What Color Shoes to Wear With Navy Pants?

Written By
Daniel Alden
Daniel Alden
Published: Nov 6, 2013
Updated: Dec 13, 2021
1 minute read
What Color Shoes to Wear With Navy Pants?

Navy blue has always seemed like a difficult color to match. Wearing black shoes with navy was once considered a fashion faux pas, but designer Donna Karan changed all that when she popularized the combo.

Recommendations

Wear shoes that are as dark or darker than your pants. Opt for black, charcoal or dark brown.

If you are adventurous, red is also an option for casual outings. Red with navy is too audacious for the workplace, however. Complete the look by matching your accessories -- belt, purse, etc. -- with your shoes.

Considerations

Do not wear light-colored shoes. Colors such as tan and beige do not complement navy pants. Avoid oxford and wingtip styles.

Myths

Wearing black shoes with navy was once considered a fashion faux pas, but for more than 10 years, the color combination has been acceptable thanks to Donna Karan.

Daniel Alden

Daniel Alden has been writing freelance for over 10 years and has had work published on personal websites, social media networks and through online content distributors. He is a college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Sponsored
LEAFtv Logo

LEAFtv is your destination for food, beauty, style and feel-good living, with how-tos and inspiration for everyday life.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.