Style Guide
Which Shoes Do You Wear with a Suit? The GENTS Guide
By GENTS Stylist

A suit without the right shoe is like a meal without wine. The shoe determines not only your silhouette, but also whether your outfit comes across as formal, business-like or refined. At GENTS, we believe that details matter, and that starts from the ground up.
Discover how to choose the perfect shoe for every occasion – from meetings to galas.
Classic Elegance: The Smooth Oxford
For formal occasions and business meetings, the smooth lace-up shoe is the safe choice. In black, this shoe works under any suit – think your grey wool sharkskin suit or blue glen check suit. The smoothness of the leather exudes refinement. In cognac, on the other hand, it gives your warm-toned suits such as your marron suit a natural, confident appearance. This combination is ideal for those who dare to choose warmth without compromising on elegance.
Character and Texture: More Than Basic
Want to take it a step further? Choose shoes with character. The Lace-up structured pattern shoe brings depth without sacrificing formality – perfect for someone who stands out subtly. The Double monk stone is a statement in discretion: two buckles, mature appearance, just that extra detail that insiders notice. Both pair excellently with your grey sharkskin suit or blue glen check.
Black Tie and Tuxedo: Patent Leather Shoes
Black tie demands only one answer: the Patent Leather Shoe. This is the moment where compromise is impossible. Polished, dark, unwavering. Wear it clean, wear it with confidence. This is the shoe for galas, premieres and occasions where you must be formally perfect.
For those who blend refinement with comfort
The Penny Loafer in suede and the Lace-Up in split leather offer a freer, yet refined appearance. These shoes work under suits you wear in a more relaxed context – think business but not rigid. The suede variant of the leather feels like a nod to someone who knows what is tasteful.
The Navy cap: for the modern gentleman
And then there's the Lace-up Cap Toe in navy – a shoe that balances between formal and relaxed. The cap toe offers a subtle detail that gives your outfit nuance, while navy is a versatile colour that works with many suits, especially your blue-tinted and neutral variations. This is the shoe for those who think classically but live modernly.
Unsure about your size? Use our sizing guide or consult our stylists in one of the 19 stores.
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