Brown Shoes with a Black Tuxedo?

Question:

Is it acceptable to wear brown leather dress shoes with a black tuxedo?

Answer:

Typically, it is not acceptable to wear brown leather dress shoes with a black tuxedo.  Different than a black suit, a black tuxedo always falls in the category of formal wear and should be worn with formal shoes.  Traditionally tuxedos are worn with patent leather shoes but if the shiny shoe is not your style, consider a black leather whole-cut shoe. I like shiny tuxedo shoes because it is a clean and sophisticated shoe.

Thinking you might wear a suit? Check out our Guide for Wearing Brown and Black Shoes with a Navy Suit.