Shoes make an outfit, and no more so is that old fashion adage true than when it comes to what you combine with a trouser suit. Once upon a time, not so long ago, trouser suits weren't really in fashion—sure, they had some standout moments in the '40s, '70s, and '80s, but over the past few decades suits have been considered business attire and best kept for the office. The last couple of years has seen a transformation in the world of tailoring and two- and three-piece suits have entered the chat once more. Due to the fact tailoring had been such an integral part of the corporation fashion lexicon, we became a little averse to wearing suiting with casual shoes (because of commuters switching out bad sneaks for pumps) or formal footwear (see: aforementioned pumps). But as suiting silhouettes, colours and finishes have started to diversify, and as our approach to wearing suiting has eased up, the options around footwear have also multiplied.
Suit + retro sneakers = a good idea, every time.
Unfortunately, that's not to say that all trouser suit-and-shoe pairings are equal. The below list is not exhaustive, and I would always urge you to do you (no matter what an article, editor or friend says!) but these are some reliable combinations that I've seen stand up over the years. Trends come and go, but honestly, a well-cut trouser suit should be forever—it's just how you wear it that might change in time.
So right now in the "what shoes to wear with a trouser suit?" conversation in our office, we've landed on the following. From wide-leg linen styles with chunky flat sandals (yep, you probably own both already) through to the return of the cigarette leg and the slingback heels that make them their sassiest.
1. LINEN WIDE-LEG + CHUNKY FLAT SANDALS
Style Notes: There's no denying that linen wide-leg trousers are inherently laid-back, so they require an equally chill pair of shoes. Flat sandals, especially chunky-soled ones, will always work.
This really stands out from the beige linen available elsewhere on the high street.
A great pair of work trousers this summer.
The one and only.
2. CROPPED HEMLINE + FLATS
Style Notes: A culotte silhouette can look great with heels, but I also think the opportunity to show off shoes calls for an elegant pair of flats—Mary Janes are having a moment and this hemline allows you to see a dainty strap. Flat pumps can get a little lost under full-length trousers.
This suit is already trending on Instagram.
These culottes could work well in so many different outfits.
The ballet flats all the fashion girls want.
3. TAILORED + RETRO TRAINERS
Style Notes: For trousers that are slimmer in the leg but still flared, a pair of retro sneakers can instantly add a little bit of cool. Opt in for Adidas Gazelles or Sambas and you officially win the race for 2023.
Reiss has perfect suits in every colour going.
The cut on these trousers is a real leg-lengthener.
It's the gum-sole for me.
4. CIGARETTE-LEG + KITTEN HEELS
Style Notes: Cigarette-leg trousers are back yet again (did they ever really go?) and looking ultra-sophisticated when paired with kitten heels, especially of the slingback variety.
You can mix and match H&M's black tailoring pieces—here I've gone for an oversized blazer to modernise the skinny trousers.
A best-selling style we've tried and rate highly.
5. SLOUCHY SUIT + WHITE SNEAKS
Style Notes: You can go fully ironic on the business-casual front with a slouchy, oversized suit combined with the simplest of white sneakers—it works!
6. TAPERED + LOAFERS
Style Notes: A pleat-front pair of "slacks" that taper in at the ankle can work with many shoe styles, but as a smart silhouette it makes sense that they marry so effortlessly with loafers.
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