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Blue suits are starting to gain popularity in recent years, offering a contemporary, fashion-forward look without sacrificing elegance or panache.
In this guide, I'll show you how to master the blue look. I will also explain the different color combinations of blue suits with a shirt and tie, which are ideal for you to look sharp and cool.
You too can rock the bright blue look like a true gentleman without looking like you're seeking attention or making noise. Whatever the occasion!
Blue can be a difficult choice, and it takes a certain amount of courage to wear it. But with the right color combinations and appropriate, matching accessories, it can make a bold statement.
A Blue Suit Can Be the Perfect Wedding Outfit.
Although black suits have always embodied the classic and ultimate look for men in the past, the trend has changed. Blue is all about versatility and could definitely prove to be the new black.
Blue projects confidence and boldness. And I'm not talking about navy blue here. A navy blue suit is almost as safe as classic black and is a reliable option for any event. I'm talking about blue like a clear sky.
A blue suit can be dressed up or down, depending on the season and time of day. Plus, this color begs to be paired with a wide variety of other color combinations, including other shades of blue.
Additionally, these costume combination ideas open up a whole world of expansive styles that allow you to flaunt your creativity. The combination of blue suits and shirts alone opens up a whole range of possibilities.
Well-tailored and bold blue suits took center stage. No one will confuse your blue suit with a black suit. Not anymore. Blue sets you apart.
The color pairs well with a plethora of combinations, and it also slims the figure. There are a lot of men interested in blue suit combinations right now. And they are having a blast.
Whether it's a wedding, a first date or everyday office wear, your blue suit combination creates an elegant and sophisticated look, especially when paired with the shirt, appropriate shoes and tie.
This is not new. Fashion-forward men have been wearing blue suit combinations for years.
A well-kept wardrobe is a considerable investment. It is worth researching and planning in advance. That's why I've put together this detailed guide of blue suit styling tips to make your look stand out.
There you will find ideas and options for all kinds of occasions and events. I'll show you the best shirts to wear with your blue suit and look at suitable accessories.
Details matter. Exploring any clothing combination involves learning styling techniques that set you apart from the crowd. Your look is only complete if all the elements that make it up work together perfectly.
And there are plenty of items to choose from. The list ranges from shoes and accessories to shirts and ties. You're looking for that "je ne sais quoi" that gives your outfit that little something special.
This is where your blue suit excels. Blue is a fantastic base color to work with. Think of it as the canvas on which you, as an artist, can add brushstrokes using the suit and accessories.
Almost any color will complement your blue base. White shirts always win. But black, pink and red are also suitable, to name a few.
Add a contrasting tie, brown or black shoes with a matching belt, and you're sure to turn heads at your next event.
To be clear, I'm not endorsing a riot of color. It is true that the real beauty of a blue suit is that it is very versatile. But that doesn't mean you can throw everything together in a messy frenzy.
To a greater or lesser extent, colors must match or create impact through measured contrast.
Texture is also important. A thin wool tie on a silk shirt won't work, even if the colors match. But there's no need to worry if your color sense isn't quite on point.
There's a handy tool that can help you decide which colors and tones go with what. This tool is called the color wheel.
The color wheel tool helps us establish the basis for all color combinations. Understanding the wheel allows you to explore different combinations, concepts and styles.
As you can see, the color wheel is divided into cold and warm colors. Cool, calm colors are on the left, and warmer, brighter colors are on the right.
The color wheel allows you to create almost perfect combinations. But know that the circle is only a guide. There is no absolute rule.
The best way to learn color combinations is through personal experience. By following the color wheel, we can create four basic color combinations:
The single color scheme leads to the same color combination for your suit, shirt and tie. This is the easiest pattern to make and is a good starting point for every outfit.
Simply combine darker and lighter shades of the same color. A medium blue suit with a light blue shirt and dark blue tie is a good example.
A blue suit with a purple shirt and a slightly darker purple tie.
With the analog scheme, you associate similar colors. If you look at the wheel, you can see that similar colors are neighboring colors, that is, adjacent colors.
This means you can wear a warm tie with a slightly colder suit and shirt. Analogous color schemes can be very pleasing to the human eye.
You can pair a blue suit with a light purple shirt and a tie in a slightly darker tone as an example of this color scheme. It's very pretty, isn't it?
Here you can associate colors with three different locations. The contrast combo brings harmony to your look, but it can be difficult to visualize. Blue and red, for example, are on opposite sides of the wheel.
So they should oppose it. The trick here is to combine the darkest tones of each component. Pair a scarlet tie with a light blue shirt and blue suit, and you're sure to make an impact.
These colors are on opposite sides of the wheel, making the complementary pattern one of the most difficult to achieve. Experience can help, but a rule of thumb is that your tie should be darker than your shirt.
A perfect example of pairing complementary colors is the combination of a blue suit, a light blue shirt and an orange tie. This combination is very trendy nowadays.
Want to go further? Let's say you wear your dark blue suit with a pale orange shirt. The ideal color for the tie could be dark green or dark red. Does this seem a little crazy to you? Not according to the color chart. Try and see.
Blue shows confidence, but so does the man in the suit. We have already talked many times about the fit of a suit and its importance.
Believe it or not, the cut of your suit defines you. So getting the right fit and measurements is essential.
If you prefer a classic cut, blue can go very well with the suit you have chosen.
Classic cut suits are often chosen for work, professional occasions or any other formal event. In fact, they can also be a wonderful choice for weddings.
To make it easier for you, I have selected some of the best classic and modern cut blue suits sold online. Don't hesitate to take a look:
Slim-fit blue suits are the height of fashion right now. Great for any occasion, they are one of the most popular choices for most people. Especially young people.
If your body is slim or skinny, give it a boost by giving it more confidence. Don't hesitate to choose the blue suit. It will make you look lively, calm and luxurious, all at once.
You have already understood that the blue suit is a perfect basis for a large number of additions. And you are right. But where to start?
Each shirt has its particularities, its silhouette, its style element and its color. When choosing a shirt for your blue suit, consider all aspects of the shirt besides the color.
You are looking for a shirt that will enhance your blue look. So, you can never go wrong with choosing a crisp and light white shirt paired with a blue suit. Period.
The tie adds the finishing touch to your look. Again, your blue suit is the perfect canvas just waiting for the right tie to stand out. The tie can also be a subtle touch that projects quiet confidence and a relaxed ego. It's up to you!
Ties have been a menswear staple for, well, forever. The right tie can transform your look and significantly increase the appeal of your blue suit.
Here are some blue suit/shirt/tie combinations to try until you find what suits you. Remember, it's not just the color of the tie that matters. Shape and texture also play an important role.
This is a truly eye-catching combination that is suitable for both formal and casual occasions. The warm red tie against the cold backdrop of the white shirt really makes a statement. Your blue suit adds an attractive frame to the ensemble.
Opt for a patterned or fine wool tie and brown loafers for less formal events. A wider, solid-colored silk tie with black dress shoes is perfect for those special moments.
Shades of red can range from light to burgundy, depending on the shade of your suit. Consult the color wheel for tips on choosing the right red tie for your blue suit and white shirt combination.
Gone are the days when the color pink was considered effeminate. Pink goes remarkably well with blue. It stands out against the white shirt but adds a more subtle note than a powerful red.
A plain pink silk tie, of medium width, will look great at any meeting. Pink goes with any shade of blue suit, but in my opinion this color works best in summer.
So, you should combine the blue/white/pink look with black dress shoes with thin leather soles. Avoid shoes with thick rubber soles that remind us of winter.
A black suit and black tie have definite funereal connotations, especially when paired with a white shirt. The same cannot be said for the blue suit. This combination is very serious.
It's an ideal look for difficult business meetings and other occasions where you need to be in control. Thinner black ties in cashmere or silk are best. Typically, black tie is worn with black leather shoes and a black leather belt.
A blue tie with a blue suit and white shirt adds an interesting contrast to your outfit. Of course, you have to vary the shades of blue. If you are wearing a dark blue suit, choose a light, powder blue tie.
A light blue suit will require a darker blue tie. As the two shades are closely related, you can opt for a patterned or striped tie.
Thin wool or cashmere ties are perfect for casual, quasi-casual events. But if the occasion is more formal, switch to silk and choose a wider tie. This look allows you to choose brown or black shoes.
Navy blue is always a safe choice. Both for the suit and the tie. But since we're talking about all shades of blue other than navy, a navy tie can be an interesting option.
More formal than casual, this combination works well with wider ties, made from high-quality silk or satin. Opt for patterned or pinstriped white ties to complement the background of the white shirt.
You could get away with shiny brown brogues. But a black leather dress shoe is probably the best option.
At first glance, brown isn't an obvious choice to go with a blue suit. But you can think of brown as a very dark version of orange. And since orange is a complementary color to blue, the combination begins to make sense.
Brown ties lend themselves to wool and cashmere. Or even cotton, depending on the formality of the occasion. Brown shoes are an obvious choice, as is the belt, which should always be leather.
We've already established that a pink/blue combination is a pretty smart choice.
A pink shirt achieves the feat of contrasting with your blue suit in a way that is pleasing to the eye. But the color is much more subtle than that of a white shirt.
The color wheel tells us that pink is a lighter version of red, but it has carved out a place in the fashion world on merit alone. A powder pink shirt will go with any shade of blue suit.
The softness of pink is best suited to warmer seasons and climates. Add a tie in a specific color to your pink shirt/blue waistcoat combo to create an eye-catching and fashionable statement.
As I mentioned before, pink is a lighter shade of red. So it seems obvious to pair a pink shirt with a red tie. But since the two colors are very close, you have to go all out to create a contrast.
Pair a powerful red tie in fine silk with a pale pink shirt. If your shirt is cotton, a thinner wool or cotton tie is also suitable. Tie a medium to small knot. The mix of blue, red and pink simply calls for brown shoes and a matching belt.
Any combination of the same color can be difficult to achieve successfully. But it will make a real impression if you can do it. The trick is to mix things up. A patterned suit with a plain shirt and patterned tie. Or a plain suit with a patterned shirt and a plain tie.
You see the picture. If you must opt for a plain shirt and solid-colored tie, a darker tie over a lighter shirt is probably the best option. Black or brown shoes and belt accompany this look, depending on the occasion.
Purple is the color of kings. It is also closely related to the red/pink color family. A wide, purple tie can be problematic with a blue suit, but the pink shirt serves well to ease the transition from one color to another.
The royal color deserves the finest material, so a high-quality silk tie is recommended. Also opt for the full Windsor knot to complete the royal look. Black or brown leather shoes and belt, depending on the mood and formality of the event.
This is a particularly neat combination option for your blue suit outfit. Different shades of a blue suit and tie matched with a blush pink shirt can create a stylish and well-thought-out impact. People will notice that you didn't improvise your outfit.
A medium-width cashmere tie and sleek, burr-free brown loafers work well here. A pinstriped silk tie can also be paired with black leather shoes. Your belt should always match your shoes.
This combination works as above but adds a subtle note of refinement. The navy tie helps anchor your outfit and leans on the formal side rather than casual. Navy blue naturally lends itself to patterns and stripes, but don't overdo it.
Subtlety is key. A darker wool tie is perfect for pairing with a light blue suit. This is one of the occasions where you could even benefit from a pink shirt in a more powerful tone. Black or brown shoes, well polished and in good condition, can complete the look.
The single-color combination can be difficult to achieve. However, the effect you get when you get it right can make all that effort worth it.
Wearing a blue shirt with your blue suit creates a harmonious blend of shades and textures that can be very pleasing to the eye. It is a look that is comfortable in all events, whether formal or informal.
Nuances are the key word here. A dark blue suit paired with a light blue shirt, or vice versa, can still create a high level of contrast.
This is despite the fact that the two shades belong to the same color family. In this case, choosing the color of the tie is relatively simple. The tie will make the link between the two blues.
You can also pair tones of blue that are much closer together on the color wheel. In this case, the tie will have to work much harder to add balance and harmony to the look.
You can't go wrong with a red tie. It's the strongest color on the wheel, so why be shy on the shade? A powerful red tie will automatically attract attention because this color is written in our DNA.
This means it works well when your suit and shirt are a similar shade. Cotton or wool ties are acceptable for most occasions, but opt for elegant silk for special events.
Patterns or stripes are also allowed, which adds a touch of adventure to your outfit. Black or brown patent leather shoes, paired with a matching belt, complete the look.
There is a risk of looking bland when wearing this combination. So you need to pay close attention to the shades and textures of your outfit.
In fact, if you stick to the color wheel, you can work with all three shades of blue side by side. When done right, it can create a harmonious and balanced look.
Choose a wide silk tie with thin white stripes or patterns to add a minor but noticeable contrast. They can help break up the subtle monotony of the blue-on-blue look.
Brown shoes won't be out of place here, so opt for shiny black leather shoes with thin soles at formal events, as well as a black leather belt.
Again, you're working with similar shades, so the same tips apply. The navy tie has earned a special place in the world of men's fashion. Reason enough to make your tie the star of the show.
A wide navy tie, with white polka dots, in silk or satin, will attract admiring glances. But a thin wool tie with red stripes will also do the trick. Keep your suit and shirt in tight shades of blue, and wear black leather shoes and a belt.
The result is a clean look that can be interpreted as professional competence or cool confidence. Or even both.
Along with white, black is a special color. It is special because, unlike all other colors except white, there are no shades of black. If you have a non-black shirt, it is either dark gray or dark blue.
There is a school of thought that says you can only wear black if you have dark hair and a dark complexion.
The reasoning is that a pale face and light hair will look garish against a black outfit. I don't completely agree, but it's something to keep in mind when putting together your outfit.
Black is a basic color, and it is related to blue on the color wheel. So while it's not an obvious choice, the pairing makes sense. In my opinion, a black shirt goes best with a medium or light blue suit.
A dark blue suit worn with a black shirt might give the impression that you aren't aware of the difference. The right tie can have a positive impact in this regard, serving one of two functions.
It can bridge the gap between your suit and your shirt. Or it can make a statement about your character, your ego and your state of mind. Let's take a look at some blue suit/black shirt/tie combinations.
This combination definitely belongs to the statement category. As there is only one black, the tie matches perfectly with the shirt. It creates a solid color effect that nicely offsets your blue suit.
The shirt and tie are one here, so match textures and fabrics. A silk shirt? Wear a silk tie. A cotton shirt? Then you need a cotton tie.
Width doesn't play a big role here, so choose what suits you best. If you're looking for a less strict look, choose a tie with stripes or bold patterns. And of course, black shoes and a belt.
If the black tie was a statement, then the blue tie in your blue suit/black shirt combination works well as a bridge. This is one of those sets where you can match your tie to the color of your suit.
The black shirt acts as an almost invisible backdrop for the tie, giving your outfit a balanced look. Make sure the texture of the tie matches the material of your suit.
Personally, I would never wear brown shoes with a black shirt. I would feel much more comfortable with black leather shoes with thin soles and a matching belt. But this is not an absolute rule. It all depends on the occasion and your mood.
Your choice of a blue suit has already created a contemporary look and a bold statement. But what color shoes would go best with the blue suit?
Complete Guide to Suit and Shoe Colors Based on Occasion and Formality
Light shades of blue are less versatile, which means they pair best with light brown shoes. Monk straps are the most suitable. Brown brogues and derbies are also a preferable choice.
Black patent shoes and a matching belt will always look best with darker shades of blue. Opt for Oxford or Derby shoes if you want to add a touch of formality to your appearance.
White shirts look perfect with suits in all shades of blue. For more formal events or the office, blue or brown shoes never look out of place when paired with a blue suit.
But don't forget to add the right elements. Wear buttons to give a classic touch to formal occasions. You can also opt for a pair of crisp white sneakers to create a casual and clean image.
Once you have found the best suit and blue shirt combination, you need to choose a tie. 100% cotton ties in black color are good, as are silk or wool ties in red, blue and burgundy colors.
Wider ties are more appropriate for formal events. If you are looking for an elegant but casual outfit, you can opt for a thinner wool tie. Or, complement your blue suit with a silk bow tie, and you're sure to get the "WOW" factor.
Finally, add style to your look by choosing the watch that will match your suit. Here we go !
Comments are approved before publication.
Mercier Lionel
March 04, 2023
Good morning,
I find your articles very enriching. This is exactly what I was looking for, detailed in an “educational” way. I see that you have made articles for several colors but not the gray suit, which could be of great help as well. What a shame! :)
Thank you,