Brown shoes are a versatile staple in many wardrobes. However, there are certain rules around what colors and styles work well with brown shoes and what should be avoided. In this article, we’ll explore what not to wear with brown shoes and provide tips on how to style brown footwear.
Black Pants or Skirt
One of the biggest no-nos when it comes to wearing brown shoes is pairing them with black pants or a black skirt. Brown and black together can look very harsh and awkward. The contrast is too stark. If your outfit consists of black pants or a black skirt, opt for black shoes instead of brown.
Navy Blue Suit
Brown shoes typically don’t work well with navy blue suits. Navy blue and brown together create a very high-contrast look that’s jarring to the eye. It’s best to wear black or dark burgundy shoes with a navy suit instead. Brown shoes are better suited for lighter blue or gray suits.
Very Casual Outfits
Since brown shoes tend to skew dressier, they aren’t the best match for super casual outfits like joggers and a hoodie or T-shirt and ripped jeans. The formality of the brown shoes would clash with the relaxed vibe of a casual outfit. Save your brown shoes for business casual attire or smart casual looks instead.
All Black Outfits
As mentioned earlier, brown and black right next to each other rarely works. That means brown shoes typically aren’t the right choice for all black outfits. Black footwear better suits the monochromatic look. Opt for black boots, loafers, or oxfords to complement an all black ensemble.
Bright Primary Colors
Brown shoes tend to look out of place with bright primary colors like bright red, yellow, or royal blue. The vibrancy of the bright color paired with the earthiness of the brown can make an outfit look mismatched. If you want to wear a bright colored top or accessory, pair it with neutral shoes like tan, beige, or white.
Pastels
Along the same lines, soft pastel colors like light pink, mint, or lavender don’t mix well with rich brown shoes. The muted pastel shades look washed out next to the deep brown tone. Opt for neutral or blush-colored shoes instead to complement a pastel outfit.
Tips for Styling Brown Shoes
Now that we’ve covered what not to wear with brown shoes, here are some tips on how to style brown shoes so they look sharp:
Match the Brown Tone
If wearing brown shoes with brown pants or a brown belt, make sure the shades complement each other. A light tan shoe with dark chocolate pants would clash. Aim for brown hues that are similar in tone.
Go for Contrast with Neutrals
Brown shoes look great with neutral colors like gray, beige, white, and navy when they are different shades. The contrast between light brown shoes and dark gray pants makes for a stylish, polished look.
Complement Warm Tones
Brown shoes pair nicely with warm, earthy tones like peach, light olive green, burnt orange, and caramel. The warm hues bring out the richness of the brown shoes.
Match Leather Accessories
Coordinate brown leather shoes with complementary leather accessories like a brown leather belt or brown leather bag for a pulled-together look.
5 Outfit Ideas with Brown Shoes
Here are 5 stylish sample outfits to give you ideas on how to incorporate brown shoes into your wardrobe:
| Outfit | Description |
|---|---|
| Khaki chinos, light blue button-down shirt, navy blazer, brown loafers | Crisp preppy look perfect for the office or a daytime event |
| Gray trousers, white v-neck tee, brown suede bomber jacket, brown Chelsea boots | Smart casual outfit with stylish textures |
| Navy a-line skirt, ivory cable knit sweater, cognac ankle boots | Polished fall or winter ensemble |
| Dark wash jeans, peach blouse, light brown mules | Casual daytime outfit for brunch or shopping |
| Herringbone blazer, silk camisole, wide leg trousers, dark brown oxfords | Sharp business professional look |
Conclusion
Brown shoes are extremely versatile for men and women when paired with the right colors and styles. Stick to neutral, earthy tones and smart casual to business attire to get the most mileage out of your brown shoes. Avoid combining them with black, navy suits, pastels, or super casual wear. With the right combinations, brown shoes can be the perfect finishing touch to put together an elegant, stylish outfit.