In shoe stores I often see a similar picture – a man twirls brown shoes in his hands for a long time, examines them, tries them on, nods approvingly to his reflection in the mirror, and buys a similar model, but in black. What is the reason? It turns out that many believe that brown shoes and boots do not go well with most things in a men's wardrobe. Why risk it when it is more profitable to buy a black pair in a classic style? There is a certain amount of rationality in such reasoning, especially when you have a limited budget for buying clothes and shoes.
If you are not alien to a bold outlook on life, a love of experimenting with your own style, a desire to try new, spectacular or extraordinary solutions, then our article is just right. Today we will consider the advantages of shoes of a universal brown color, various options for their combination with things from a men's wardrobe, as well as when, how and where it is relevant to wear such shoes. Join us!
Brown shoes: a brief history
At the dawn of the formation of the dress code, the leading place in the dress (formal) wardrobe was occupied by exclusively black color. He was present everywhere – at the opera, the office, at special events, private parties, weddings, funerals. There was absolutely no place for the brown color in the city, where the high society of that time with all scrupulousness monitored the observance of the rules of decency. Therefore, shoes of this color have become an important attribute of informal events, as well as out-of-town trips to the bosom of nature (hunting, visits to the family estate in the village, travel). This has been the case for centuries, but life is a changeable thing.
The softening of the 'sentence' for brown shoes occurred only by the 30s of the 20th century. The innovation belonged to Prince of Wales, the future King of Great Britain, Edward VIII. He was a fan of Spectator Brogue shoes, brown shoes in general, and introduced some changes to the way men wear. It made a splash!
Prince Edward was a fan of brown shoes
By 1950, all the most authoritative fashion publications were talking about brown shoes. A huge contribution to its popularization was also made by the informals of that time – beatniks, fashion. During this period, it became apparent that the black color was shifted from its throne towards formal evening events, where the dress code required the presence of a classic suit and a strict white shirt and tie. Later, interest in the brown color of men's shoes and boots repeatedly arose again. The last time was in the 2000s, which we are direct witnesses to.
Brown shoes and boots: the success of men today
This color is still not an absolute leader, but it takes its rightful place in everyday, informal wardrobe. It is very popular in Europe, especially in southern countries. A striking example is Italy, where a blue suit is traditionally a favorite companion of brown shoes. But black shoes are in much less demand here and are found exclusively at special events. France is in second place in terms of goodwill towards a lax brown color. Brown shoes and boots are worn with pleasure by students, employees of various companies, in which casual style is not something out of the ordinary. And in England, the preponderance is still on the black side, but the brown shade of boots and shoes is also often found on the streets, in cafes, outside the city during the day.
Brown shoes and blue business suit. Italians are perhaps the most partial to such a combination of people
Moving even further to the West, what do we see in the United States? Here and today, the severity of the dress code remains practically unshakable. The reason for this is many of the richest corporations with their frantic rhythm and unwavering demands for employees to work exclusively in business suits. But even in America, brown shoes and boots are relevant for those who are not in a hurry to work during the day or can afford a fairly carefree life at night. Among them are world-famous stars of the catwalk, cinema, stage, as well as ordinary citizens who differ in their individual style of dress. They can be seen wearing similar shoes while walking, in a shopping center, cafe or nightclub.
How and with what to wear brown boots and shoes?
Today, brown shoes are very popular all over the world and are increasingly found in the vastness of our homeland, which cannot be good news. It is organic with both a two-piece suit and ripped jeans. The main thing is to understand where, when and with what to wear it!
Color options for menswear that are relevant for brown shoes
To begin with, let's decide on the basis, that is, with color solutions. It's no secret that in the warm season and under light-colored clothes, you should choose beige or medium brown boots. But in a set for a black suit and other things of dark colors, it is optimal to add shoes of a rich chocolate shade. Although sometimes there are extremely effective variations, where this canon is only partially observed. But these are rather exceptions. Since in this case a man needs a win-win sense of taste, a flair for a harmonious combination of different colors with each other, the lion's share of self-confidence.
Now let's move on to the main thing – various combinations of clothes in a bow, where brown shoes and boots are a spectacular accent.
For work
Strict business style – rather picky about colors and combinations in clothes. The office does not tolerate brutal-looking tractor-soled boots or sports models, and many companies require the mandatory presence of a black classic suit in an invariable alliance with a white shirt and an exclusively black tie. It would seem that brown shoes are out of the question here.
Fortunately, more relaxed styles of clothing that are relevant for work have become especially popular lately. These are Business casual, casual and smart-casual directions. We have already talked about them in detail in separate articles, so I just note that in this case, brown shoes will organically fit into the ensemble with light (gray, sand, ivory), as well as blue and black suits. Let's say a colorful tie or vest (for example, red, green, dark blue). And remember that brown shoes and boots are most appropriate in a bow when paired with a belt of the same color!
Classic shoes in brown combined with a three-piece business suit in navy blue 
Streetwear flair – monk shoes, plaid trousers, striped blazer and striking blue bouclé coat 
The preppy combination is suitable for both study and work
Brown loafers, monks, oxfords, chelsea shoes or classic boots are a must for a stylish, casual workout! In addition to a two-piece or three-piece suit, they can be successfully combined with corduroy, denim trousers and denim-cut cotton models.
Brown boots with jeans, pullover and leather jacket 
Brown Boots With Casual Dress Pants and Quilted Jacket 
Autumn set with brown boots, English style tweed coat and tote bag
The top of the set, where brown shoes and boots are an effective accent, is optimally composed of the following elements to choose from:
- Shirts in different colors, mostly pastel shades. Discreet models in a small cage or strip, with a print in the form of royal lilies are acceptable.
- Tweed jacket in the English style or corduroy model, as well as a discreet design blazer without decor.
- Knitted cardigan.
- Solid color vest.
- Preppy pullover or plain jumper.
- Quilted jacket.
Vera Victoria Vito Brown Shoes
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Jack & Jones Brown Shoes
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For relax
As for leisure kits featuring brown shoes, there is no limit to the imagination. Brown boots are relevant for autumn, spring and winter bows. The most versatile option is their classic cut. It fits the clothes of any style, you just need to choose harmonious colors. Don't forget about the deserters! This is a practical cut for self-confident men, which perfectly combines with jeans, trousers, street or safari-style. Plus, deserts are great when paired with an English-style tweed coat or a leather jacket!
What about brown shoes? Nice looking neatness will be added to the image by Oxfords, Chelsea will add a little originality, and Chukka boots will conquer those who love comfort and ease. Often on vacation, men do not part with their favorite loafers or moccasins. Well, this is a personal choice, and the practicality and comfort of these styles is obvious. All of the listed styles of brown shoes and boots easily create a harmonious ensemble with classic straight-leg trousers made of denim and sweatpants.
A discreet set featuring brown loafers – nothing more! 
Bright colors of clothes will brighten up your vacation, and monks will make it more comfortable 
Summer brown shoes, shorts and a T-shirt – what else is needed for a complete feeling of comfort
Warm seasons and brown shoes often go hand in hand. If you prefer discreet bows with the participation of classic styles of clothing or are planning to attend an evening gala event, then stop at oxfords, derby. Leather or suede brogues add a masculine touch to the look. Pair them with tucked-up straight jeans, pipe trousers or a classic suit other than black color.
Rich in detail, monks and loafers will tell others that you have an individual style that often includes spectacular accents (for example, an original buckle on shoes, extraordinary cufflinks, a colorful scarf). Both are trendy with corduroy or tweed bottoms, summer cottons and crepe, linen beach trousers, ripped jeans, and a classic cut with arrows on the legs.
But for a holiday at a resort or yachting with friends, there is no more ideal solution than comfortable, water-resistant boat shoes. This style is appropriate in a nautical, casual, street, preppy look, it can be easily combined with wide white trousers made of natural fabrics, bermudas and shorts of different lengths.
Loafers Geox
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Boat Shoes Pezatti
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Fred Perry Sneakers
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Galax Loafers
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As for the top that is appropriate for spring-summer leisure, then brown shoes and boots are favorably tuned in different monochromatic or multi-colored options:
- T-shirts and T-shirts;
- Shirts with sleeves (in addition to the 'Swedes' familiar to many, these can be 'Hawaiians', cotton or linen frivolous models);
- Polo;
- Longsleeves;
- Blazers made from natural fabrics;
- Thin cardigans;
- Lightweight jumpers;
- Pea jackets.
In this case, it is important to clearly understand in what style the image you are creating, and to combine harmonious things, colors.
Finally
This color is not a substitute for black shoes, which are mandatory in the 'white collar' environment, but everyday looks without it become boring and monotonous. Brown shoes and boots are perfect for pairing wardrobe essentials and leisurewear. They allow you to make any men's bow more original, lively. And this is already a strong argument in favor of allocating a small amount for the purchase of boots or shoes of one of the palette of brown, quite universal shades. Just determine the variety of casual clothing that suits you best and see how brown shoes will play in the image, effectively distinguishing you from the gray crowd! Do you already have brown shoes? What is she like?
