Black shoes and tan pants: can it be done?

bluemax · Oct 17, 2008

Can this combo ever look good? For a dinner tomorrow I'm thinking of wearing a light blue shirt, tan pants, and black shoes, no belt, and a black tie to match the shoes. Will this look as bad as I think it might? Sorry no pics, but in general can tan dress pants (not khakis) ever work with black shoes, or is it just too much contrast?

Bird's One View · Oct 18, 2008

Originally Posted by bluemax

Will this look as bad as I think it might?
Yes.

Bradford · Oct 18, 2008

It'll look like you are or were in the military.

Not a recommended look.

Do you have any brown or tan shoes instead?

AgentQ · Oct 18, 2008

Bird's One View · Oct 18, 2008

^yes, but those guys are wearing belts.

Bradford · Oct 18, 2008

Originally Posted by AgentQ

Excuse me, waiter.

bluemax · Oct 18, 2008

Yeah, I was thinking of a waiter or a retail clerk.

All I have are some brown square-toes, which I'm trying to avoid wearing while I find a decent brown dress shoe. I guess I'll find another outfit then.

Bird's One View · Oct 18, 2008

Of your proposed outfit, the tie without jacket bothers me more than the black shoes.

JustinW · Oct 18, 2008

Originally Posted by Bird's One View

Of your proposed outfit, the tie without jacket bothers me more than the black shoes.

May I ask why?

bbaquiran · Oct 18, 2008

Originally Posted by Bird's One View

Of your proposed outfit, the tie without jacket bothers me more than the black shoes.

For me it was the tie but no belt.

modmica · Oct 18, 2008

Tan suit with white shirt and black shoes and belt is a fine look.

Bird's One View · Oct 18, 2008

May I ask why?

Sure. All this is just my opinion.

Black is to shoes what white is to shirts: required in certain contexts; otherwise often not the best choice, but always acceptable and inoffensive.

I am not very fond of long ties at all. They flop around and get in the soup. Unfortunately they look rather good with a jacket (which helps keep the flopping in check), so I am willing to wear one occasionally. But they do not look good on their own -- they are too obviously phallic and overwraught.

I like bow ties although I do not like to wear a bow tie without a jacket either.

Eccentric · Oct 18, 2008

The problem with black shoes is that there is usualy another color which will work much better. The only time black is really called for is for rather conservative business dealings, in which case you will be wearing a suit as well.

Dewey · Oct 18, 2008

Black shoes might look good with the usual yellowish brown chinos if you tailgating in Iowa City. Or Pittsburgh.

JayJay · Oct 18, 2008

I think the combo looks good if the shoes are really nice, and if the rest of the attire is of good quality and fit.

Black shoes and tan pants: can it be done?

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