Black vs Brown vs Tan Shoes: Which Colour Goes With Which Suit
By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 5 October 2026
The short answer: black shoes are the most formal and go with black, charcoal and grey suits. Brown shoes are the most versatile and go with navy, blue, grey, beige and olive. Tan is lighter and more casual, best with navy, light grey, beige and summer colours. Tan and brown are the same colour family: tan is simply a lighter, more yellow-orange shade of brown. Shop men's black shoes, men's brown shoes and tan shoes for men.
Which shoe colour goes with which suit
| Suit or trousers | Black | Dark brown | Tan | Burgundy |
| Black | Yes | No | No | Evening only |
| Charcoal | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mid or light grey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Navy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blue | Rarely | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Beige, stone | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Olive, green | No | Yes | Yes | Rarely |
Tan vs brown shoes: what is the difference?
Brown covers every shade from dark chocolate to light walnut. Tan is a light, warm brown with a yellow-orange tone. Dark brown is smarter and works year-round; tan is brighter and more relaxed, and looks best in spring and summer. Dark tan sits between the two and is the most flexible for smart-casual wardrobes.
Black shoes
Black is the colour for black tie, funerals, conservative offices and evening events. It suits grey, charcoal and black suits and works with navy. Try the Wilson Black toe-cap Oxford or Keyon Black Derby, or see our black loafers and all black shoes for men.
Brown shoes
Brown is the most versatile colour and goes with most suits except black. Dark brown can be worn in almost any business setting; mid brown suits smart-casual. Try the Dean Brown or Darren Brown. Brown cap-toe Derbies are a smart everyday business shoe, and brown loafers are the easiest smart-casual choice.
Dark brown shoes are the most useful brown to own. They are almost as smart as black, so they work with charcoal, navy and grey suits in the office, but they also look right with chinos, flannels and jeans at the weekend. Mid and light browns are more relaxed and better kept for smart-casual outfits. Browse all brown shoes for men.
Tan shoes
Tan shoes add warmth to navy, light grey and beige suits and to chinos and jeans. Avoid them with black and charcoal. Try the Jarvis Tan Oxford or the Wyatt Tan loafer, or browse all tan loafers and men's tan shoes.
What to wear with a black suit
A black suit is the most formal of everyday suits, so it needs the most formal shoes. Wear black leather shoes: plain-toe or toe-cap Oxfords are the classic choice, and polished black Derbies or black loafers also work for evening events. Avoid brown and tan with a black suit, as the contrast looks out of place.
- Shirt: white or pale blue for business and weddings; black or dark shirts only for evening.
- Tie: a dark solid or subtle pattern; silver, burgundy and navy all work.
- Belt: black leather, matching the finish of your shoes.
- Socks: black or charcoal, matching your trousers.
Shoes for a black suit wedding
For a wedding in a black suit, choose black Oxfords polished to a shine. A plain-toe or toe-cap Oxford is right for the groom, groomsmen and guests alike. For an evening reception or a black tie wedding, black patent Oxfords such as the Duke Black Patent or velvet loafers such as the Fraser Black are smart alternatives. Break your shoes in at home before the day. For more ideas, see our wedding shoes guide and our wedding shoes.
Beyond black and brown
Burgundy (oxblood) is the most versatile alternative: it works with navy, grey and charcoal. Try the Cameron Bordo or Samuel Bordo. Navy and green suede suit smart-casual outfits in spring and summer. Grey shoes are rare and best kept for casual wear.
If you only own three pairs
- Black Oxfords, for formal events and the office.
- Dark brown shoes or boots, for everyday wear with suits and chinos.
- Tan or suede loafers, for smart-casual and summer.
Match your belt to your shoes: see how to match your belt and shoes. And socks should match your trousers, not your shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tan and brown shoes?
Tan is a lighter, warmer, yellow-orange shade of brown. Brown covers darker shades and is more formal and versatile.
Do black shoes go with everything?
No. Black shoes suit black, grey, charcoal and navy, but look heavy with beige, olive and most casual colours.
Which is more versatile, black or brown shoes?
Brown. It goes with navy, blue, grey, beige and olive, while black is best with black, grey and charcoal.
Can you wear brown shoes with a black suit?
It is best avoided. Wear black shoes with a black suit.
Can you wear tan shoes with a grey suit?
Yes, with light or mid-grey suits. With charcoal, choose dark brown or black.
What colour shoes go with a navy suit?
Black, dark brown, tan and burgundy all work with navy.
What shoes go with a black suit?
Black leather shoes: plain-toe or toe-cap Oxfords for business and weddings, black patent or velvet for black tie and evening. Avoid brown and tan.
What shoes should I wear with a black suit to a wedding?
Polished black Oxfords. For an evening or black tie wedding, black patent Oxfords or black velvet loafers are smart alternatives.
Are dark brown shoes formal?
Dark brown shoes are almost as formal as black and suit navy, grey and charcoal suits for business. For black tie and with a black suit, wear black.
Shop the pieces in this guide: black shoes · brown shoes · tan shoes · leather belts
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