While most professional suit-wearers always have perfectly polished, shined dress shoes, current trends are leaning more towards suede and soft leather shoes. Suede shoes can provide comfort and dress down a more formal look. Shoes made of soft leather not only look ruggedly handsome but can be a practical choice for certain types of weather if they’re sturdy and waterproof. With the variety of men’s dress shoes available, how do you know which shoes go with which outfits? When are polished shoes more appropriate? We’re here to help.
When to shine: formal events like weddings and dinner parties
When you’re invited to a black tie event like a formal dinner party or a wedding, you’ll probably be wearing a tuxedo. A formal event is a perfect time to rock polished shoes with a black tux. Choose a pair of leather oxfords or wingtips and let them shine.
If your tuxedo is black, which is usually the standard for black tie events, stick to a black pair of shoes. If you’re attending an event with a little more fashion freedom, like the prom, make sure your shoes coordinate with your tux color. Shined black shoes go well with gray, burgundy, and navy. Brown shoes go well with navy, too, but also tan, grey, or deep brown tuxedos.
When not to shine: every day at the office or casual events
We love a polished shoe with a formal outfit, but there’s no need to have them shine with suits you wear to work or on casual date nights. Suede or soft leather shoes can still make you look put together and stylish, without looking too formal or stuffy.
Consider investing in a pair of black or brown oxfords, which can be worn to work and during weekend activities. Soft leather loafers can be a welcome change from your typical oxfords or derby shoes. They work well with dress pants, chinos, or jeans. Suede loafers are slightly less formal than leather but can add a touch of elegance to a casual look of dress pants and a button-front shirt.
If the loafer look isn’t for you, there are plenty of other suede or soft leather shoe options. Soft leather boots, suede oxfords, or suede chukkas pair well with jeans or dress pants.
Complete your look
Whether you’re stepping out in a tux and polished shoes or a suit with more casual kicks, don’t forget to complete your look with accessories! Jim’s Formal Wear has everything you need, from men’s dress shoes to vests, socks, and more.
FAQs
For the most formal of dress codes it is usually required to wear black shiny shoes. For many the convenience of patent leather that is always shiny without requiring a lot of maintenance is a tempting alternative to polishing their shoes to a mirror shine.
Should you wear matte or shiny shoes with a tux? ›
Oxford shoes in patent leather are the most accepted shoe for the tux dress code because of their high formal shine. However, you can opt for calfskin leather oxford shoes if thoroughly polished.
Should you wear shiny shoes with a suit? ›
Traditionally, yes. Patent leather (think ultra-shiny) shoes are classically worn with a tux. However, wearing classic natural-finish leather that's well cared for and perfectly polished is just as acceptable, so don't feel the need to rush off and buy patent leather or high-shine shoes just for one event.
When should I polish my dress shoes? ›
How often you need to polish your shoes depends on how much you wear them. If you wear your shoes daily, you will need to shine them every 4-6 weeks. But if you only wear them once in a while, you can get away with shining them once a month or so. You can also use shoe polish to touch up your shoes in between shines.
What should you not wear with a tuxedo? ›
Never wear a belt with formalwear. Suspenders may seem cool, but only if you're still in high school. Realistically, your tuxedo pants should have a strong waistband that fits securely around your waist, so there really isn't a need for a belt or suspenders. Resist the urge, no matter how strong.
What are shiny dress shoes called? ›
Leather that's so shiny you can almost see your reflection in it is called patent leather. Little girls' dress shoes are often made of patent leather. The glossy shine of patent leather is perfect for shoes and handbags, and it's also used to make belts, wallets, and even professional wrestlers' boots.
Are you not supposed to wear a watch with a tuxedo? ›
WHAT STYLE TIMEPIECE SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR BLACK TIE EVENTS? Traditionally, wearing a timepiece with a tuxedo to a formal affair was a no-no because it was considered rude to watch the time. Fortunately today it is completely acceptable as long as you select a timepiece that is appropriate, formal and elegant.
Why are some dress shoes shiny? ›
This super-high-gloss finish has its roots deeply in military service, where servicemen were required to produce a mirror-like finish on their shoes. The various coats of wax required to build the high-gloss shine also offers the leather additional protection against water and soot.
What shoes not to wear with a suit? ›
Most slip-ons are too casual to wear with a suit. Whether you're wearing a two-piece suit or a three-piece suit, you may want to avoid slip-ons. Instead, choose a pair of traditional dress shoes with laces.
What type of shoes should be worn with official dress? ›
Your footwear should be equally dressy (think oxfords or loafers for men, and a dressy shoe with a heel for women). Shoes should always be closed-toe and should coordinate with your business formal attire.
Instructions:
- Clean. Using the shoe brush, brush off any dust or dirt from the shoes. ...
- Condition. When your leather shoes are clean, apply your leather conditioner with a soft cloth. ...
- Polish. Now that your shoes are clean and conditioned, they're ready for shoe polish. ...
- Buff. Time to buff those leather shoes 'till they shine.
The two most common dress shoe and dress belt finishes are shiny and matte finishes which you can see in the images below.
How shiny should your shoes be? ›
The surface of the shoes should be perfectly smooth and even, with a glass-like shine.
