Matching shoes and belts

[slimjohnson13]

I just picked up a great pair of suede loafers in a tan/khacki color. I have a belt which is brown in color, a true to slightly light-ish brown. The question is: I know that one's shoes are to match one's belt. Can I get by with tan shoes and a brown belt? Or do I need to get a belt closer to the color and tone of the shoes? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

 

[Flame]

If the color is a lighter brown, like cognac or chestnut, rather than oak or burgundy, by all means please do. Having the exact shade stink of over-fussiness anyways.

 

[lifersfc]

where did you pick up the loafers? i've been looking for some of these myself...

 

[kitonbrioni]

The only purpose of the rule to match belt and shoes is to break it often.

 

[Roger]

There was a thread very recently on matching belts to suede shoes. In it, I suggested that the more critical dimension on which to match was texture, and that one's best bet in such circumstances is to get a suede belt. So that'd be my advice here. Try to find a sand or light brown suede belt. The color doesn't have to match exactly, but, in my opinion, you should try to get as close as you can.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Roger

The color doesn't have to match exactly, but, in my opinion, you should try to get as close as you can.

I concur, especially when wearing a suit, but less restrictive when matching for casual wear.

 

[slimjohnson13]

I picked up the shoes at Banana Republic. They were $158 and I got them for $45--so I had to buy them. There may be some still online or in local stores.