Most men, as observed, prefer black shoes. This option seems to be a win-win, neutral, safe, and many consider it to be as universal as possible. In practice, however, black shoes do not always look harmonious and expressive. Sometimes it seems dull and boring, and the degree of its versatility actually leaves much to be desired.
Later in this article we will tell you about what colors of shoes are worth buying, and in what cases brown, burgundy or even green should be preferred over black shoes.
When are black shoes optimal?
First of all, we note that there are several situations when black shoes are essential:
- formal events in the evening (with black tie and white tie dress codes);
- official events taking place in the morning or afternoon, for which the most formal suit or even a business card (morning coat) is required;
- the funeral;
- work in offices where only black shoes are allowed by the dress code;
- business negotiations with the most conservative partners.
In all other situations, black shoes can be replaced with brown, burgundy-brown, and sometimes blue, red, even white or green shoes.
There are situations when black shoes are essential
However, do not forget about harmony with clothes. If you are wearing formal black trousers or a black suit, black shoes are required. They often look best with dark gray suits and trousers, although dark brown shoes are also appropriate in this case.
Opinions about the combinations of shoes with black jeans and informal trousers differ: some believe that many brown shoes look good with them, while others believe that black shoes are required with black trousers and jeans.
Black shoes can be replaced if the situation does not require the opposite
There are no strict rules here, so you can make the decision at your discretion, but we would say that it is worth considering (in general terms) the tastes of those people with whom you will meet and communicate, and whose opinion is important to you.
When is it better to wear shoes of a different color?
Black shoes are not recommended to be worn with clothes of brown and green tones, and it looks bad with white, beige and cream things. Blue suits and trousers often harmonize better with brown shoes than with black ones, and they can be much lighter than trousers (for example, the combination of red-brown shoes with a dark blue suit is already considered classic in many countries).
An important plus of brown and other colored shoes is that they acquire a patina over time: the color becomes heterogeneous and unique due to the numerous layers of cream and shoe polish, as well as due to external influences. Black shoes age less dramatically.
Outwardly colored shoes age nobly
In our opinion, today for most men, dark brown and burgundy-brown shoes are the most versatile (the latter option is often denoted by the words burgundy and bordeaux, thereby hinting at a similarity to the color of red wine). The lighter brown models, as well as the red ones, are also quite versatile, but they are more catchy and more risky.
Yes, the combination of reddish-brown shoes with a navy suit will be called excellent by many style experts, but at the same time, there are many people who find it strange. Dark brown shoes with a dark blue suit are unlikely to cause surprise or censure in someone.
The combination of reddish-brown shoes with a navy suit is one of the most successful.
Blue boots and shoes are, on average, less versatile than brown and burgundy brown. The fact is that they do not always form beautiful and expressive combinations with blue clothes, which are very popular due to the wide potential of compatibility, classic look and more or less neutral appearance. However, if you have little or no blue trousers, suits and jeans in your wardrobe, then blue shoes can be a very interesting option.
Of course, darker shades are the safest, but no one forbids experimenting with brighter versions (after all, rich blue is not saturated red, and bright blue shoes look better with dark blue clothes than dark blue). It should be borne in mind that where brown and burgundy shoes are acceptable, blue may be considered unacceptable. Some conservatives believe that blue shoes are generally taboo, but such people are becoming less and less.
Blue shoes are an interesting option, although some conservatives disapprove of them.
Dark green and dark olive boots and shoes can fit organically into many wardrobes, but they scare off most people with their non-standard look. If you are not afraid to surprise others a little and have already assembled a basic shoe wardrobe, you may well acquire models of such shades (but first of all, it is better to purchase as classic models as possible in brown and burgundy-brown colors – and, by the way, do not equate the concepts of 'classic' and 'austere', because brown work boots, topsiders and desert boots are classics).
Despite the unconventional look, green shoes can fit into many looks.
Models of bright colors (red, yellow, lilac, orange) can be bought only if you really like them, and if you are not afraid to irritate and surprise others. Lovers of red, however, it is still better to pay attention not to pure red models, but to red-brown ones (they look quite restrained and are very versatile).
Finally, it is worth saying a few words about white shoes. White classic shoes are considered to be typical summer and informal shoes, they often look pretentious and are very rare today. White sneakers (sneakers, sneakers), on the contrary, are very popular these days, and you can safely add them to your wardrobe if you are ready to take good care of them.
White shoes must be carefully looked after
Of course, such shoes are not only combined with white clothes; it often harmonizes even with dark blue things, and you can wear it not only in summer. The only caveat to be made about the typically athletic shoe is that it is only appropriate for training and competition. Also, remember that the best casual sneakers are minimalist and understated.
General recommendation
When choosing the color of shoes, boots or other shoes, you need to think about what kind of clothes you can wear this or that pair – and where exactly. The more versatile the model, the better. We do not recommend getting carried away with black shoes and recommend that you pay special attention to brown, burgundy brown and reddish brown items.
Blue, white, olive and dark green models are also worth considering, but shoes in bright colors such as yellow, light green, orange and lilac are highly controversial and can not only attract the attention of others, but also cause laughter or irritation in them.
Affiliate material. The publication was prepared using materials:
- How to match shoes and pants by color and shade.
- Black shoes: a harsh necessity or an element of style?
