On the more casual side, J.Crew’s essential chino in navy or honey brown offers a clean cut in a more relaxed style. Or, go for someplace in-between with these non-iron cotton pants from Bonobos.

I often see men who know how to dress well wearing gray suits with brown shoes and a brown belt. It seems like black would go better than brown with a gray suit, but maybe there is something I don ...

Our fashion critic discusses the evolution of dress codes, including how rules — like one discouraging brown shoes with blue or black trousers — can come in and out of favor.