The first thing about looking good is first, having a good suit if you want to take fashion to the next level. In general, fashion and style are highly dependent on professionalism and thus, your appearance from hair grooming, shaving to the shoes you wear with your suit. Unpacking the concept of color matching can be overwhelming; however, we are here to help you amplify your gray suit look with the right shoes.

There are a few things that may need to be considered before you start choosing shoes. The choice of shoes depends upon the type of occasion and time of the day, the shade of gray, and even belt color. After these factors have been considered, one is well placed to consider various combinations of gray suit and shoes ranging from black to white suit and other shades in between.

What to Consider Before Picking Shoes for a Gray Suit

Occasion

As you begin to consider your shoes to wear with your gray suit, remember that you should first begin by thinking about the event you will be attending. The level of formality in the event is used to define the nature of shoes and accessories that needs to be worn. Overall, any gray suit that is worn is as formal as the shade of grey worn for the occasion is dark. The charcoal grey suits is suitable for business formal events like business meetings, evening wear and formal wedding. In contrast pale gray suits are much more relaxed and can be worn in such occasions as outdoor weddings, warm weather weddings, some business related outfits, and any occasion that is not formal and takes place during the day. As for the occasion, that is where an individual is dressed more formally, then stylish shoes with the less formal design is suggested to wear, for formal shoes are not comfortable for wearing for long term then for the occasion where one is dressed in somewhat informal attire, they can afford to go for shoes that are more personalized and informal.

“No Browns After 6pm”

Yes, the prohibition against ‘No Browns After Six’ holds sway in menswear today. Brown shoes are used for the day events, so if your event is in evening or extends to evening then black shoes are worn traditionally. Remember this when selecting your shoes to wear with your gray suit. 

The Shade of Gray

Gray is a spectrum that can be divided into three main categories: light gray, mid gray, coal/black or charcoal/dark gray. Now, one should also take into account what kind of undertone the gray suit is going to have. Undertone can relate to warm, cool or neutral and depend on it the whole appearance of the outfit depends. In an ideal world, all objects of clothing in an outfit should possess the same under hue. Anytime one wants to mix gray suits with brown shoes, they should ensure they use the warm shades with warm tones and cool shades with cool tones. This will guarantee that your out fitted articles of clothing blend well and there are no jarring colours used together.

Belt Color

Your belt is an essential part of your outfit and should match your shoes exactly. If you are struggling to find a matching belt, consider pants designed for no belt. However, if your suit pants have belt loops, you will need to wear a belt. If you only have one belt, then wear shoes to match it. It is important to remember that your belt and shoes should always match to ensure a cohesive and polished look.

By considering the occasion, the shade of gray, and the belt color, you can confidently choose the perfect pair of shoes to match your gray suit. Keep these factors in mind and you will be sure to make a stylish statement wherever you go.

The Best Gray Suit and Shoes Combinations

The Type of Shoe

When it comes to selecting shoes to complement your gray suit, it's not just about the color, but also the shoe design. Formal events, such as those held in a strict office, ballroom, or high-end luxury restaurant, call for appropriate dress shoes. The Oxford is a timeless and elegant choice that can take you almost anywhere. Derbys are similar but are strictly for smart-casual wear. Flashier dress shoes, such as the Monk Strap and Double Monk Strap, can work with many sartorial looks, but they need a bit more consideration because of their ostentatious design. They are best suited for formal occasions where a little ornamentation or personalization is appropriate. Loafers, Chelsea boots, and other dress boots are perfect for true smart-casual wear, but they are never appropriate in formal settings. Sneakers, no matter how expensive, are always a casual-only look and an unusual one at that.

Light Brown Shoes

True "light brown" shoes are typically tan, cognac, and similar shades with cool undertones or a true neutral undertone. Light brown shoes are not appropriate for formal looks. They pair best with a light gray suit for elegance and a powerful first impression. These shoes are perfect for daytime socializing and outdoor events, including weddings. They can also make a great smart-casual business alternative to give you some options, but they are not suitable for interviews and strictly formal work occasions.

Dark Brown Shoes

Now, dark brown shoes are beneficially matched with gray suits and can be worn with both light and dark shades of gray. They are always fitting for business casual occasions and will also fit in most formal occasions. The self-tanner that is as dark as browns to look best in charcoal and the slightly lighter shades of brown with mid-grays. The combination looks best when done with cool-toned mid-gray suits like pewter and steel, and it can enhance the suit color brilliantly. It is appropriate for an office day and an evening dinner later, weddings, with undefined level of formality, conferences, and any type of evening meeting or social gathering.

Black Shoes

Black shoes should be used as the best basic color for any individual who feels unsure of the outfit they are going to select. It is very difficult to make a mistake if two colors are on the same monochromatic spectrum as gray is. While they may not be your most adventurous option, they will almost always be appropriate for whatever occasion you need them for. A sharp tailored charcoal suit and black shoes resemble power and sophistication and are suitable for business formal and black tie occasions. Another color that blends well with black shoes is light gray; however the combination is usually rather plain. Generally when it relates to lighter grays it is best to stick to the brown spectrum of the color. However, if the conditions are not sufficiently favorable for scoring a good brown, black is the safe fallback and nothing will appear either ugly or wrong.

White Shoes

For the more fashionable man, a pair of sharp clean and very white sneakers can be used for a variety of occasions that are casual but still fancy for a trend look. But they are never suitable worn with formal dress styles. This degree of informality will also mean that your gray suit will be as understated as possible. Well, these are something that only really appropriate for light gray. White shoes should be worn to enhance the strengths of casual linen gray suit. Furthermore, it might be best to stick with this pairing for grey suits or otherwise single pants which are cuffed at the bottom so as to flaunt the sneakers and correspondingly maximizing the casualness of the outfit. This combination could work well at a beach wedding (if the guests are still expected to wear suits at all) and would make the perfect “smart man about town” vibe, but keep it for these sorts of casual events.

Oxblood Shoes

Oxblood describes a mid to light brown shoe which has a strong red residual, and burgundy shoes are examples of this. These shoes are a very smart kind of dressing code and a perfect fit for most occasions. Sort of, they match with a light gray suit but can also be worn with a dark gray suit. Oxblood shoes are also not too garish, which is a great addition of a color in a wardrobe. Most of them are suitable to be used in wedding occasions, business meetings and other formal events. Oxblood shoes are also a good way of putting more character to an outfit while not being too flashy.

Just a reminder, the most important aspect of gray suit accessorization is the fitting. Suit means good dressing code and if it fits you well, it will help you achieve the look and morale you need to impress. Following these simple rules, you will not go wrong when trying to select the appropriate style of footwear to complement the gray suit for your desired event.