What shoes to wear with a tailored suit?

Are you looking to wear a women's pantsuit for work or a special event? Wondering what type of shoes to pair with this outfit?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion specialist, I am often amazed by the creativity that some designers have in reinventing basics like the suit. During the 2021 fashion week, we saw some truly inspiring offerings from brands such as Givenchy, Schiaparelli, and Dior.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to choose the right footwear to go with this type of outfit, no matter the occasion you're wearing it for.

If your tailored pantsuit is work attire, I highly recommend a lovely pair of closed or open-toe heels in a neutral colour. The ideal heel height is between 5 and 8 centimetres to avoid straining your back. If you need to stand for long periods or move around a lot, you might want to choose closed loafers instead. If you enjoy breaking the norm with original outfits, don't hesitate to pair your tailored pantsuit with colourful heels, patterned shoes, or even a trendy pair of white sneakers!

Want to know more details? Read this article to explore:

• What shoes to wear with a tailored pantsuit,
• What alternatives to heels can be worn with this outfit,
• What colour of shoes will enhance your look,
• Our top tips for choosing shoes that will fit you well and that you won’t regret,
• And plenty of trendy outfit examples featuring a tailored pantsuit!

What type of shoes to wear with tailored trousers?

Whether you're wearing a pantsuit for work or just for fun, choosing the right shoes to complement this stylish outfit is a crucial step! The way you decide to finish off your look will influence your style: let’s explore how to do it together!

Chic Businesswoman with Heels

The tailored pant suit is an ideal alternative for those who don't want to wear a pencil skirt and blazer. It allows you the freedom of movement while still looking very smart and stylish. To maintain this vibe and keep your outfit elegant, the obvious choice seems to be opting for high-heeled pumps.

To stay cool on a warm day and show off your legs, you could opt for some open-toed heels, or even simple and stylish heeled sandals without any frills.

👉 Heels enhance your posture and project the image of a dynamic and motivated woman who is confident in herself. They are ideal for a professional setting where you need to demonstrate these qualities.

Chic and Comfortable in Flat Shoes

Are you going to be moving around a lot or do you need to stand for a long time? It might be wiser to swap your heels for a pair of flats. However, to maintain the elegance of your outfit, you shouldn't just pick any pair. Among the shoe styles that will enhance your suit, I recommend derby shoes and Oxford shoes. They are feminine and stylish while still being comfortable.

It's also possible to wear some lovely loafers for a more classic look, but they should be stylish and understated to complement your suit.

👉 Opt for patent leather shoes or those that are perfectly polished, ideally with a small, flat heel measuring 2 to 4 centimetres in height. This will help improve your posture and keep you standing tall, all while allowing you to move comfortably.

Trendy and Modern with Sneakers

To give a modern twist to the classic and traditional tailored trouser look, nothing beats pairing it with sneakers! Of course, this kind of combination isn’t suitable for every situation: steer clear of it for a job interview, in professions that require a specific dress code, or for solemn occasions (funerals, etc.).

This style is perfect for those who want to accentuate their androgynous silhouette while remaining sexy and ultra trendy.

👉 Immaculate white sneakers will be perfect for brightening up your tailored trousers and adding plenty of energy to your outfit!

Dare to wear shoes that showcase your style!

I've mentioned it several times before: the tailored pant suit is an ensemble known for its classic style and elegance. To express your personality, don't hesitate to pair it with shoes that you love and that match your style. This detail will help to personalise your outfit and make you stand out!

Which Colour Shoes to Choose Based on the Shade of Your Suit?

The choice of shoe colour is crucial: whether they contrast with your tailored pants can create a different effect. I will explain all of this in the following lines!

A neutral or monochromatic colour for a timeless look

When you wear your tailored trousers in a strict and professional context, with a classic dress code, I recommend pairing them with neutral-coloured shoes. Of course, there’s black, which goes well with all other colours, but you can also choose:

• A dark brown that will elegantly and subtly enhance a navy suit,
• A light brown (camel) or white, which will particularly suit blondes, echoing their hair colour, as well as those who wear a light shirt or blouse under their blazer.

In Contrast or a Full Colour Look for a Couture Effect

Are you looking for a unique style that showcases your passion for fashion? In that case, don’t hesitate to wear shoes that contrast with the colour of your suit. Here’s a selection of combinations that work well:

• Black and white
• Burgundy and navy blue
• Yellow and black,
• Yellow and plum,
• Green and black,
• Fuchsia and black,
• Red and black…

👉 You can also go for a total look effect by wearing shoes in the same colour as your suit! If the colours match perfectly, the outcome will be stunning and look very smart!

Patterns to Brighten Up a Plain Suit

There are many types of shoes available, including heels, with simple and graphic patterns that can completely transform a plain suit. Consider animal prints, especially zebra, which pairs perfectly with a yellow suit. For a more classic style, polka dot prints, for example, are quite suitable. 😉

How to Choose the Right Shoes for Trousers?

To wrap up this guide, I’d like to share a few simple tips for selecting shoes that will fit well for a long time and that you will be happy with.

Choose Quality Shoes

While some cheap shoes may seem appealing, it's important to choose a reliable model. Both durability and comfort are essential factors to consider, especially if they are shoes you will wear for work every day.

Whenever possible, it's best to try on your shoes before purchasing them. If you're doing this in winter, keep in mind that your feet tend to swell a bit in summer.

Learn About Shoe Care

When you buy leather or suede shoes, don’t hesitate to ask how to care for them. If you don’t already have them at home, be sure to purchase:

• Neutral or coloured shoe polish, if your shoes are leather,
• Suede renovator spray, if they are suede,
• Waterproofing spray.

Consider waterproofing your shoes once a fortnight during winter and polishing them regularly as soon as they start to show wear. This way, you can keep them looking clean and smart for years to come!

What heel height should you choose?

Several shoe styles mentioned in this article are high heels. In fact, they are unmatched for showcasing your legs and giving you an elegant stature. However, if chosen too high, they can quickly cause back pain. Experts recommend heels between 5 and 8 centimetres high to avoid damaging your back.

👉 You can also purchase small silicone gel cushions at supermarkets or chemists, which are very effective at cushioning impacts and preventing foot pain when wearing heels.

I hope this article has answered your questions on how to pair shoes with tailored trousers and has provided you with plenty of outfit ideas!

Are you looking for some unique and stylish clothing? Check out our online fashion store now: all year round, we curate accessible and trendy pieces to help you find the style that suits you!

Bohemian white dresses

Break the Rules by Wearing a Suit with Sneakers

It is entirely possible to wear sneakers to jazz up your look. In fact, they are shoes that are both casual and stylish. Imagine you’re opting for a suit with either a skirt or trousers. If the suit is black, choose brightly coloured sneakers to add a bit of flair to your outfit. The same shoes can be paired with slim jeans, a dress, or a skirt.

Sneakers are now a popular choice for both men and women, and you can even find styles for kids. When buying these shoes, consider several factors such as materials, colours, and brands. Among these, Nike stands out as the frontrunner, as its sneakers are highly sought after.

There are even private sales for exclusive pairs, but prices can quickly skyrocket. That’s why it’s important to stay alert, as some may exploit this trend to offer scams. Make sure to choose specific and official sites, and you’ll have the best references.