Slides are the easiest shoe to put on and, somehow, the easiest to get wrong. Knowing what to wear with slides is the difference between looking effortlessly put-together and looking like you wandered out in your house slippers. The good news: a clean leather slide is genuinely versatile, and once you learn a few simple pairings, it slots into far more outfits than people realise, for both men and women.
This is a practical guide to what to wear with slides across the looks you actually live in, from a lazy Saturday to a relaxed owambe.
The one rule for what to wear with slides
Slides are inherently relaxed, so the rest of your outfit should lean casual to smart-casual, never formal. The mistake is pairing them with something too dressy, like a suit, which creates a mismatch. Keep the overall look easy and let a quality leather sandal be the polished finishing touch rather than a clash.
Everyday and weekend
This is slide territory. For men: shorts or relaxed trousers with a plain tee or polo. For women: jeans, a sundress, or a flowy maxi. Keep the slide neutral, tan, cream or black, and the whole look stays easy. A pop of colour on the slide works here too, since the rest of the outfit is simple.
Smart-casual
Slides can absolutely be dressed up a notch. Men can pair them with tailored shorts or chinos and a short-sleeve shirt. Women can wear them with tailored trousers, a midi dress or a co-ord set. The key is a structured leather slide in a refined colour, which reads intentional. For women specifically, see our office shoes guide for where slides fit at work.
Relaxed native and owambe
A clean leather slide is one of the best things to wear with a casual kaftan or senator in the heat. It is comfortable, cool, and correct for a relaxed event. For a fuller dress occasion, step up to a closed shoe, as we explain in our guide to what shoes to wear with agbada. Across Nigeria, a sharp leather slide with native wear is a look that never feels out of place.
Colours and finishing touches
- Match metals and leathers: if your belt or bag is tan, a tan slide ties the look together.
- Pick up an accent: a coloured slide works best when it echoes a colour already in your outfit.
- Keep feet neat: slides put your feet on show, so well-kept nails and clean leather matter more than with closed shoes.
A quick outfit builder
If you would rather not think too hard, here are three formulas that always work. For a plain weekend look, start with a tee or polo, straight jeans rolled once at the hem, and tan or brown slides. For smart-casual, swap in a linen or well-fitted short-sleeve shirt with chinos or tailored shorts, and go for darker slides with no socks. For a relaxed native day, a solid-colour kaftan or senator with matching leather slides and a belt in the same tone does the job without trying too hard.
The trick is to let one piece, either the outfit or the shoe, be the plainest thing in the look so nothing competes. And the same pair can carry all three: buy one versatile colour, usually tan or dark brown, and it slots into most of your week without a second thought.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear slides to a formal event?
For formal events, no, choose a closed shoe. Slides suit casual to smart-casual occasions and relaxed native wear.
What do you wear with slides as a man?
Shorts, chinos or relaxed trousers with a tee, polo or short-sleeve shirt, or a casual kaftan for native wear. Keep the slide in leather and neutral for the most flexibility.
Are slides okay with a dress?
Yes. A leather slide pairs beautifully with sundresses, maxis and midi dresses for an easy, elegant warm-weather look.
The bottom line
What to wear with slides comes down to one idea: keep the outfit casual to smart-casual and let a quality leather slide finish it cleanly. Get that right and one pair works across most of your week.
Every FAWOYE pair is handmade in Nigeria. Explore the slides collection and build your looks.
Shop these styles: H-Band Slide (Men), Cross-Strap Slide and H-Band Slide (Women).
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Written by FAWOYE Journal. Handmade footwear specialists based in Nigeria, designing premium leather shoes made to order, with a focus on comfort, craftsmanship and timeless style. For those going places.
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Explore the slides collection — each pair handmade to order in Nigeria — or browse the full FAWOYE collection.
Keep reading: Cross-Strap Slides