There was a time when office workers may as well have glued themselves into a pair of black Oxfords, such was the strict ‘no brown shoes’ rule at most city firms. However, a general loosening of workplace dress codes over the last few years has found previously tethered employees reaching for new sartorial avenues.

These days, few 9-5 combinations top the appeal of a navy suit worn with these formerly outlawed brown shoes. The two complement each other perfectly, appearing smart but substantially less formal than black lace-ups with a similarly toned suit.

This is suiting you can take to post-work pints or into the weekend without feeling like you’re over-dressed for the occasion.

Darker shades of brown tend to pair better with deep blues and vice versa with lighter shades. Worth remembering is that, generally, lighter hues are less formal than the darker ones, so if you’re still worried about what the boss might think of your new brown-shoes-blue-suit combo, play it safe with darker tones.

How To Wear A Blue Suit With Brown Shoes

To A… Job Interview

A job interview (particularly one for a role in an office) is no time to be taking risks with your outfit. Your suit shouldn’t draw too much attention from the business at hand, making this steadfast shoe/suit combo a great place to start.

A crisp white shirt is not just traditional but also contrasts well against the navy. To create a lasting impression, throw on a statement tie. Novelty designs should be firmly off the cards, but a pattern such as houndstooth or polka dot shows just the right amount of flair keep the look from being too dry. Footwear-wise, a pair of Oxfords are as classic and somewhat incognito as you can get.

On A… Night Out

Granted, no man with all with mental faculties intact is going to wear a suit for £1 shot Thursdays. However, for those classier types of night out you’ll be starting to have in your mid-20s — a slap-up meal somewhere fancy, then onto an even fancier bar — is just what a neat navy suit ordered.