Not All Shoes Work With Suits, But These 6 Combos Are Classy, Chic and Guaranteed to Earn You Compliments

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

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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:

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COS

Snake-Effect Leather Ballet Flats

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COS

The Ruched Leather Ballet Flats

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Arket

Leather Ballet Flats

2. Thong Sandals

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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:

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Dear Frances

Flis Sandal Seagrass

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Reformation

Sophie Heeled Sandal

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& Other Stories

Leather Thong Sandals

3. Heeled Pumps

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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:

Rowyn Slingback

John Lewis X A.w.a.k.e. Mode Croc Effect Leather Square Toe Court Shoes, Tan

John Lewis x A.W.A.K.E. MODE

Mode Croc Effect Leather Square Toe Court Shoes

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sezane

Martina Heel Pumps

4. Loafers

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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:

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M&S Collection

Wide Fit Leather Slip on Flat Loafers

5. Heeled Ankle Boots

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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:

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Jigsaw

Leather Valerie Ankle Boot

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Arket

Stretch-Leather Sock Boots

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6. Trainers

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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.