Upgrading your wardrobe and style could prove quite a challenge, especially if you’re a man used to sneakers and t-shirts, and this is why you are probably asking yourself what color shoes with grey pants work best or how to match your belt with your shoes.
Generally speaking, men have a small array of colors they can consider when dressing office or elegant, and they often revolve around black, navy, and gray. However, there are still numerous combinations you can pull off, depending on the occasion and your personality, so let’s take a closer look at how to be stylish and professionally match your shoes to your outfit every time.
What is the best time of the year to wear gray shoes?
Stylists suggest that gray is one of the most elegant colors when it comes to men’s shoes but also the hardest to match. It mainly belongs to elegant, tie-events, and should be reserved for official business meetings and gala events, as well as weddings.
Since it is considered a “cold” color, the best time of the year to upgrade your wardrobe and invest in a new pair of gray leather shoes would be fall. During fall months, the outside temperatures are perfect to combine your shoes with a light jacket or smoking, without having to worry about snow and slippery roads.
However, gray shoes can be worn year-round, depending on their style and choice of materials. Sneakers are by definition casual and, therefore, are perfect for mornings runs, weekend walks, and running daily errands.
Similarly, gray suede loafers are the epitome of style in the summer. They are lightweight, breathable, and, most importantly, the only pair of acceptable shoes that can be worn without socks.
Originally designed for sailing and boating, loafers have become extremely popular amongst trendy men worldwide thanks to their relaxed and laid-back design. They are suitable for late nights spent at the beach, walks in the park, and a series of outdoor activities in the summertime.
Although the most popular loafers are available in dark blue, tan, and beige, this doesn’t mean gray loafers should be out of the picture. On the contrary, when paired with a laid-back short sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts or chinos, they can recreate the perfect summer vibe and make you look effortlessly chic.
Despite it being elegant, gray can be matched with a wide array of colors, both dark and vibrant, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. That being said, make sure to own at least one pair of grey brogue shoes and Chelsea boots in your wardrobe for year-round chicness.
The laid-back style
If summer is over or loafers aren’t your thing, you can still look casually stylish by mixing a pair of heather-gray shoes with a plain white T-shirt and some gray jeans. For a relaxed afternoon out with the boys or doing shopping, you can opt for a pair of ripped gray jeans and a white and navy striped shirt.
If the temperatures are quickly dropping, you can try a pair of gray desert boots combined with a chunky sweater for a tone-on-tone outfit. The key is to look laidback while also wearing high-quality items. Keep in mind that a good pair of shoes is an investment as it will keep your feet warm and stylish for many seasons without showing any signs of wear.
The matchy-matchy
Wearing an all-gray outfit could be the best and the worst combination ever, so you need to pay attention to textures, shades, and fabrics. Various shades of gray that don’t match or compliment each other can easily turn your outfit into a sloppy one, where people will think that you just grabbed something random to wear and walked out the door.
If you want to stay out in the clear, the best way would be to either opt for two identical shades of gray, preferably your shoes and your jacket or shirt and go for two shades darker for the pants.
If you don’t want to wear the same shade all over, you can break up black and white outfits with the right gray shoes. A pair of charcoal gray lace-up oxford shoes go well together with a black, clean suit and a simple white shirt.
The extra style
Even though gray shoes and black or navy suits are the safe and obvious combination, it doesn’t mean you can’t have more fun when pairing your outfit.
If you want to step outside your comfort zone and try something new and fresh, the combination of a high-quality pair of gray oxfords and a brown tweed suit will speak volumes. Complete the outfit with a crisp white shirt and a skinny tie in a similar shade of gray as your shoes. This is the perfect style for fall weddings, social gatherings, and even suit-and-tie events held outside on a cloudy day.
Go bold, go wild
Bold colors will bring into prominence your outfit and what better time to make a fashion statement than the next social event on your calendar? Don’t be afraid to mix your favorite pair of gray shoes with royal blue, yellow, or even a pop of orange.
The key to rocking a bold outfit is to add the right touches of vibrant colors – a playful yellow tie combined with a light gray suit and some gray leather oxfords is the perfect mix of class, style, and rebellion. For a more playful look, you can even add a pair of colorful socks and head out for a night of fun or even say your vows.
Royal blue accents like ties, cuffs, shirts, and socks will complete another elegant outfit that is perfect for a party, a night out clubbing in a fancy venue, or showing up at your best friend’s wedding in the garden.
However, you should avoid combining gray with red, green, and purple, as it is hard to find a balance without looking like a rainbow flag.
Women’s edition
Gray shoes can be extremely elegant and help you create a unique, stylish, and lavish outfit. If you’re more of a tomboy, combine a pair of chunky gray boots with a pair of tartan peg-leg trousers and a tweed jacket for the perfect office outfit or a full day of classes at school.
Gray sandals combined with midi skirts and romantic, lace tops or blouses represent an excellent choice for tea parties, garden parties, and Mimosas at your favorite restaurant for the Sunday brunch.
Gray stilettos may not be your first choice when it comes to this style of shoes but we guarantee you will look stylish, no matter the combination.
For a masculine look, add a tux and a pair of skinny pants combined with a plain, oversized white shirt. Add bold accessories like statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, and a small bag. Keep your hair up in a messy bun or a sleek ponytail, add nude lipstick and some blush, and this could be the perfect business outfit for an interview or a big meeting with clients.
If you’re allowed to experiment more with clothes at your workplace, you can use the same suede or leather stilettos and pair them with a high-rise pencil orange leather skirt and a plain white shirt. Keep the skirt and the shoes and add a satin olive or gray shirt and you’re ready for a fun night out.
Chunky brogues and even sneakers can go perfectly with boho or bodycon dresses if you’re looking for an easy way out of the house. Add a denim oversized jacket and some gold bangles and you’re ready to rock a night out at your favorite band’s concert or a quiet evening with your friends.
Conclusion
Gray shoes are extremely versatile and easy to match with a wide array of outfits, for both men and women. They are suitable for casual and elegant venues altogether, as long as you pick the right pair and the right fabric.
Luxurious fabrics like suede, satin, and velvet are perfect for suit-and-tie events or cocktail parties, while leather and patent leather go easily with day meetings. As we previously mentioned, the key is to opt for a high-quality pair of shoes that won’t break, chip, or wear after a few months. Invest in quality, real leather shoes, and make sure to look after them properly.
You can get your daily dose of inspiration from our outfit suggestions or create your own, depending on your mood and wardrobe.
As a final suggestion, we urge you to invest in timeless pieces such as skinny black pants for both men and women, plain white shirts, pencil skirts, and a made-to-measure suit for men. These pieces can be easily combined with bold accessories or other timeless garments to create elegant and stylish outfits.
