We shall have to split this one up a bit, as from the easy-going flip-flop to the black tie patent pump, men’s footwear comes in more shapes and sizes than one may think. Hence, here is a quick-fire guide on picking the best shoe to compliment your outfit. Hopefully, after this, you won’t attend your next job interview with the latest Nike Dunks release, despite your friends calling them “cold”… Unless you’re planning on working with trainers that it!
Concerning casual wear, the best way to pick a pair of shoes is to start with these neutral colours: white, cream, beige, and black. Then, find the accent colour within your outfit, the vibrant or contrasting colour which creates a focal point, perhaps blue branding, or a green scarf. Find those, and compliment them with your shoe colour. The style is one for your imagination! Make sure your wardrobe has a pair of clean white trainers, easily the most versatile pair of casual shoes. The colour shall complement most of your outfit choices, and the simple style shall round off the most casual pieces to even some smart-casual ensembles. Approaching summer, I would suggest looking into suede loafers if you are looking for a perfect way to elevate a timeless and classy wardrobe.
When entering the smart-casual world, the lines become more blurred. To err on the side of caution, look for a pair of tan brogues or leather loafers. The Chelsea boot is a favourite of mine, implementing a varied contour to the outfit. Sticking to a brown or tan colour is less formal than the black shoe, however, always stick to a black shoe if your smart-casual outfit is also black. Always make sure you compliment your belt colour too! Depending on the situation, you should be free to pull out the neutral trainers from before, as long as they are clean and of a classic shape.
Finally, when incorporating the correct shoes into your formal wear, black Oxfords, brogues, or monk straps will complement any traditional suit colour other than beige (then you pull out those tan brogues from before). Finally, if invited to black-tie and white-tie events, black patent Oxfords, pumps, or velvet slippers are your only options.
Follow these steps and become more confident when finding your next pair of shoes to compliment a favoured outfit.