In this day and age, most men wear casual or sports shoes pretty much all the time. But what if you have an essential interview at work or your best friend's wedding is coming up? It's time to put on your best suit. What's next? Picking a pair of boots to go with it can be a real challenge, and you need to remember that wearing the wrong pair might ruin your potentially great look. This begs the question: what kind of boots can you wear with the suit?
General Tips
All in all, for special occasions, you need formal shoes, which means that you have to steer clear of chunky trainers or sneakers because they will do no good. On top of that, you should avoid high-top moccasins as they might destroy an otherwise great outfit and spoil your evening. You want a classy pair of boots and will take your look from "not too bad" to "wow."
So you might want to go for leather shoes with leather soles and probably a chisel or a rounded toe. For more traditional occasions, classic black, chocolate brown, or other dark colors are a perfect match for your suit. However, don't be afraid to try out a different exciting color for a unique look. When it comes to materials, suede can be an excellent alternative to leather. You can also experiment with different designs or add shoelaces in another color if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Another thing to consider is comfort. You need to feel comfortable even if you only wear your boots for a couple of hours. It would be best if you looked for boots that will provide you with the support you need so that you can walk 2,500 steps without even noticing that you're wearing the most comfortable shoes. Comfort is the key.
There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a perfect pair of shoes to match your suit: materials, color, design elements, and comfort, to name a few. So let's dive in and take a look at the best leather boots that complements your suit.
1. Chelsea boots
First off, Chelsea boots. A pair of black or brown leather Chelsea boots with a higher ankle and a more pointed toe is precisely what you need. They will perfectly work with a suit of any color; it's a combination that never fails. What you need to take into account is the fit. Forget about wide-leg pants. You should wear a suit with slim pants to create a distinctive look. Not only will these boots make you look sharp, but they will also boost your confidence.
On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to slip on, and they won't hurt your feet. A top-quality pair of boots will last forever, and black leather Chelsea boots are a wardrobe must.
2. Oxfords
A variation of Brogues, a pair of Oxford boots is an essential part of a man's wardrobe for those special occasions where formal dress code is non-negotiable. Black leather Oxfords are the most popular shoes for business. They go exceptionally well with almost every color, which shows that they genuinely are the most versatile of formal footwear. If you want to pair your Oxfords with a navy, dark brown, or gray suit, consider picking brown Oxfords. That way, your boots will stand out and complement your suit. For a more casual look, tan Oxfords will work wonderfully, and the wide variety of tones will help you look sharp and intelligent even with the most unusual suit colors.
3. Derby
Another trendy and extraordinarily smart-looking pair of boots that has to be in your wardrobe are Derbies. Being the most recognizable feature of these boots, their perforations used to be functional, helping the water drain through the shoe in rainy weather. Nowadays, of course, they serve a strictly decorative purpose.
There was a time when Brogues were considered outdoor shoes, and wearing them indoors was unacceptable. Thankfully, fashion has evolved since, and there are countless looks that you can create with Brogues.
There are three classic types of perforation: Full Brogue, Half Brogue, and Quarter Brogue. This allows you to pick a pair of Brogues for any occasion and bring out the sharpness of your look. While Brogues go well with classic blue jeans, wearing them with a suit is something everyone should try. Black will go with your black, dark gray, and light gray suits and Light-brown will make a perfect addition to your navy outfit. Tan colors are the most versatile, and they allow for any number of combinations with all types of suits, from strict three-piece to casual chinos and blazer looks.
4. Chukka Boots
Chukka boots are classy. They are ankle-length footwear with two or three eyelets and thin shoelaces. These shoes will help you to create a perfect smart look. Leather Chukka Boots in dark colors pair well with a suit, pant leg, or chinos. The tops of Chukka boots should be covered with a bit of break. It would be best if you opted for a pair of mid-brown chukkas for a more casual look. Leather chukkas will last longer than suede styles when it comes to quality. All in all, investing in a pair of leather chukkas is always a great idea.
5. Loafers
Loafers are probably the most comfortable classic boots you can find, and their versatility makes them an attractive choice for almost every look. Though mostly considered casual, Loafers can be tricky to pick a pair that will match your suit. A few models will make a great addition to your suit, the first being, of course, Penny Loafers.
Penny Loafers are the most popular and recognizable style of Loafers. They will complement any suit that is a bit casual, making them a perfect pick for a garden party or a simple wedding.
The following style on the list is Horsebit Loafers, often referred to as "Gucci" loafers. The name comes from the legendary designer, who revolutionized loafers by adding a metal buckle across the top of the shoe. Black leather Horsebit (or "Gucci") is arguably the most appropriate style of Loafers to be worn with a business suit, as the buckle adds a touch of sophistication and elegance.
Conclusion
Picking a pair of boots to match and complement your suit is not tricky if you know your way around formal footwear. In this article, we laid out the basic principles and pointers on how to go about making your look have that zing. Let's go through it once more.
- The best shoe style for a business suit: Oxfords, preferably black leather.
- Matching colors: Black leather shoes go with black, gray, and dark gray suits; Tan, light, and dark brown leather shoes will complement your Navy suit, but they can also be worn with gray suits.
- Best style for a casual occasion: Penny Loafers
- The most relaxed and casual style worn with a business suit is Black leather Horsebit "Gucci" Loafers.
Take these pointers, and you will be able to create that perfect look for any occasion and event, be it a shareholder meeting or a casual party. Remember: while classics seldom change, fashion is not a monolith, and thus it keeps changing. Follow us to get the best tips and latest trends in men's fashion.
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