What Shoes to Wear with Trousers: A Simple Guide for Men
The right shoes can make a simple outfit look expensive, and the wrong pair can spoil a good one. Here is a simple guide to which shoes work with which trousers, for daily wear, office and going out.
1. White sneakers: the all-rounder
Clean white sneakers go with almost every casual and smart-casual trouser: black, blue, brown and olive. Keep them clean (a damp cloth and a little soap after each wear) and they will lift every outfit. If you own one pair of shoes, make it this one.
2. Loafers: smart without trying
Brown or black loafers turn a T-shirt-and-trousers outfit into something you can wear to the office or a dinner. They look best with trousers that end at or just above the ankle. Brown loafers go well with blue, brown and olive trousers; black loafers with black and grey.
3. Chelsea boots: for winter
In December and January, chelsea boots in brown or black look sharp with slim or straight trousers and a hoodie, sweatshirt or jacket. Let the trouser sit on top of the boot, not tucked in.
4. Sports shoes and runners
For travel, university and relaxed days, simple running shoes in black, grey or white work well with joggers and knit trousers. Avoid very bright colours if you want the outfit to look neat.
Tigon Waffle Knit Trouser
From Rs 2,199
Koi bhi 2 sirf Rs 4,199
5. Sandals and slides
In hot weather, leather sandals (chappal) look fine with relaxed or baggy trousers for casual outings and at home. Slides are best kept for home, the gym and short trips.
Match the shoe to the trouser fit
- Slim fit: sleek shoes such as low sneakers, loafers and chelsea boots.
- Straight fit: almost anything, the most flexible fit.
- Baggy / relaxed fit: chunkier sneakers balance the wider leg; very slim shoes can look lost.
Not sure about fits? Read baggy vs straight vs slim fit trousers.
Trouser length matters
Trousers should touch the top of your shoe with little or no pile of fabric. Too long and they bunch up; too short and they look like you have outgrown them. Our trouser size guide shows how to measure length at home.
Colour rules in one line
Black shoes with black and grey; brown shoes with blue, brown and olive; white shoes with everything. Match your belt to your shoes, and carry a leather wallet in the same colour family for a finished look.
Our pick
Tigon waffle knit trousers sit neatly over sneakers and loafers alike, so one pair works from office to weekend. Rs 2,199 each or any 2 for Rs 4,199, free delivery and cash on delivery.
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