One of fashion's biggest conundrums is deciding on the right shoes to go with your outfits, and knowing which shoes to wear with suits specifically can be quite perplexing. Once exclusive to office wear, suits have become widely popular for their uniform look. Between voluminous blazers, and sleeveless suiting (thanks to the breakout waistcoat trend of 2023), to free-flowing trousers that move like liquid, tailoring has gradually entered the casual realm and is widely appreciated for versatility. You could say that coordinated looks have dominated womenswear of late. The blazer renaissance shifted ill-fitting work suits back, bringing sophisticated fits to the forefront, in premium fabrications and expert fits. Finding a great suit is just one piece of the puzzle and footwear can steer a look in any direction.
Deciding on footwear will likely depend on the occasion, venue and personal taste but there are some factors to bear in mind with corresponding elements of any outfit. Off-duty suit looks typically comprise trainers or loafers, whereas heeled pumps instantly elevate a suit look, which you may want to consider for an inspired and minimalist take on party season. For daytime ensembles, ankle boots (particularly the pointed heel variety) always appear refined and ballet flats add a relaxed touch, whilst providing a juxtaposing feminine flare.
Whatever the occasion and whatever your taste, below you'll find six shoe offerings to pair with suits. Keep on reading to discover the styles and a tasteful suit edit.
THE BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH SUITS, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
1. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Probably the easiest shoe option, ballet flats (in their many varieties) add a feminine touch to suiting. Continue wearing them into winter with the many autumnal-inspired options including animal print, mary-janes and scrunched iterations.
Shop Ballet Flats:
This type of animal print never fails to look premium.
In the sweetest pale pink colour.
There are two types of ballet flat to exist. One more prim option and the other with a exaggerated rounded toe. The later, feels slightly androgynous.
2. Thong Sandals
Style Notes: You'd be forgiven for thinking that open-toe heeled sandals should be reserved for the warmer months (they receive little to no PR this time of year, after all), however, I think they're one of the most stylish options for suits. When wearing full-coverage clothes, I like bearing small flashes of skin. Whether that's the forearm (when rolling sleeves up) or feet.
Shop Thong Sandals:
The rattan offering is inspired and it's not just for the summer. Pair it with one of the brown or grey trouser suits below.
The cocoa colour and imitation croc print makes these shoes feel particularly luxe.
The angular heel is the simplest yet intentional feature.
3. Heeled Pumps
Style Notes: Look no further than heeled pumps, especially for an office uniform shoe choice. It'll instantly elevate an outfit and prop up the trouser hem, a style tip if you're petite.
Shop Heeled Pumps:
One of the most beautiful slingbacks I've seen this season.
John Lewis X Awake Mode offers an appealing capsule of products across many types of apparel and footwear.
In the most gorgeous pistachio hue.
4. Loafers
Style Notes: For a paired back (and refined option) look to flat-footed loafers. From chunky soled Penny Loafers to streamlined versions, loafers will add an androgynous lilt to all suit ensembles.
Shop Loafers:
Ruched loafers feel particularly vintage.
Fashioned with wide feet in mind.
5. Heeled Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Make like French Women and add ankle-length boots. The pointed-toe iterations are particularly fashion-forward as compared to their rounded counterparts.
Ankle Boots:
A refined pointed-toe ankle boot. It's one of the most sleek boot on the high street.
Arket have nailed the brief with these contemporary sock boots. I've seen them on a fair few fashion people and I always assume they're from a designer.
Why not add this chestnut hue into the mix?
6. Trainers
Style Notes: Like high is to low, so too is polished and casual. While a suit offers a formal look, the addition of trainers creates a wonderful contrast and even more so when you choose bold colours.
Shop Trainers:
If you buy one pair of trainers this year make it this.
Awash with a supple suede fabrication and a muted colourway to boot.
I adore the contrasting colourway. It adds a retro feel!
Now, Shop My Edit of the Best Suits for Winter 2024:
Why not opt for a textured suit and there's no better time for corduroy.
Tapered trousers call for ankle boots!
Cool toned blazers always look great in the winter.
Guaranteed, these trousers will never go out of style.
The cinched in waist is entirely exquisite.
I haven't shopped at Zara in years but I was stunned to find these 100% wool trousers in this wonderful colour.
Look at the slouched, androgynous feel. For an additional styling option, belt it in at the waist.
Add taught knee-high boots for a shorts solution this winter.
Continue wearing waistcoats this season. Just add knitwear underneath.
The pleated trousers and mole colourway are so fashion-forward.
Double breasted styles are particularly popular this season.
These look so comfortable!
