Good shoes properly matched can make even a mediocre suit look good and lively.
![[Image: Shoes-Boots_zps9glzzkpg.jpg]](http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d25/90025/RVF/shoes/Shoes-Boots_zps9glzzkpg.jpg)
Here is a guide to your suit shoes, in order of formality from most to least.
General rules of thumb:
Oxfords are more formal than derbies, though recently that line has blurred.
Smooth leather is more formal than scotch grain, suede, and cloth.
Plain toe is more formal than cap toe than wingtips.
Plain shoes are more formal than brogue (decorative perforations on the shoe).
Blind brogues are more formal than quarter brogues than half brogues than full brogues.
Black is more formal than brown. Dark colors are more formal than light and bright colors and two-tone.
Brown and non-black shoes will probably make up the majority of your shoe collection. They go together with just about everything--all colors besides black and some (but not all) grey, almost all tweed, jeans, blazers, khakis, and even "go to hell pants".
Here is a guide to your suit shoes, in order of formality from most to least.
General rules of thumb:
Oxfords are more formal than derbies, though recently that line has blurred.
Smooth leather is more formal than scotch grain, suede, and cloth.
Plain toe is more formal than cap toe than wingtips.
Plain shoes are more formal than brogue (decorative perforations on the shoe).
Blind brogues are more formal than quarter brogues than half brogues than full brogues.
Black is more formal than brown. Dark colors are more formal than light and bright colors and two-tone.
Brown and non-black shoes will probably make up the majority of your shoe collection. They go together with just about everything--all colors besides black and some (but not all) grey, almost all tweed, jeans, blazers, khakis, and even "go to hell pants".
I am afraid that women appreciate cruelty, downright cruelty, more than anything else. They have wonderfully primitive instincts. We have emancipated them, but they remain slaves looking for their masters all the same. They love being dominated.
--Oscar Wilde