Light grey trousers are particularly popular especially during the warmer months. However, it can be confusing as to what shoe colors suit grey trousers best. Therefore, this guide will easily break it down so you know exactly what you can or ideally shouldn’t wear.
In this guide, you will learn how to match your shoes with light grey trousers as we focus on the following points:
- Light Grey Trouser Coordination Overview
- Matching Light Grey Trousers With Different Shoe Colors
- Printable Shoe & Trouser Coordination Download
Alternatively, scroll down to read it all! If you want to learn about different shoe or trouser color coordinations, head to menu below.

Matching Shoes With Light Grey Trousers Overview
Of all the spring and summer staple colors that men have to choose from, light grey is a favorite for many thanks to its versatility.
Light grey trousers, no matter in dressy wool, casual cotton, or summery linen, are actually quite easy to pair with shoes. That’s the beauty of this incredibly versatile color. The world is your oyster with these babies!
Make sure that you wear light grey trousers primarily in spring and summer. The only exception to this rule would be for light grey jeans, which tend to work quite well during the autumn and winter months.
NOTE: There are exceptions to every rule.
Use your good judgement, and feel free to leave us a comment if you have questions!
Read on for full explanations and reasoning of the above coordination suggestions. Or, click here to go see our Ultimate Shoe & Trouser Color Coordination Matrix showcasing how to match any color shoes with any color trousers.
How To Coordinate Light Grey Trousers With Different Shoes
Best Shoe Matches
Black
Light grey trousers with black shoes are an exercise in simplicity and elegance. This is particularly true for dressy fabrications. Try this combination on a warm day when you want to look understated and sharp.
Burgundy
Reddish-brown burgundy and light grey pair wonderfully. For extra style points, find a grey that’s got a bluish undertone. The red in the shoe will play off of the blue in the trouser and you’ll come out looking like a million bucks.
Light Brown
It’s a relatively common pairing nowadays, but it’s popular for a reason: light brown shoes with light grey trousers is a really handsome combination. This works across dressy and casual fabrications, and across most professional scenarios. Just be sure that you keep it to warmer months, as this will look a bit out of place when it’s cold outside.
Navy
Rare as navy shoes are, they’re going to look great with light grey pants. If you can find a navy dress shoe, this will be a phenomenal pairing for a regular day at the office (we wouldn’t recommend a non-standard shoe for big presentations or meetings, just to be clear). If your trousers are more casual, try a navy driver to get away from the black-and-brown shoe dichotomy we often find ourselves in as men.
Purple
Purple and grey is a wonderful pairing to look at. Keep this casual; weekends and after work are best. If you come across a well-fitting pair of light grey jeans, wear them with purple shoes for any casual outing, like brunch or coffee. It’s perfect for that kind of environment.
White
Don’t let Pee-Wee Herman have ruined this combination for you. Try a light grey cotton suit with white bucks and let us know how many compliments you get. Light grey trousers with white shoes and a dark blue shirt will work wonders for you as well.
Acceptable Shoe Matches
Beige
This really works best casually, especially if the beige shoe is suede. A touch more limited, but the color is still a great look.
Dark Brown
A bit formal for light grey trousers, dark brown shoes offer stark contrast. Still, if it’s a rich brown, it’ll work.
Green
Keep this combination casual, but have some fun with it. Anything from a light to medium green will do the trick.
Grey
Make sure it’s a dark grey so that there’s some contrast, but this will definitely work.
Orange
An off-kilter shoe color, orange with light grey should be kept casual. Don’t wear to work, but if you’re sitting outside at brunch on a Sunday, why not?
Red
Red shoes with light grey trousers will work in the same context as the orange shoe combination above. Keep it light and casual.
No-Go Matches
Nothing is off limits with light grey trousers. Get a little nuts with it!
Free Printable Download For Reference At Home
Feel free to download a one-page printout of these guides for your convenience so that you can use it at home!
What Next?
Now that you have read about the how to match light grey trousers with shoes, check out some related guides below:
- Shoe & Trouser Coordination Homepage
- Top 10 Best Men’s Dress Shoes
- How To Coordinate Tan Shoes & Trousers
- Most Comfortable Dress Shoes For Men
- Bespoke Unit Shoe Homepage
"A fantastic help, thanks! This guide makes coordinating shoes with my grey suits much easier."Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
explain what a contemporary shoe vs a classic shoe?
Hi Joh,
A classic shoe is one made using the same designs and materials that have existed for many years. For example, the Derby, the Oxford, and the Brogue are all classic shoes. Contemporary shoes will take more liberties with their designs as well as use a greater mix of materials and colours such as textiles as well as leather.
Best,
CP
Can I wear dark brown shoes with mid grey trousers?
Hi Ayush,
I’d say so, sure!
Best,
CP
I have a grey trouser with yellow undertones! Would it go with burgundy shoes?
If the yellow is quite strong, it may clash. But otherwise, this may work!
Grey or charcoal trousers be paired with black chelsea boots?
Hello,
If you’re pairing with black chelsea boots, both grey and charcoal trousers will work. Read more in our guide for Pairing Black Shoes (https://bespokeunit.com/shoes/trouser-coordination/black-shoes/).
Regards,
Rafael
Love this post! I’ve been struggling to find the perfect shoe color to pair with my light grey trousers, and this has given me so many great options. Definitely trying out the black and white sneakers – such a versatile and stylish choice. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to hear this helped! Feel free to share with others who may find it helpful.
Rafael