What Shoes to Wear with Dress Pants?

Are you looking to wear a women's suit and pants for work or a special event? Are you wondering what type of shoes to pair with this outfit?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion specialist, I am often impressed by the creativity that certain designers have when reinventing basics like the tailored suit. During the 2021 fashion week, we saw some truly inspiring proposals from houses such as Givenchy, Schiaparelli, and Dior.

In this guide, I will show you how to choose the right footwear to match this type of outfit, no matter the occasion for which you're wearing it.

If your pantsuit is part of your work uniform, I highly recommend a lovely pair of closed or open-toe pumps in a neutral colour. The ideal heel height is between 5 and 8 centimetres, so your back doesn't suffer too much. If you need to be on your feet for long periods or move around a lot, you could also choose closed loafers. If you enjoy breaking the norms with original outfits, feel free to pair your pantsuit with colourful high-heeled pumps, patterned ones, or even a trendy pair of white sneakers!

Looking for more details? Read this article to find out:

  • What shoes to wear with a suit and trousers,
  • What are the alternatives to heels that can be paired with this outfit,
  • Which shoe colour will elevate your ensemble,
  • 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 suit and trousers!

dress pants shoes

What shoe style pairs well with dress pants?

Whether you're wearing a pantsuit for work or for leisure, choosing the right shoes to complement this stylish outfit is a crucial step! Indeed, the way you accessorize your feet will impact your overall style: let's explore how together!

Businesswoman Chic with High Heels

The tailored pant is an ideal alternative for those who prefer not to wear a pencil skirt and blazer. It allows you to move freely while still looking very elegant and chic. To maintain this vibe and keep your outfit looking polished, the obvious choice seems to be opting for stiletto heels.

To stay comfortable when the weather is nice and to show off your legs, you can wear open-toe heels, or even simple and stylish heeled sandals without any frills.

👉 High heels enhance your posture and project the image of a woman who is dynamic and driven, exuding confidence. They are perfect in a professional setting where you need to demonstrate that you embody these qualities.

Women's dress heels

Stylish and Comfortable in Flat Shoes

Are you going to be on your feet a lot or need to stand for a long time? It might be wiser to swap your heels for a pair of flats. However, to keep your outfit looking sophisticated, you shouldn't just choose any pair. Among the shoe styles that will enhance your suit, I recommend loafers and oxfords. They are stylish and feminine while still being comfortable.

It is also possible to wear nice 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 well-polished, preferably with a low heel of 2 to 4 centimetres. Without hindering your movements, this heel will help improve your posture and keep you standing tall.

women's flat loafers

Trendy and Modern with Sneakers

To modernize the classic and traditional look of dress pants, nothing beats pairing them with sneakers! Of course, this type of combination isn't suitable for every situation: avoid it for a job interview, in professions that require a specific dress code, or during formal occasions (such as funerals, etc.).

This style is perfect for those looking to highlight their androgynous silhouette while still being sexy and ultra-trendy.

👉 Immaculate white sneakers are perfect for brightening up your pantsuit and adding a lot of energy to your look!

white sneakers women's suit

Dare to wear shoes that express your style!

I have mentioned it several times before: the pantsuit is an outfit known for its classic style and elegance. To express who you are, feel free to pair it with shoes that you love and that match your style. This detail will help to personalize your outfit and make you stand out!

women's shoe with suit

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

The choice of shoe colour is crucial: whether they contrast with your dress pants or not will create a different effect. I'll explain everything in the following lines!

A neutral colour or tone-on-tone for a timeless look

When you wear your tailored pants in a strict and professional setting, 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 consider:

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

women's work suit with trousers

In Contrast or in a Full Colour Look for a Couture Effect

Are you looking to create a unique look that showcases your passion for fashion? If so, don't hesitate to wear shoes that contrast with the colour of your suit. Here’s a brief selection of pairings that work well:

  • Black and White
  • Maroon and Navy Blue
  • Yellow and Black,
  • Yellow and Purple,
  • Green and Black,
  • Fuchsia and Black,
  • Red and Black…

👉 You can also choose a total look effect by wearing shoes that match the colour of your suit! If the colours are exactly the same, the result will be stunning and look very polished!

women's pantsuit fashion

Patterns to Brighten Up a Solid-Coloured Suit

There are many types of shoes, including pumps, featuring simple and graphic patterns that can give a fresh look to a plain suit. Consider animal prints, especially zebra, which pairs wonderfully with a yellow suit. For a more classic style, polka dot prints, for instance, are quite suitable. 😉

How to Choose the Right Shoes for a Tailored Pant Outfit?

To conclude this guide, I’d like to share some simple tips for choosing shoes that will last you a long time and that you’ll be happy with.

women's trouser suit wedding

Choose Quality Footwear

While some inexpensive shoes may be appealing, it's important to choose a reliable model. Durability and comfort are indeed essential factors to consider, especially when it comes to shoes you will wear for work on a daily basis.

If possible, it's best to try on your shoes before purchasing. Keep in mind that your feet tend to swell slightly in the summer if you're trying them on in the winter.

Learn About Shoe Care

When you purchase leather or suede shoes, don't hesitate to ask how to care for them. If you don't already have them at home, consider buying:

  • Neutral shoe polish or polish that matches the colour of your shoes if they are made of leather,
  • Spray renovator if your shoes are made of suede,
  • Spray waterproofing treatment.

Consider waterproofing your shoes every two weeks during the winter and polishing them regularly as soon as they start to show wear. This way, you can keep them looking clean and beautiful for many years!

what shoes to wear with dress pants

What heel height should you choose?

Many of the shoe styles mentioned in this article are heeled shoes. Indeed, they are unmatched when it comes to highlighting your legs and giving you an elegant stature. However, if they are chosen to be too high, they can quickly cause back pain. Experts recommend heels between 5 and 8 centimetres tall to avoid harming your back.

👉 You can also purchase small silicone gel cushions at supermarkets or pharmacies, which are very effective for absorbing shocks and preventing foot pain when wearing heels.

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

Would you like to have unique and stylish clothing? Check out our online fashion boutique now: all year round, we curate accessible and trendy pieces to help you find the style that suits you!


Break the Norms by Wearing a Suit with Sneakers

It is entirely possible to wear sneakers to elevate your look. In fact, they are both casual and stylish shoes. Imagine choosing a suit with either a skirt or trousers. If they are black, opt for colourful sneakers to add a touch of flair to your outfit. The same shoes can be styled with slim jeans, a dress, or even a skirt.

Sneakers have become very popular, appealing to both men and women. You can even find models for children. When purchasing these shoes, consider several factors such as materials, colours, and brands. Among these brands, Nike stands out as the leading choice, as its sneakers are in high demand.

There are even private sales for exclusive pairs, but prices can rise quickly. This is why staying alert is important, as some may exploit this trend to offer scams. Instead, choose specific and official sites; this way, you'll have the best references.

Need inspiration? Discover shoes that perfectly pair with trousers and a blazer. Explore Our Footwear Inspirations