If you are aspiring to take your fashion to the next level then, having a great suit is just a starting point. Indeed, one has to appear sleek and stylish, from how he shaves to the choice of shoes one wears with the suit. That being said, let us assist you in bolstering your gray suit repertoire with footwear that is tinted to perfection.

However, there are some factors that have to be taken into account before one begins trying to select shoes. As it can be understood, the type of shoes that are most suitable depends on the occasion, local time, degree of shade of gray and color of the belt that is worn. Once you consider these aspects, you can think about the desirable gray suit and shoes options ranging from standard black to popular white and whatever is between the two.

What to Consider Before Picking Shoes for a Gray Suit

Occasion

Before you even begin color coordinating your shoes to your gray suit, the first thing to take into consideration is the event that would be attended. As far as shoes and accessories are concerned their choice will depend on the level of formality of the occasion. In a general sense, the more blackish the gray suit the more formal it is. The charcoal grey business suits should be worn during times that are officially formal for instance during business and corporate engagements, evening wear, formal weddings and other comparable occasions. Pale grey suits are more relaxed and are worn in affair such as; outdoor weddings, anyone wearing a tuxedo, hot weather events, business formal and daytime wear. If the occasion is more serious, basic and less fancy type of shoes should be worn whereas for more casual occasions people can wear shoes that have been customized for them.

“No Browns After 6pm”

The message ‘No Browns After 6pm’ has still not been erased from the world of menswear. The brown shoes are specifically for the daytime events, so in the evening or in an event that is to extend to the evening, black are the traditional shoes. Remember this in your choice of shoes for your gray suite of clothes.

The Shade of Gray

Gray is a spectrum that can be divided into three main categories: light grey, mid grey, and ‘charcoal and dark grey’. By far, more attention should be paid to the shade of the gray suit Despite the neutrality of the color itself. As presented above undertones are warm, cool or neutral and they help in making the whole outfit to look complete. When trying to create a balanced outfit, it is best if all the elements within it share the same undertones. It is also equally advisable to wear warm shades of gray with warm shades of brown shoes or cool shades of gray with cool shades of brown shoes. This will help you harmonize your outfit and make sure that one color does not clash with the other.

Belt Color

A belt is also considered to be a part of clothing and it is appropriate that it is to be of the same color as your shoes. If you are having a problem in trying to find the matching belt, then pants with no belt should do the trick. But if the suit pants contain belt loops then you are needed to wear a belt. If you’re wearing only one belt, make sure your shoes complement it. Something that you should know is belt and shoes must be of the same color to have a uniform and classy appearance.

Therefore, by factoring the occasion, the shade of gray and the belt colour, you will be well Armed to make right decision when selecting shoes that pairs well with the grey suit. Remember these factors and you will always be certain of the stylish looks that you are going to create wherever you are going.

The Best Gray Suit and Shoes Combinations

The Type of Shoe

In other words, when choosing the shoes to be worn with the gray suit then the shade is not the only thing to look for, shoe design is also important. This type of shoes fits for the business and partnerships stricting held during office, ball room, and a formal high class restaurant dining. Picking the Oxford is a classic and sophisticated one piece that can almost be worn to any occasion. Derbys are quite similar but are only for casual wear and only if they are in smart materials. The shoes with more pronounced design like the Flashier Dress Shoes – Monk Strap or Double Monk Strap – should fit most suited attire well but need a little thoughtful matching due to the flashy aesthetics. They are best when worn to official occasions when a little bling or engraving is acceptable. True smart casual is best worn with brogues, loafers, Chelsea boots and other dress boots but these are not appropriate for formal occasions. Sneakers for those willing to spend big money can only be worn in relaxed setting and is quite an informal outfit.

Light Brown Shoes

Real “light brown” shoes are usually the tan, cognac, and other similar color shoes that have a cool hue or a neutral color of the shoe. Light brown colored shoes should not be worn with formal outfits. Usually, they are perfectly combined with light gray suit for business and serious look and strong impact. These shoes are suitable for wearing during the day, as well as going out, and various outdoor occasions such as weddings. They can also serve as an amazing smart-casual wear other than providing an business wear outfit variety, but they are not good for interviews and more serious corporate events. 

Dark Brown Shoes

Suits as light grey and dark grey both look best with dark brown shoes and it complements both shades well. Whether used in business casual occasions or in most business formal situations, the above said accessories are always suitable. The deepest shades of brown are closest to charcoal and suit it well while a shade lighter complements mid- or heather-gray clothing best. Mid-tone cool gray suits, namely pewter and steel offer the best pairing and can enhance the appearance of suit color tremendously. This combination is ideal for the office day and an elegant dinner later, for weddings with doubtful ceremony, for conferences and any degree of evening event.

Black Shoes

Black footwear is the next best thing to wearing no shoes at all when you do not know what to do. Since both are within the monochromatic gray family it is very difficult to err when combining the two. They may not be your most exotic affair but these will be suitable for virtually every occasion that you would care to mention. A stylish sharp charcoal tuxedo combined with black shoes will never go out of fashion and look professional for a business formal wear and very formal occasions. Another corporate color that works with black shoes is light gray; however, the combinations can sometimes be dull. Predominantly, lighter grays complement the brown range. But if there is no good brown match, black makes a good stand-by and will not look awful or out of place.

White Shoes

For more fashion forward men, a pair of white sneakers that are clean, super fresh, can be worn for casual events in a more laid back way. But they can never be worn during formal occasions or when people want that neat and clean look. Your gray suit will need to be as casual as possible to match this tone. Thus, they are really suitable only in conjunction with light gray. It is also recommended to wear white shoes to enhance the benefits of a casual linen gray suit. Also, it would be ideal to reserve this combination for gray suits – especially those paired with trousers, cuffed at the bottom to show off the sneakers and, therefore, enhance the casualness of the outfit. This combination could work well at a beach wedding (if the guests are still expected to wear suits at all) and would offer the best “smart man about town” look, but do save it for such occasions.

Oxblood Shoes

Oxblood is the term used for a mid-to-light-toned brown shoe with heavy red undertones, and burgundy shoes fall into this category. These shoes are a very "snappy" dressing option and are suitable for a range of occasions. They pair well with a light gray suit but can also work with a darker gray suit. Oxblood shoes are a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit without being too flashy. They are perfect for weddings, business events, and other formal occasions. Oxblood shoes are also a great option for those who want to add a touch of personality to their outfit without going over the top.

Remember, when it comes to accessorizing your gray suit, the fit is the most important factor. A well-fitting suit will enhance your style and give you the confidence you need to make a lasting impression. By following these basic guidelines, you can hit the ground running when it comes to picking the right shoes to go with your gray suit, no matter the occasion.