Tired of the same old shoe choices with your black suit? It might be time to step up your footwear game. A black suit is a wardrobe staple…but you don’t need to limit yourself to only wearing the same old black shoes with your black suit. Experimenting with different shoe styles, heel heights, fabrications, and textures can completely change your look from classic to modern to edgy and everything in between. Whether you’re wearing your black suit for a semi-formal occasion, an important meeting, or everyday business attire, there’s a perfect shoe style out there for you. Let’s dive into 5 shoes to wear with a black suit.
For a similar guide on what shoes to wear with jeans of every kind, you’ll want to check out this post next.
What Shoes to Wear with Black Suit
Loafers & Oxfords
Loafers have been on-trend for a few seasons now and they seem to be gaining in popularity. A classic pair of black loafers is a great go-to with a black suit. But if you want to try something modern and fresh with loafers or oxford styles, there are some great options out there. Chunky lug soles, gold hardware, tassels, or monk straps can add a touch of modernity or edge to your look.
You can also go with a traditional black oxford style shoe or derby shoe with or without brogues (those decorative perforations) that are sometimes on the toe cap or along the length of the shoe. This is definitely more of a menswear-inspired look.
Depending on the occasion, you can also experiment with metallics, contrasting soles, and different colored loafers and oxfords like bright white, taupe, or burgundy. The point is, you can always go the safe route and wear a pair of black shoes with your black suit. But for more casual/modern work environments or events, why not express your style and shake things up a bit by trying something bold and a little different? We’ll share a few different loafer and oxford styles below from classic to trendy.
Booties
As we move into cooler weather, another great shoe to wear with your black suit is a pair of booties. Stiletto booties, Chelsea booties, sock booties, block heel, kitten heel, pointed toe….there are a ton of options depending on your suit type. For example, a black suit with a skirt would look great with a pair of sock booties because they fit snugly to the leg.
To elongate your legs, we love the look of a black pointed toe bootie with black suit trousers, but you can also try a lighter shade of brown or taupe if you want some contrast. Style Tip: You’ll want to make sure the hem of your trousers just barely skims the floor when you consider the heel height of your booties!
Classic Pumps
You can’t go wrong pairing a black suit with a pair of classic black or nude pumps. If you are going for a chic and timeless look, work in a conservative office environment, or you’re dressing for a formal event or even a black-tie event, classic pumps are a no-brainer. If you are wondering what to wear to an interview, a black suit paired with black pumps shows you mean business!
Try experimenting with different leathers and textures like patent leather, suede or croc-embossed if you want to try something a little different. Choosing the right pumps for you will just come down to what look you are trying to achieve….professional, classic, edgy, sexy, etc. and what feels most comfortable on your foot. Those sky-high stilettos might look so incredibly elegant, but if you can’t walk in them without looking ridiculous….they’re probably a hard pass. You can find classic pumps at just about every price point and heel height, but we’ll link some of our favorites below. By the way, black pumps will look tres’ chic paired with a navy suit too!
Slingbacks
Slingbacks are another hot fall trend we’re seeing everywhere! And…they’re another great option to pair with your black suit or trousers. Since slingbacks are a little less traditional than a classic pump, you’ll see slingbacks with bows, mesh details, capped toes, grommets and all different kinds of embellishments. The sky’s the limit. If the goal is to look taller, a black pair of slingbacks will be most elongating with black suit pants. But, if you want to mix things up you could try ivory, chocolate brown, burgundy, deep green, OR animal print (also VERY on-trend right now). Style Tip: If your heels tend to slip out of slingbacks, make sure you look for ones that have an adjustable heel strap.
Sneakers
Men have been wearing comfortable footwear with their suits for years. But it feels like only recently that women have fully embraced the idea and we are here for it! Especially if you work in a city, are hoofing it around at a trade show, or your feet are just “over it” when it comes to heels…enter the chic sneaker. Black sneakers, white sneakers, athletic sneakers…pretty much anything goes here. Of course, flats are always a great option too. But when it comes to flat shoes, Erin prefers to wear sneakers when she can. Ballet flats, pointed-toe flats, and Mary Janes are all very on-trend right now. We’ll link some chic sneakers and flats below, but frst….a few tips to consider when choosing sneakers.
1. An all-white or neutral-colored sneaker is going to look sleek and intentional.
2. Black sneakers will keep the line long and lean when wearing black suit trousers.
3. Cleanliness is key. You want your cool sneakers to elevate your look not drag it down.
4. Understated sneakers with less flashy colors and embellishments are going to be the most versatile when it comes to looking elevated with a black suit.
How to Match Shoes with Suit
Here are some practical and stylish tips for matching your shoes with your suit to ensure a polished, cohesive look.
Coordinate Color and Tone
Black suits naturally pair well with neutral or metallic-toned shoes. Black shoes will give you more of a streamlined, formal look. Nude or tan hues elongate the legs and soften the outfit. For a statement look, you can try bold colors like red, burgundy, or deep jewel tones like emerald or navy.
Consider the Occasion
For formal events or traditional work settings, stick to classic choices like pumps or heeled loafers. They add height and polish without being too flashy. For a creative or business-casual look, you can have fun with more playful options like mules, ankle boots, or sneakers if the occasion allows for more comfort and style flexibility.
Most Leg-Lengthening & Slimming
If the goal is to look taller and slimmer when wearing wide-leg or flared suit pants, chunky platforms or stilettos will add extra height. For cropped or tapered suit pants, a pointed-toe pair of shoes or sock booties create a streamlined, sleek silhouette.
Which of these 5 shoe options are you most likely to pair with your black suit? Or, do you have another go-to we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!
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