Black or Brown Dress Shoes? Match the Occasion First

If you need one pair for interviews and formal business wear, black is a good starting point. Dark brown gives navy and mid-gray suits a softer contrast and can be a versatile second pair.

Judge the whole combination in daylight. A tan shoe and a dark espresso shoe both count as brown, but the contrast they create with a navy suit is very different.

Pairings to try with what you own

• Charcoal suit: try black for a conservative combination.
• Navy suit: black is a straightforward business choice; dark brown works in many less formal settings.
• Mid-gray suit: black or dark brown can both work. Match the choice to the setting and the overall contrast.

Start with the shoes you’ll actually wear

If most of your meetings are formal, a plain black cap-toe Oxford is useful. If your work wardrobe includes chinos, a dark brown Derby can do more duty. Check any dress code before using the general pairings above.