What Shoes to Wear with Navy Blue Pants?
Navy blue pants are a versatile and classic choice that can be styled for both formal and casual occasions. The right shoes can elevate your outfit from plain to stylish, and ensure that you look and feel your best. But what shoes should you wear with navy blue pants? The answer lies in considering several factors, including the type of event, the season, and your personal style. In this article, we’ll explore the various shoe options that go well with navy blue pants and provide tips on how to mix and match to create stylish outfits.
Business or Formal Events
**Traditional Choices: Brogues, Oxford, and Derbies
When dressing for a formal occasion or business event, classic traditional shoes are often the safest bet. Navy blue pants pair well with the following types of shoes:
- Brogues: A classic wing-tip design, brogues have perforations (called broguing) and lace-ups. This style looks elegant and refined when worn with navy blue pants and a crisp white dress shirt.
- Oxfords: With no lace-up holes, Oxford shoes are a minimalist take on traditional brogues. They are equally versatile and suitable for both business and formal events.
- Derbies: With no broguing or only small perforations, derbies are another sleek and streamlined option that can dress up or down. Avoid bright colors, opting instead for neutral or subtly bold colors.
| Style | Brogues | Oxfords | Derbies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace-up design | |||
| Perforations/broguing | ✓ |
Casual Events or Street Style
**Bold and Funky Choices: Sneakers and Slip-Ons
For more casual gatherings or streetwear-inspired looks, you can experiment with bolder, statement shoes:
- Sneakers: Fresh out-of-the-box kicks like sneakers, Converse, or Vans work surprisingly well with navy blue pants, especially when paired with bold or bright graphic T-shirts and jackets. Play up the contrast for an effortlessly cool look.
- Slip-ons: Classic loafers or TOMS can add a sleek touch to your casual attire, making them an excellent alternative to sneakers for less structured, laid-back vibes. Slip-ons can even pair surprisingly well with chinos, light-colored dresses, and button-downs!
• Tips and Considerations:
- Use the same principles: White, light beige, gray, or muted blue patterns are safe colors; earth tones or pastel colors work, too; darker bold colors might dominate.
- Balance style, structure, and height (bold vs. clean); combine chunky/lace with clean/neutral styles
- Colors with undertones (yellow/brwn) often suit naval, while some can fade/ clash w/pinks
- When considering textures, be subtle
- Wear clothes made of similar textiles when feasible
