or garments. Fashion and personal style are about self-expression and how you want to wear and pair different items.
Take a cue from these fashionable leading men who eschew conventional styling rules. Michael B. Jordan updated the usual black one-piece suit and white dress shirt with a black necktie and black leather shoes look. He swapped his black necktie with a reddish-brown necktie and paired it with coordinating brown leather lace-up shoes. It’s a simple yet fresh and updated look.
Ben Affleck and Bradley Cooper took a similar approach to Michael B. Jordan. However, the two leading men chose to wear black three-piece suits instead. They both stepped out on separate occasions looking equally sharp and classic in a black three-piece suit with a plain white dress shirt and dark colored neckties. In Bradley’s case, he wore a chic overcoat with his outfit. However, their choice of shoes made all the difference. Simply updating each of their looks with an unexpected pair of brown leather shoes made them the more fashionable. The gentlemen also illustrate how varying shades of brown shoes can actually work with a black suit.
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For a slightly more relaxed look, follow the lead of Chris Pratt. The actor went without a necktie when wearing his black single-breasted suit and trousers. He also wore his white dress shirt with the first few buttons undone. Instead of the more formal derby or oxford shoes, he completed his outfit with a pair of dark brown leather derby shoes. Taking a similar approach is model and influencer Johannes Huebl. The always sharply dressed model took the styling of his black suit ensemble up a notch. He not only paired his black suit and white dress shirt with caramel brown colored leather shoes but he also accessorized with a coordinating light green pocket square, matching brown sunglasses and a brown leather top handle men’s bag. Now, for a true casual take on the black suit and brown shoe combination, take a cue from Chris Hemsworth. The actor nails his fashionable yet relaxed look by wearing a black suit jacket, a plain black t-shirt and black jeans, with dark brown chelsea leather boots.
When to Wear A Black Suit With Brown Shoes
A black suit and brown shoes can be the perfect outfit for semi-formal events. Black pants and a dress shirt can be worn to the office for less formal meetings, daytime outings, and casual dinner parties or events. It can also be worn if you are going for a business formal look. A black suit is perfect for a business professional look that can be worn to formal business meetings or work events. Lastly, this suit and shoe combination is perfect for a formal event like a cocktail party, dinner, or nighttime event.
What Color Belt and Socks Are Best?
Well, there are a variety of colored socks that could work well, such as black, brown or burgundy socks. We suggest you stick to darker colors and stay away from bright colors, especially white. If you're wearing a black suit in warm weather, you may want to go for sockless shoes such as loafers, as these make a stylish look. The belt on the other hand, should match with the color and tone of the shoe. So if you're wearing dark brown shoes, you should also select a dark brown belt.
The next time you put on a black suit, don’t just automatically step into a pair of black leather shoes. Step out of the traditionally styling norms – literally. Choose to pair your suit, whether it be single-breasted, double-breasted or a three-piece suit, with an unexpected pair of brown shoes instead.