Q: I have recently noticed more suited men wearing dark blue, dark gray and a host of dark-colored suits with brown shoes. This seems to divert the first impression to the shoes as they seem out of place. Shouldn’t shoes match the belt?

—F.K., Scottsdale, Ariz.

I’ve noticed a number of men, young and/or middle-aged wearing brown or tan shoes with blue, gray or black suits. Is that proper? It certainly looks out of place to me.

—H.G., Lee’s Summit, Mo.

A: So many guys remember wistfully when shoes were an afterthought, and matchy-matchy ruled. Most men dutifully wore black belts with black shoes when their suits were any variation of gray, navy or black. Brown and tan shoes were allowed to come out for khakis with navy blazers.

As casual business attire and individual style gave men more leeway, more guys gained confidence to mix textures and colors. Flashback to the self-possessed Fred Astaire in a gray flannel suit with tobacco-brown suede brogues and a dark-cordovan snakeskin belt.

Belts can go beyond the usual smooth or woven leather or reptile models. A ribbon-stripe belt or a braided elastic and leather-trimmed belt—usually paired with polo shirts and khakis—are a refreshing break from leather belts. Then there’s the downtown accent of a leather belt covered with tiny, metal stud that says cool, not bling.

Just like your eye got used to the look of slimmer suits in recent years, you’ll start thinking way beyond the usual black and brown shoes, to introduce more color on your feet, such as driving loafers, boat shoes and velvety loafers in unexpected shades like red, dark green and purple, worn with dark denim, khaki or even white jeans. Remember, you can wear a range of colorful shoes with most any suit, or sport coat and slacks.

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