Finding the right shoe color to wear with blue pants can seem challenging. Blue is a versatile color that can work with many different shades, but some combinations look more stylish than others. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when choosing shoes for blue pants and provide several recommendations across various styles.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key things to think about when selecting shoes to pair with navy, light blue, or bright blue pants:
- The shade of blue. Dark navy pants will allow for darker, bolder shoes while lighter blues like powder or sky blue look best with similarly pale shoes.
- The formality of the outfit. Dressier blue pants call for more elegant leather shoes while casual blue denim or chinos give you more flexibility.
- The season and setting. In warm weather, open-toed shoes or sneakers tend to work well with blue pants, while closed-toe Oxfords, loafers, and boots are better for cooler temperatures.
- Your personal style. Opt for classic and timeless versus trendy combinations depending on your preferences.
Top Shoe Colors for Blue Pants
Below are five shoe colors that generally complement different shades of blue pants very well.
Brown
Brown shoes add a rugged yet refined touch to blue pants. Different shades of brown, from tan to deep chocolate brown, pair nicely with navy, duck egg blue, or electric blue bottoms. Brown wingtips, Chelsea boots, or chukka boots add vintage flair, while brown leather sneakers keep the look modern and casual.
White
Crisp white shoes pop against blue pants, creating a clean, nautical vibe. Off-white and bone shoes also look sharp with blue. White canvas sneakers are perfect for casual settings, while white leather loafers orbuck shoes dial up the formality a notch. All shades of blue pants readily lend themselves to classic white shoes.
Gray
From light gray to charcoal, gray shoes complement blue pants extremely well. Pair gray suede desert boots with navy chinos for weekend wear, or opt for gray Oxfords with cufflinks for the office. Gray suits both dark and light blue bottoms equally.
Black
Black shoes lend a sleek, stylish look with blue pants. Black Chelsea boots, lace-up Oxfords, or leather sneakers work well with all shades of blue. Darker navy and cobalt pants benefit most from the contrast of black shoes. Just be sure the blues don’t veer so dark that black shoes look harsh.
Red
For an eye-catching statement, wear red shoes with blue pants. Bright red sneakers, leather lace-ups, or loafers make navy, royal blue, or pastel blue pants pop. Stick to blue tones that have purple undertones rather than green to best complement the cherry shades.
Shoe Recommendations by Pant Color
Now let’s explore specific shoe pairings with different blue pant shades for both formal and casual wear.
Navy Blue Pants
Navy bottoms with dark blue hues pair well with:
- Oxfords in brown, tan, gray, white
- Loafers in brown, black, burgundy
- Monk strap dress shoes in gray, tan
- Chelsea boots in black, brown
- Chukka boots in tan, dark brown
- Leather sneakers in white, gray
- Canvas sneakers in off-white, navy
Royal Blue Pants
Royal blue pants with purple undertones work nicely with:
- Wingtip Oxfords in brown, walnut
- Brogue dress shoes in black, gray
- Penny loafers in tan, brown
- Monk strap shoes in cognac, tan
- Espadrilles in off-white, navy
- Plimsolls in white, gray
- Leather high tops in white, black
Light Blue Pants
Pastel blue pants and trousers pair attractively with:
- Buckle shoes in black, brown, white
- Derby shoes in light gray, tan
- Loafers in bone, taupe, navy
- Boat shoes in navy, brown
- Canvas sneakers in off-white, light blue
- Slip on sneakers in white, gray
- Espadrilles in navy, black
Bright Blue Pants
Vivid blues like cobalt allow for bold, energetic shoes such as:
- Oxfords in black, bright red
- Monk strap shoes in cognac, plum
- Chelsea boots in black, maroon
- Chukkas in ruby, dark brown
- Loafers in tan, burnt orange
- Leather high tops in black, white
- Canvas sneakers in crimson, teal
Shoe Recommendations by Style
Dress Shoes
For formal occasions, these dress shoe styles work well with blue pants:
| Shoe Style | Best Color Choices |
|---|---|
| Oxford | Black, brown, tan, gray, white |
| Derby | Brown, tan, taupe, gray |
| Loafer | Black, brown, tan, burgundy, navy |
| Monk Strap | Gray, tan, cognac, plum |
| Brogue | Black, brown, tan, white |
Casual Shoes
For laidback attire, these casual shoes pair nicely with blue pants:
| Shoe Style | Best Color Choices |
|---|---|
| Sneaker | White, gray, black, navy, red |
| Boot | Black, brown, tan, burgundy, maroon |
| Loafer | Navy, tan, brown, bone |
| Espadrille | Navy, black, off-white |
| Plimsoll | White, gray, light blue |
| Boat Shoe | Brown, navy, tan |
Tips for Pulling Off the Look
Follow these tips to nail the blue pants and shoes pairing:
- Match leather shoes and leather belts in the same brown tone.
- Select shoes in a color that complements your skin tone.
- Consider texture contrasts like suede shoes with smooth cotton pants.
- Anchor bright blue pants with neutral shoes in tan, gray, or brown.
- Balance casual pants with dressier leather shoes.
- Go for high contrast with light pants and dark shoes or vice versa.
- Add patterns and prints through shoes, socks, or shirts.
- Get sized properly so shoes fit well and are comfortable.
Common Questions
Are brown shoes okay with blue pants?
Yes, brown shoes pair very nicely with blue pants, especially in tones like tan, chestnut, and walnut. Brown adds warmth and contrast. Just be sure the shade of brown works with the exact hue of blue. Dark browns match navy blue best, while light tans complement pale blues most attractively.
What color socks go with blue pants and brown shoes?
Good sock colors to wear with navy pants and brown shoes include navy, brown, tan, gray, and burgundy. With lighter blue pants and tan shoes, try light blue, tan, brown, khaki, or striped socks in navy and tan. Generally, match the sock color to the pant color or shoe color.
Should you wear black shoes with blue pants?
Black leather shoes can look very sharp with blue pants, especially darker navies and cobalt blues. But very light shades like powder blue tend to look better with similarly pale shoes. Black shoes give off a stylish, retro vibe when paired with vibrant blue pants.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect shoes to match your blue pants requires considering the shade of blue, the formality of the outfit, the season, and your personal taste. Classic color pairings like brown, white, gray, black, and tan tend to be timeless choices for most blue tones and settings. But don’t be afraid to experiment with more adventurous hues like red, plum, teal, or burnt orange forstatement-making style. Just keep in mind the overall cohesion of the outfit and aim for combinations that complement your complexion. With so many options, you’re sure to find footwear that stylishly completes your blue pants look.
