Brown shoes are a versatile staple in any wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down for both formal and casual occasions. When wearing brown shoes, it’s important to choose complementary colors that enhance the outfit. Here are some tips on what colors go well with brown shoes.
Neutrals
Sticking to neutral colors is a safe bet when wearing brown shoes. Colors like black, white, gray, tan, and beige are easy to match with different shades of brown. For example, a medium brown Oxford shoe can be paired with khaki pants or a charcoal suit. Dark brown booties look stylish with a white button-down shirt and black trousers. Light brown suede desert boots complement jeans and a heather gray sweater.
Earth Tones
Shades of green, orange, yellow, and red in muted tones work well with brown footwear. Olive green pants or a burnt orange skirt make good color combinations when wearing brown dress shoes or heels. Mustard yellow is another option that complements brown loafers with a navy blazer. Pairing reddish browns with brick reds and burgundies can create a stylish monochromatic look.
| Brown Shoe Color | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Light Brown | Olive Green, Taupe, Soft Orange |
| Medium Brown | Rust, Terracotta, Gold |
| Dark Brown | Oxblood, Deep Green, Mustard Yellow |
Shades of Blue
From navy to sky blue, an array of blue hues pair attractively with brown footwear. Navy pants and a crisp white button-down create a preppy look with brown loafers or oxfords. Denim jeans in shades of blue are the classic casual combination with brown boots or suede shoes. Light blue dresses and skirts nicely complement cognac and tan colored shoes for a spring or summer outfit.
Pastels
Soft pastel colors like blush, lavender, mint, and peach offer a feminine, romantic vibe with brown shoes. Wedge espadrilles in a light brown look darling with a powder blue sundress. Ankle boots in a rich chocolate brown color stand out with a pale pink midi skirt. Beige or tan shoes work well for toning down brighter pastel hues.
Patterns and Prints
Brown shoes pair nicely with patterns and prints to add visual interest. Houndstooth, polka dots, plaids, and stripes in colors like black, white, navy, gray, and red work well with brown footwear. Animal prints such as leopard, snakeskin, or zebra in neutral palettes can complement brown shoes without being overpowering. Just be mindful of combining busy patterns and aim for balance.
Metallics
For a touch of glam and shine, metallic hues like gold, silver, bronze, and copper make an elegant statement with brown dress shoes. Gold jewelry and accessories pop against chocolate brown heels. Silver goes with lighter brown hues for a cool tone look. Metallic shoes, handbags, belts, and tops in muted metallics can accent brown footwear.
Avoid Combining with Purple, Pink, Orange
Although shades like orchid, fuchsia, and tangerine may seem fun, it’s best to avoid pairing these with brown shoes. The color contrast is often too stark and tends to look mismatched. Stick to softer tones of pink and purple to complement brown shoes. Neon brights can also clash with brown, so opt for muted citrus tones instead of fluorescent orange.
Consider Skin Tone
When selecting a brown shoe shade, consider your skin’s undertones. Those with warm, golden complexions look great in warmer browns like cognac, caramel, and chestnut. People with cool pink undertones are flattered by neutral light browns. Olive and darker complexions pair well with both warm and cool dark brown hues.
Choose Complimentary Sock Colors
Socks are another way to complement your brown footwear. With casual brown sneakers or boots, go for black, gray, navy, tan, or white athletic socks. Dress socks in colors like olive, burgundy, blue, and brown work with oxfords. Patterned socks also add personality.
Tips for Monochrome Looks
Going monochrome with all brown everything can look sophisticated. Aim for complementary shades like chocolate brown pants with caramel shoes and a light beige top. Add texture with different fabrics like tweed, wool, silk, and suede. Throw in a few metallic accessories for interest. Bold makeup and sleek hair keep the look modern.
Conclusion
Brown shoes boast versatility to match with a variety of colors. Stick with neutrals, earth tones, pastels, and blues for foolproof pairings. Avoid brights and neon hues that may clash. Consider skin tone and choose sock colors to complement brown shoes. With smart color combinations, brown footwear can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
