Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Shoes for Navy Suit Question: I recently purchased a navy suit (probably a little more casual than professional). I am in my early 20's and am having a very hard time finding navy shoes that appeal to me. What colors are most appropriate to wear with navy pants? Kristen Answer: You will be happy to know that you can stop looking for navy shoes. Wearing black shoes with navy pants or skirts is now acceptable, and has been for several years. Donna Karan broke this rule (thankfully for all of us) about ten years ago in her Spring Couture Collection (runway show) in Paris. She showed her entire navy collection with the models wearing black heels and black hosiery. It created a great buzz in the fashion world, especially the couture savvy noting how great it looked. Since that time, fashion-conscious women wear black shoes with navy clothing, particularly the garments of the darker, midnight navy hue. Forgo the navy legwear as well when you wear black shoes with navy clothing. Occasionally, there is the lighter, brighter, royal navy fabric that actually looks good with true navy shoes. Otherwise, navy colors are very difficult to match. It’s not worth the time-consuming effort. And I agree with you, most navy shoes are sorely lacking in style. Listen up, shoe manufacturers! In theory, you will look best if your shoes are as dark or darker than your hem length color. That’s one reason black shoes work well with navy. A charcoal black, a very dark gray, and a deep burgundy color can also work beautifully. Brown/bronze tones also go with navy, particularly if your other accessories are brown, such as a belt and a handbag/briefcase. The fashion brave will often wear bright red shoes with navy. It can look trite and red shoes are risky for the workplace. When opting for any color other than black shoes with navy, be sure to pull that color into your outfit via accessories. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'