What Shoes to Wear with Trousers and a Blazer?

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 stylists have in reinventing basics like the suit. During the 2021 fashion week, we saw some truly inspiring proposals from brands like Givenchy, Schiaparelli, and Dior.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to pair your shoes with this type of outfit, no matter the occasion you’re dressing for.

If your tailored trousers are part of a work uniform, I recommend pairing them with a nice pair of closed or open-toed heels in a neutral colour. The ideal heel height is between 5 and 8 centimetres, so you won’t strain your back too much. If you need to be on your feet for long periods or move around a lot, you might also want to consider closed loafers. If you enjoy breaking the norm with unique outfits, dare to wear colourful heeled pumps, patterned shoes, or even trendy white sneakers with your tailored trousers!

Want to know more? Read this article to find out:

  • What shoes to wear for working with a tailored pantsuit,
  • What are the alternatives to heels that you can wear with this outfit,
  • Which shoe colour will enhance your ensemble,
  • Our best tips for choosing shoes that will fit you well and that you'll love,
  • And plenty of trendy outfit examples featuring a tailored pantsuit!

pantsuit shoes

What type of shoes to wear with a pantsuit?

Whether you're wearing a pantsuit for work or just for fun, choosing the right shoes to go with your smart outfit is an important step! The way you style your footwear will definitely impact your overall look. Let’s explore how to do it together!

Chic Businesswoman with Heeled Pumps

The tailored pantsuit is a perfect alternative for those who aren't keen on wearing a pencil skirt and blazer. It allows you to move freely while still looking very smart and chic. To maintain this vibe and keep your outfit elegant, the obvious choice seems to be to go for a pair of high-heeled shoes.

To stay cool when it's sunny and to show off your legs, you can wear open-toe heels or even simple and chic heeled sandals without any frills.

👉 Heels enhance your posture and project the image of a dynamic and motivated woman who exudes confidence. They are perfect for a professional setting where you need to showcase these qualities.

Women’s Dress Heels

Chic and Comfortable in Flat Shoes

Are you planning to be on your feet a lot or need to stand for a long time? It might be a good idea to swap your heels for a pair of flats. However, to keep your outfit looking stylish, you shouldn’t just pick any pair. Among the shoe styles that will complement your suit, I recommend derbies and oxfords. They are feminine and elegant while still being comfortable.

It's also possible to wear nice loafers for a more classic look, but they should be stylish and understated to match your tailored outfit.

👉 Opt for polished shoes or those that are well-shined, ideally with a slight flat heel of about 2 to 4 centimetres. This heel won't hinder your movements, and it will help improve your posture, allowing you to stand tall.

women's flat loafers

Trendy and Modern with Sneakers

To modernise the classic and traditional look of tailored trousers, nothing beats pairing them with sneakers! Of course, this type of combination isn't suitable for every occasion: skip it for a job interview, in professions that require a specific dress code, or for formal events (like funerals, etc.).

This style is perfect for those looking to highlight their androgynous silhouette, while still looking sexy and super trendy.

👉 A pair of spotless white sneakers will be perfect to brighten up your suit and add a lot of energy to your look!

white sneakers women's outfit

Don't be afraid to wear shoes that showcase your style!

I’ve mentioned this a few times before: a tailored suit is known for its classic and elegant look. To express your personality, feel free to pair it with shoes that you love and that match your style. This little detail will help to personalise your outfit and make you stand out!

women's shoes with suit

What Shoe Colour to Choose Based on Your Suit Shade?

Choosing the colour of your shoes is crucial: whether they complement or contrast with your trousers will create different effects. I’ll break it all down for you in the following lines!

A neutral colour or tone-on-tone, for a classic look

When you wear your tailored pantsuit in a strict and professional setting with a classic dress code, I recommend pairing it with neutral-coloured shoes. Of course, there's black, which matches well with all other colours, but you can also consider:

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

women's work trouser suit outfit

In Contrast or All-Over Colour, for a Couture Effect

Looking to achieve a unique style 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 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 result will be stunning and look very formal!

women's pantsuit fashion

With Patterns, to Brighten Up a Plain Suit

There are many types of shoes, including heels, with simple and graphic patterns, which can completely transform a plain suit. Consider animal prints, especially zebra, which goes wonderfully with a yellow suit. For a more classic style, polka dots are also quite suitable. 😉

How to Choose the Right Shoes with Trousers?

To wrap up this guide, I'm sharing some simple tips on how to choose shoes that will last you a long time and leave you feeling satisfied.

women's pantsuit for weddings

Choose Quality Shoes

While some inexpensive shoes might look appealing, it's important to choose a reliable model. Durability and comfort are essential factors to consider, especially when it comes to shoes that you’ll wear daily for work.

Whenever possible, it’s best to try on your shoes before making a purchase. If you're doing this in winter, remember that your feet tend to swell a bit during the summer.

Learn About Shoe Care

When you buy leather or suede shoes, don't hesitate to ask how to take care of them. If you don't already have any at home, make sure to buy:

  • Neutral shoe polish or polish that matches the colour of your leather shoes,
  • Spray renovator for your suede shoes,
  • Waterproofing spray.

Remember to waterproof your shoes every fortnight during winter and polish them regularly as soon as they start to show signs of wear. This way, you can keep them looking clean and beautiful for many years!

what shoes to wear with tailored trousers

What heel height should you choose?

Many of the shoe styles mentioned in this article are high heels. They are unmatched when it comes to highlighting your legs and giving you an elegant stature. However, if they are too high, they can quickly lead to back pain. Experts recommend heels between 5 and 8 centimetres high to avoid straining your back.

👉 You can also buy small silicone gel cushions from supermarkets or pharmacies. They are very effective in cushioning shocks and preventing foot pain when wearing heels.

I hope this article has answered your questions on how to style your shoes with a pantsuit and has given you plenty of outfit ideas!

Want to have some unique and stylish clothing? Check out our online fashion boutique now: we curate accessible and trendy pieces for you all year round, helping you find a style that suits you!


Break the mould by wearing a suit with sneakers

It's totally possible to wear sneakers to liven up your look. In fact, they are shoes that are both casual and stylish. Imagine choosing a suit with either a skirt or trousers. If it's black, opt for colourful sneakers to add a bit of flair to the outfit. The same pair can be reused with slim jeans, a dress, or even a skirt.

Sneakers have become very popular and are loved by both men and women. You can even find models for kids. When buying these shoes, consider several factors such as the materials, colours, and brands. Among these brands, Nike stands out as the most sought-after, as its sneakers are highly in demand.

There are even private sales for exclusive pairs, but prices can shoot up quickly. That's why it's important to stay alert, as some may take advantage of this trend to scam unsuspecting buyers. So, choose specific and official sites, and you'll have the best references.

Need some inspiration? Check out shoes that perfectly match with trousers and a blazer. Browse Our Shoe Inspirations