Trying to pick out what shoe you should wear for the next big night out on the town? How about to a business casual seminar?

What are the features of a dressy shoe?

• The pointier the toe, the more dressy the shoe
• The shiner the shoe, the more formal/dressy the shoe
• Laces are more formal than slip-on shoes

What color shoes go with my suit?

• Brown or oxblood shoes with a navy suit
• A black or gray suit should be worn with black shoes, although many Italian men will wear brown shoes with a black or gray suit…you can imitate them, if you think you can pull it off

What shoes should I wear with a tuxedo?

• You almost always wear black patent leather shoes with a tux

What shoes should I wear when dressing business casual?

• Loafers
• Slip on leather shoes
• Monk strap leather shoes

What shoes should I NOT wear when dressing business casual?

• Boat shoes are a little too informal for business casual
• Tennis shoes/sneakers are not business casual, not even trendy ones that you would never work out in
• Sandals are not business casual, they are informal, save them for the weekend
• Generally speaking, boots are not acceptable for business casual (there are some exceptions, but hiking, combat, motorcycle and western are all OUT)
• Patent leather shoes would seem too formal in such a setting

Other tips:

• Your shoes should match your belt
• You should keep your leather shoes well polished and your suede shoes should be brushed
• If you find a shoe is too slippery, you can have a thin rubber sole applied at a cobbler shop, this will also extend the life of your shoes
• Alternately, if your shoe is too slippery you can scuff up the bottom of the shoe

Image from thevine.au