“But if you’re ever unsure, these two guidelines will help: smart trousers go well with smart shoes, and vice-versa; and lighter trousers pair better with casual shoes.” To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve broken down some pointers for three different types of trousers.
In this post
What kind of shoes can I wear with trousers?
If your trousers have some texture – think tweeds, heavy wools or even flannel – they require weightier footwear. Brogue or pebble-leather boots provide appropriate heft, or go all in with a pair of boots that look like you might climb a mountain in, even if you’re only heading to the pub.
Where should smart trousers sit on shoes?
Where should trousers sit on shoes? For smarter, suit trousers, a quarter or half break provides the neatest look. The fabric over the back of your shoe should end slightly lower than it does at the front, where the break will be noticeable.
What goes well with smart trousers?
For a more refined take on the look, pair your trousers with a comfy sweatshirt and chunky derbies, and in warmer weather try a tucked-in crewneck and bright Converse – just be sure to avoid minimal white trainers which have staked their claim as an everyday smart casual essential.
What shoes go with smart black trousers?
Best Shoe Matches
- Black. Easily the most popular and best shoe to wear with black trousers, black shoes are a workhorse that every man needs in his closet.
- Grey. You don’t see grey shoes all that often, but when you do, they play nicely with black.
- Purple.
- White.
- Beige.
- Burgundy.
- Dark Brown.
- Green.
What should you match your shoes with?
Wear contrasting colors
- Red shoes: pink, orange, black and white, neutrals, navy.
- Orange shoes: blue, white, earth tones, red, yellow.
- Yellow shoes: blues, black and white, green.
- Green shoes: brown, black, blue, neutrals, yellow.
- Blue shoes: yellow, neutrals, brown, white, green.
What shoes go with tapered trousers?
Tapered pants are much like skinnies, in that they’re great for showing off practically any type of shoe. The fitted bottom works great with sandals of all kind, flats, slides, sneakers, and sock booties. Just avoid shoes that have too much space at the ankle.
How long should trousers be with heels?
about ½ inch
When wearing heels, the hem of your dress pants should fall about ½ inch from the ground in the back—short enough that the hem doesn’t drag on the ground, but long enough that the pants graze the very top of your shoe in the front.
How long should trousers be with boots?
A couple of inches or so below the top of your boots is good. Leeway: An inch-and-a-half, but only shorter. “Chinos don’t look as good with a break,” says Freddie. “The fabric is quite casual so it can look messy rather than refined.”
Should jeans go over shoes?
Jeans promote an effortless style, so their fit should reflect that. Jeans can look great with a bit of extra length stacking on your shoes and equally great cuffed above the ankle. They’re much more adaptable to your personal style preferences than more formal pants like chinos and trousers.
Can you wear trousers with trainers?
The answer is a resounding yes – as long as you pick the right pair and you know how to style them correctly. Suit trousers and trainers have long been considered a fashion faux pas. However, with athleisure wear becoming so on-trend, this once-taboo combination has become increasingly popular.
What are smart casual trousers?
What is smart casual at work? In the business context, smart casual can mean a pair of dark jeans or chinos, a collared shirt and an unstructured blazer, paired with some Derbies or smart sneakers.
Can I wear black shoes with black pants?
While the case can be made for light tan or less common shoe colors like grey, black shoes are easily the best bet to wear with black pants.
Can I wear black trousers with brown shoes?
Getting away with black pants and brown shoes boils down to one word: contrast. Your shoes should be noticeably lighter than your black (or really dark) pants. While black shoes and pants are a must for formal attire (think black tie events and business formal suits), brown shoes with black pants are fair game.
Can I wear grey shoes with black pants?
Black. It’s got a fashion-forward feel to it, but you can definitely wear grey shoes with black trousers. We suggest a more casual outfit for this pairing as opposed to a suit. You might want to try this for an evening out when you’d be wearing black shoes otherwise.
Are your shoes supposed to match your shirt or pants?
Shoes with bright colors should be matched or complemented with muted tones in the pants or shirt. Wear the right style of shoes for the right occasion, even if they don’t lend you the style you want. It’s always better to wear a neutral color of the right shoes than to wear the wrong shoe type.
What color of shoe goes with everything?
Black, beige, and grey shoes go with anything. Since they are all neutrals, you can wear these colors to offset a more vibrant outfit.
Do your shoes have to match your outfit?
Make sure your shoes aren’t both the same color and material as your outfit. To avoid that “I cut up my drapes to make a dress and shoes” look, be careful to not also match the material of your outfit to your shoes.
Can you wear ankle boots with ankle grazer trousers?
For a look that makes a statement, we urge you to consider pairing your ankle boots with cropped trousers. Yes, the combo can be tricky, but as plenty of It girls demonstrate, the results are fresh and fashion-forward—and there’s no better way to show off your favourite boots.
What do you wear with tailored trousers?
Wondering how to style them? Try with an oversized blazer and a padded t-shirt, or a silky blouse for a more formal look. They also look great with your chunky dad sandals and simple tank top for an off-duty look – or you could dress up with heeled mules and a silky camisole top and your layered gold jewellery.
How do you wear tapered trousers?
Go for a structured or short waisted blazer in a neutral color like black or white. Pointy-toed pumps are the best way to go. Sandals or ankle-strap heels will work too. Avoid booties, they just do not look good with a tapered pant leg.