Ever found yourself staring at your shoe rack, pondering which hues are the ultimate power moves for your outfit? Well, my style-seeking compadres, you're not alone. I've been deep in the world of Menswear for quite a while now, and let me tell you if you didn't already know, shoes have been my passion for a solid decade plus.
For years, I've been diving into the realm of black, brown, and burgundy, savoring their classic appeal. But peep game – just recently, I took a leap into shoe colors beyond the basics. A pair of sleek gray single monk stunners and a pair of dark green Adelaide showstoppers marched into my collection, shattering my own conventional notions.
You see, I held off on these shades for a while. Why? Because I wanted to build the core, the essentials, before venturing into more statement colors. And let's be real, with around 40 pairs in my arsenal now, it's high time to dig deeper into the spectrum. But if you're starting your style journey, my advice? Hold your horses on these hues until your shoe lineup forms a solid foundation.
So, my friends, in the epic saga of footwear evolution, this chapter is all about decoding the top five must-have shoe colors for the modern man. We're delving into the shades that define your every move, and we're unraveling the enigma of which suit colors are your trusty companions. It's time to master the art of shoe color selection and take your style to the next dimension. Ready to dive in? Let's lace up and strut forward.
The One Shoe Color To Skip
Before we start the countdown, let's talk about a color that I wouldn't recommend in your top five and that's light brown. When it comes to must-have shoe colors, light brown often gets more props than it deserves. Its visual appeal isn't the problem; it's the limited range of pairings that's concerning. Light brown shoes struggle to find suitable companions among various suit colors, especially when matched with darker suits like navy, creating an awkward contrast that lacks harmony. This isn't just my opinion; it's a perspective shared by almost all stylish men that I know.
From my personal stash of approximately 40 pairs, only one sees the light of day occasionally – reserved exclusively for light gray suits. After all, the aim is to enhance your style, and light brown shoes often fail to contribute to that objective. Many weddings serve as a visual reminder of the misalignment between navy suits and light brown shoes, drawing unnecessary attention. And I'm not saying that one shouldn't wear light brown shoes but if you are going to, you should only wear them with the lightest of suit colors. Here's a video below that I posted on YouTube a few years ago.
I'm here to guide your style evolution, even if there's initial disagreement. My advice is rooted in hands-on experience. I, too, once succumbed to the allure of navy suits paired with light brown shoes, only to learn from my mistakes. Now armed with insight, I help clients avoid similar pitfalls, demonstrating that change is achievable. From cringe-worthy choices to refined expertise, the journey is about elevating your style and making more astute, stylish decisions.
Must-Have Shoe #1
Let's jump right in with the first essential shoe color: black. While it might seem like an obvious choice, surprisingly, many guys lack this cornerstone piece. Black shoes aren't just a style statement; they're a necessity for specific occasions. Think weddings, pivotal business meetings, job interviews, or solemn events – black shoes are the go-to. It's a misconception that black equates to dullness; in reality, simplicity is a cornerstone of style.
My collection boasts four pairs of black shoes, including two plain cap-toe Oxfords, a black suede punched cap-toe Oxford, and a grain split-toe derby. Each man, however, should possess at least one pair of black shoes, whether a plain cap-toe Oxford or a sleek wholecut. Their strength lies in versatility. Black suits or dark brown suits – black shoes flawlessly complement them all.
The beauty of black lies in its adaptability; it matches every suit color effortlessly. While it might not always be the absolute best option, it's a reliable choice. Now which suit color best pair with black shoes? Dark brown suits find a particularly harmonious partner in black shoes. Remember, this isn't just about style; it's about strategic, versatile dressing.
Must-Have Shoe Color #2
Next up, we're diving into the second essential shoe color: dark brown. It stands tall in terms of formality, trailing only behind black. The beauty of dark brown lies in its adaptability to nearly every occasion, mirroring the versatility of its black counterpart. When the dress code requires a touch of sophistication, but not the spotlight, dark brown shoes are your winning move. They possess a subtle elegance that speaks volumes without screaming for attention.
Much like black, dark brown boasts remarkable versatility. Except for a black suit, where the only match is black shoes, and a dark brown suit, which can sometimes feel monotonous when paired with dark brown shoes, this hue pairs harmoniously with a spectrum of shades. A staple in the wardrobes of stylish men, dark brown shoes strike a balance between subtlety and style.
My collection showcases a variety of dark brown shoes, from classic to suede, grain to museum calf. The appeal is undeniable. With its rich hue, dark brown complements a multitude of outfits, and its best mate is undoubtedly navy. The alliance of navy and dark brown creates an arresting synergy that's hard to beat.
Must-Have Shoe Color #3
Now let's talk about a color that often stirs debate: burgundy, our third contender in the lineup. Many men tend to shy away from this shade, particularly those who are new to the sartorial scene. But let me tell you, burgundy deserves a prime spot among your top five. Unlike the attention-grabbing contrast of light brown, burgundy captivates with its unique and distinguished charm. Embrace it with confidence, for it doesn't seek attention for the wrong reasons but rather stands out in a stylish, understated manner.
While I personally prefer not to draw excessive attention, I find burgundy to be an exception. It shines when you want to make a statement without going overboard. It's like releasing a bit of your wild side on a Thursday, anticipating the weekend. Pair it with a charcoal gray suit, and you've struck a fashion chord. The pairing is so congruous that I often find myself slipping into burgundy shoes whenever I rock my beloved charcoal suits.
My collection boasts a handful of burgundy shoes, each serving as a testament to its allure. From museum calf to regular leather, this color is an absolute must-have that you shouldn't hesitate to incorporate into your ensemble. In this realm of menswear, it's all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unexpected. Burgundy is your ticket to doing just that.
Must-Have Shoe Color #4
Introducing the fourth essential hue for every man's footwear arsenal: oxblood. If this shade is new to you, imagine a fusion of dark brown, burgundy, and black - a concoction that exudes understated elegance. Oxblood's enchanting appeal lies in its multifaceted nature. When indoors, it holds a mysterious darkness, but step into the sunlight and you'll witness subtle hints of burgundy dancing within. Distinct from museum calf leather, which flaunts patches of varying tones, oxblood is a single color with dynamic characteristics that come alive outdoors or in well-lit environments.
Versatility is the name of the game with oxblood. It strikes a balance between the vibrancy of burgundy and the classic charm of dark brown. This shade lets your personality shine through while maintaining an air of sophistication. The only drawback? Oxblood can be elusive on the market, often requiring custom orders to obtain. Why this exceptional shade isn't widely available remains a mystery. Yet, its uniqueness adds to its allure.
Selecting the perfect suit to complement oxblood shoes is a breeze, as this shade defies limitations. It effortlessly pairs with nearly every suit color in your wardrobe and looks stunning while doing so. Oxblood's versatility makes it a concealed gem, an underrated hue deserving of a coveted spot in every discerning gentleman's top five shoe colors.
Must-Have Shoe Color #5
Concluding the lineup of must-have shoe shades is the charming medium brown. This hue strikes a balance, not too dark yet not too light, highlighting a shoe's intricate design. While slightly less versatile than its counterparts, medium brown has a distinctive character that shines best with certain colors. Unlike darker shades, medium brown emphasizes shoe details, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate craftsmanship.
However, its versatility does have some boundaries. Avoid pairing medium brown with deep tones like navy or charcoal, where it can appear too light. Personal experience speaks volumes here, as a navy-suited Christmas party left me second-guessing my medium brown shoe choice.
For optimum cohesion, opt for a medium gray Prince of Wales suit, where the tones harmonize impeccably. Additionally, a suit in a delicate shade of light brown can also complement medium brown shoes, revealing its stylish potential.
Conclusion
These are the top 5 shoe colors I recommend that every man start with. Once you have all your bases covered then you can venture out into your light browns, dark greens, etc. If you need one-on-one help stepping up your Menswear, book a call with me directly and we can make it happen. I've been working with guys just like you for over a decade and nothing brings me more joy.
Stay tuned for more style tips and tricks on "I'm Not A Gentleman" and always remember to stay stylish!
Peace!
