Comments on: Upgrade Your Suit, Ditch The Black

By: Skweekah

Skweekah — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:15:03 +0000

I love the brown shoes above. What brand are these?

By: Dylan

Dylan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:06:17 +0000

Greetings,

It’s funny that this article came this week, since I literally had this exact debate with a close friend just last week. We reached this conclusion: for a navy and even a gray suit, there is no black and white answer.

I wear both with both and depending on the occasion I make a selection that fits the occasion. Black shoes with a navy suit is definitely more of a conservative choice, while the brown shoes suggest a fashion-forward, sartorial presence.

For example, I just worked a trade show in Paris this past week and had to make the same choice: brown or black. Being that I was going to be in Paris and had both a gray and navy suit, I originally thought of going with my Mahogany Calf Johnston and Murphy Emery’s — y’know, to show those Frenchies we have style here in America too. However, I ended up choosing to go with my Black Allen Edmonds SoHo’s since the crowd was going to be slightly conservative and more focused on lasers, composites, and CNC code — but that’s neither here nor there.

The point being is that Torrey’s correct when it comes to suits: go with a navy or gray suit first based on their sheer versatility. And make sure when choosing what pair of shoes you are going to wear, you give your little brother your square toe shoes and opt for a nice Cap Toe or Oxford shoe.

Cheers,

Dylan

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:07:50 +0000

I agree. I just purchased a suit not too long ago because I had to ditch most of my wardrobe due to loosing some weight. So to replace my other suits on a budget I went out and bought a grey suit which I regularly pair with browns, tans or blacks for this very same reason.

By: Zane

Zane — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:33:09 +0000

I mostly agree. I own six suits (wear them daily), and one of them is a black suit. But I will say it’s one of my last chosen. I think it can provide a great look, but I do prefer my blue and grey suits.

I think different shoes are my biggest fall back.

By: Dirt Monkey

Dirt Monkey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:39:11 +0000

Thankfully I don’t have to wear a suit (or even a tie for that matter) everyday. With that said, my staple is a charcoal gray and it’s extremely versatile.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:18:27 +0000

Haha considering I wrote on one of them I should hope so. I was more getting at whether wearing brown shoes/belt with a black shirt was allowed.

By: Eric Yang

Eric Yang — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:41:27 +0000

As an owner of my fair share of suits, I can report that not one of them is black. Though it’s about high time I add one to the stable. I’m succumbing a bit to the New York “Black”.

My favorite combination (though not favorite suit) would have to be chocolate brown light pinstriped suit from H&M. It pairs perfectly with my Thomas Mason J.Crew pink shirt (admittedly, overpriced), Navy/Pink Fleur-De-Lys tie, and saddle tan Cole Haan Air Jackson split toe oxfords.

By: Dusty Overby

Dusty Overby — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:23:01 +0000

We featured no shortage of colorful belts here on Gear Patrol last week. Surely you can find something to suit (no pun intended) you.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:13:20 +0000

Jon- I’d go with dark brown loafers and matching belt. Or, add a little color and add a brown leather/cotton belt.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:59:05 +0000

Ok so no black shoes with Khakis. Then when I wear a black polo with khakis what do I rock for footwear and belt?

-Jon

By: Torrey

Torrey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:19:25 +0000

Hey Jon,
On black shoes with a navy suit, I would be more willing to say “yes, it’s ok” than “no absolutely not”. Although I personally don’t wear black with navy, it’s acceptable just slightly more military-looking. As far as khakis are concerned, if coupled with other black items,(shirts, jackets, etc.)it can be a good look, I just prefer brown with khakis - always.

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:14:50 +0000

Guys, I have to agree. I LOVE my black suit, love it, but just as Torrey says it doesn’t give me enough options. From when I started working to today the importance of brown (shoes, belts, jackets, etc.) has grown and gray is right there with it.

Jon - I also vote NO on the black shoes with khakis.

By: Linus

Linus — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:36:12 +0000

Hear hear! Black suits are so early 2000s. If I were building a new suit wardrobe, I’d buy the following in order: navy, charcoal grey, pinstripe, check and then a black suit. If your navy suit is dark enough, you can get away with wearing anywhere.

Jon, I frequently wear black shoes with my navy suit. I think it’s absolutely acceptable. I’d tend to agree that black shoes don’t go with khakis.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:18:50 +0000

Torrey,

Can I get a definitive answer on black shoes with a navy suit? I’ve heard “yes it’s ok” and “no absolutely not”, so a little guidance with this would be great. I’ve also heard no black shoes with Khakis? Is that true?

On the navy suit versatility I couldn’t agree more. When getting my first suit for after college my Dad highly encouraged (refused to buy me a black suit) me to get a navy suit for that very reason.

-Jon