Written by Tanya Zhang

I've always loved the look of navy blue suits. It's elegant and refined, yet retains a bit more charisma than a standard black or charcoal gray suit. But what looks better with blue suits, black or brown shoes?

While both can work for your outfit, over the years I've developed the opinion that dark brown Oxfords are the superior option for your blue suits, adding more contrast and color to your outfit. Let's get into the specifics below. 

Why Blue Suit with Brown Shoes?

The allure of the navy blue suit and brown shoes combo, among other dress color combinations for men, arises from the desire to create an ensemble that exudes confidence and sophistication, while effortlessly capturing attention.

Whether you're attending a semi-formal occasion or simply looking to elevate your everyday attire with a power suit, get ready to embrace the art of elegance as we delve into the world of wearing suits in the world of men's fashion. 

 

Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid with This Combo

When it comes to pairing navy blue suits with dark brown shoes instead of black shoes, there are a few fashion faux pas to steer clear of. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Wearing overly casual brown shoes: While brown shoes offer versatility, it's important to choose the right style to match your blue suits. Opt for dress shoes, such as Oxfords, brogues, or loafers, which exude a more formal and refined vibe. Suede, or other slip-on shoes may be a good option depending on formality. You may even consider wearing a suit with sneakers if it's appropriate.

2. Mismatched shades of brown: Brown comes in various shades and tones, and not all browns will complement navy suits equally. Be mindful of selecting shoes that harmonize with your suit's shade. 

3. Neglecting belt and accessory coordination: When wearing a navy blue suit with brown shoes, it's essential to coordinate your belt and other accessories accordingly. Ensure that your belt matches the shade of your shoes, creating a cohesive and well-coordinated ensemble. 

4. Pairing with black socks: To maintain a cohesive look, avoid pairing brown shoes with black socks when wearing a navy blue suit. Opt for socks that complement the overall color palette, such as shades of blue or coordinating earth tones.  

5. Ignoring the formality of the occasion: While the navy blue suit and brown shoe combination are versatile, it's crucial to consider the formality of the event or setting you'll be attending. Here's our list of 6 best dress shoes to consider when matching with navy blue suits.

What to Look for in a Blue Suit

When deciding on navy suits to pair with brown shoes, there are a few key factors to consider. Here's what guys should look for:

Pick the Right Suit Shade

While the royal blue suit and brown shoe combination is quite versatile, certain shades work better together. For a classic and foolproof look, navy blue is a safe bet. It pairs well with various shades of brown. Here's a guide on royal blue vs navy blue.

However, light blue suits, such as powder blue or sky blue, can also create a striking contrast with brown shoes and blue socks, offering a more unique and contemporary look.

Consider Occasion and Dress Code

Consider the occasion or dress code you'll be dressing for. For formal events or business professional settings, opt for a darker blue suit for a more traditional and sophisticated appearance.

Light blue suits can work well for daytime events or more relaxed dress codes like smart casual men's fashion. 

Prioritize Suit Fit

The fit of the suit is paramount to achieve a sharp and polished look. Ensure the suit fits well, with shoulders that align properly and a tailored silhouette.

A well-fitted suit not only enhances your overall appearance but also complements the combination of classic blue suit and brown shoes. Here's a separate guide if you're debating whether you should get your suit tailored.

Tailor to Your Personal Style

Experiment with different shades and patterns, such as pinstripes or checks, to infuse your personality into the ensemble. For example, try wearing a blue suit with a black shirt for a cool and edgy look. 

Types of Brown Shoes to Consider

The next most important thing to consider is your brown shoes combination with the suit. Here are some options for the best brown shoes combination:

1. Classic Brown Oxfords: Timeless and versatile, classic dark brown Oxfords are a staple in every gentleman's wardrobe. With their closed lacing system and polished leather finish, they exude elegance and pair impeccably with a dark blue suit. 

2. Brown Brogues: Brogues, characterized by their decorative perforations or "broguing," add a touch of character and texture to a dark blue suit and brown shoes combination. Whether in a full brogue, semi-brogue, or quarter brogue style, these brown dress shoes strike a balance between formal and casual.

   

3. Brown Derby Shoes: Derby shoes, featuring an open-lacing system, offer a slightly more casual alternative to Oxfords. With their comfortable fit and versatile style, brown Derby shoes can effortlessly complement navy suits, especially in more relaxed or business-casual settings.

   

4. Brown Monk Strap Shoes: For those seeking a touch of sophistication and uniqueness, brown monk strap shoes make an excellent choice for your navy suit brown shoes combination. With their distinctive buckle closures, they add a modern and stylish flair to a blue suit ensemble. 

5. Brown Loafers: Loafers are a versatile shoe style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a more relaxed and contemporary take on the blue suit and brown shoe combination, consider brown loafers.

If it's not a formal occasion, you might even try wearing boots with your suit instead of the brown shoes combination.

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Pair with these Shirt Colors

When it comes to selecting tops or shirts to match a blue suit and light brown shoes, there are several options that can enhance the overall look:

1. Crisp White Shirt: A classic white shirt is a foolproof choice that pairs effortlessly to a blue suit with brown shoes. It creates a clean and timeless aesthetic while allowing the suit and shoes to take center stage.

2. Light Blue or Pale Pink Shirt: For a subtle touch of color, light blue or pale pink shirts can complement the blue suit and brown shoe combination quite nicely.  

3. Patterned Dress Shirts: To add some visual interest and personality to your outfit, consider incorporating patterned shirts. Opt for patterned dress shirts in complementary colors or in shades that harmonize with the blue suit and brown shoes.

4. Textured Dress Shirts: Another way to elevate your look is by incorporating textured shirts. Fabrics like Oxford cloth, herringbone, or linen can add depth and visual appeal to your ensemble. These textured dress shirts bring a touch of sophistication and can complement the classic charm of a blue suit and brown shoes.

5. Colorful Accents:  A vibrant pocket square, a slim tie in a complementary shade, or even colorful dress socks can add a playful and stylish element to the overall look.
   
   
   

Our favorite slim fit dress shirts are from Nimble Made and we highly recommend them! These are also our favorite t-shirts to wear underneath.

 

What Color Tie with Blue Suit Brown Shoes?

When pairing a blue suit with brown shoes, there are several tie colors that can complement the brown shoe combo and enhance the overall look. Here are some options to consider:

Navy Blue

A classic and timeless choice, a navy blue tie pairs exceptionally well with a blue suit and brown shoes. It creates a harmonious and sophisticated look while adding depth and richness to the ensemble. 

 

Burgundy

Burgundy or deep red ties can bring warmth and contrast to a blue suit and brown shoes outfit. This color combination creates a visually striking and refined look. Consider a solid burgundy tie or one with subtle patterns like stripes or dots to add interest without overpowering the outfit.

Olive Green

A muted olive green tie can be a unique and stylish choice to pair with a blue suit and brown shoes. This earthy tone adds a touch of sophistication and complements the warm tones of the brown shoes. 

 

Light Gray

If you prefer a more subdued and versatile option, a light gray tie can be an excellent choice. A light gray tie adds a touch of sophistication and can work well for both a formal event and semi-formal occasions.

By choosing a tie that complements the blue suit and brown shoes, you can achieve a cohesive and stylish look. We also have a more comprehensive guide for best ties with navy suit here.

 

What Color Socks with Blue Suit with Brown Shoes?

Here are some color choices to consider when it comes to selecting socks to wear with a blue suit with brown shoes:

1. Dark Brown Socks

Dark brown socks are a safe and classic option that harmonizes well with both the blue suit and brown shoes.

They create a cohesive and sophisticated look, seamlessly blending with the color palette formal brown shoes. Opt for socks that are a shade or two lighter or darker than your brown shoes for a subtle contrast.

2. Navy Blue Dress Socks

Matching your socks to the color of your suit can create a streamlined and polished appearance.

Navy blue socks with a blue suit and dark brown shoes provide a cohesive and monochromatic look. It's a sophisticated choice that works particularly well for men's fashion at formal occasions.

3. Charcoal Gray Socks

Charcoal gray socks offer a neutral yet stylish option to pair with a navy suit and brown shoes. It complements both the dark suit and the blue shoes without overpowering the overall look.

Patterned or Textured Socks

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, consider adding some patterned or textured socks to inject personality into your outfit. Subtle patterns like dots, stripes, or small motifs can add visual interest without overpowering the ensemble. 

 

Accessories for a Business Casual Dress Code

Accessorizing for a business casual or professional dress code while matching a blue suit and brown shoes allows you to add personal style and elevate your outfit. Here are some tips to help you accessorize:

1. Belt: Choose a brown belt that matches the shade of your brown shoes. This creates a coordinated and polished look. Opt for a leather belt with a simple and classic buckle design. 
   
   

2. Watch: A sophisticated watch is a timeless accessory that can enhance your business casual attire. Consider a brown leather or metal strap watch with a clean and minimalistic design.

3. Pocket Square: Adding a light pocket square to the breast pocket of your suit jacket can elevate your look and show attention to detail. 
   
   

4. Tie Bar (optional): In a business casual setting, you may have the option to wear a tie. If you choose to do so, you can also adorn it with a tie bar or tie clip that matches the color palette of your suit and shoes. Try these gold and black tie bars from Nimble Made. 

Remember, the key to accessorizing a business casual dress code is to strike a balance between style and professionalism.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about blue suit with brown shoes

Can you wear brown shoes with blue suits?

Yes, brown wingtip shoes complement blue suits well, although black shoes are also a decent option.

What color shoes do you wear with a blue suit?

Dark brown or black shoes work best with a blue suit. Black shoes can also be a great option.

What color socks to wear with a blue suit and brown shoes?

Opt for navy or dark-colored socks that match the suit.

Do you wear black or brown shoes with a navy suit?

Both brown and black shoes are suitable for a navy suit, but brown offers a more modern look for men's fashion.