Your basket is empty
A well-tailored black suit exudes sophisticated luxury and is the quintessential classic look for men. Black never goes out of style and suits all hair and skin tones. It's also slimming for those who need it.
Do you want to stand out in the sea of pale suits that everyone seems to be wearing right now? Dare to be classic in an era where men's fashion is concerned with being bold and trendy.
The look of a black suit can quickly go wrong if you choose the wrong shirt and tie. We're here to help. This article contains all the advice you need to find the perfect complements for your black suit. So, why wait?
Read on to discover our complete guide to black suit, shirt, shoes and tie combinations for a smart and polished look.
The black suit is a basic formal garment that can also be worn in a more casual setting if paired with the right shirt and tie.
Black can be considered the absence of color. This means that, in theory at least, everything goes with black. But there are certain conditions. The cut of the suit plays an important role in the overall appearance.
While a fitted black suit can create a sleek and sophisticated silhouette for most men, it won't suit everyone. This is where the choice of shirt and tie color can be crucial.
Of course, a white shirt is an obvious choice. But pink, blue, and even black shirts can also look good. Black Oxfords are the preferred footwear, but Derby shoes and Monk straps are also acceptable.
If you have fair skin and hair, wear your black suit with warm colors like pale blue, light pink, or light mint green.
If you choose colors that are too dark, a black suit will make your skin look even paler and washed out. If you decide to wear baby pink, make sure you have a fitted suit. Otherwise, the look will appear outdated.
Men with dark skin can wear their black suits with white shirts or shirts in brighter colors, such as vibrant blue or yellow. However, it's best to avoid overly bright colors and especially to steer clear of bright, vibrant hues.
Dark shirts should be paired with dark ties. Bright colors stand out too much and create a cluttered look. To add a touch of color, choose a dark tie with a colorful pattern to create a formal look.
Printed shirts should be in more muted colors. Look for small prints with subtle patterns like stripes, checks, or polka dots. Use a different scale pattern on your tie and shirt.
For example, if your tie has bold stripes, wear a shirt in a solid color or with only a tiny pattern.
The general rule is that your tie should be darker than your shirt. If you're unsure, simply wear your tie in a shade darker than your shirt.
So, for a pale blue shirt, choose a cobalt or navy tie. With a light gray shirt, wear a charcoal gray tie. Solid-colored shirts can be paired with textured ties, such as crochet ties.
In the meantime, here is our in-depth analysis of the best shirt and tie combinations to add dimension to your black suit.
Wear this tie color with your black suit:
With a white shirt: Red, grey and black tie
With a pink shirt: Tie
With a blue shirt: Blue, navy blue, orange or floral tie .
The black suit is the epitome of classic attire, without a doubt. But to make it look its best, the suit must be perfectly tailored. It's not just about looking "correct"; it's what defines your style and the occasion you're attending.
We know it's often said that the cut of your suit defines you. However, people seem to forget that the difference becomes crucial when your suit doesn't fit properly. Always remember the basics.
Classic suits offer both style and comfort. They're perfect for everyday wear, especially if they're black. Furthermore, they're readily available and easy to wear.
What's really interesting is that classic suits make you look more intelligent. That's why they're most often worn in professional settings or at formal events.
Here are some black suits that work very well.
No outfit looks as sharp, powerful, and bold as a fitted black suit. If you have a slim or slender build, then this cut is for you.
In general, slim-fit suits boost the wearer's confidence. Therefore, they are the preferred choice for dates, business meetings, and presentation events.
It's hard to go wrong with a black suit and white shirt combination. This look is suitable for just about any occasion and any time. Wear it to the office, a wedding, or a dinner party.
Choosing the wrong tie, however, can ruin this look. Black and white are the classic original colors, so when it comes to choosing a tie, stick to tradition for formal occasions.
Your tie's shade can add a vibrant, or more subtle, touch to your black and white background, depending on the occasion. Of course, you can always wear a bow tie.
A red tie will always add a touch of vibrancy to your black suit/white shirt combination. Avoid shiny ties, which can look outdated, and opt for matte or wool ties.
As a general rule, the more formal the event, the darker the tie should be, with black patent leather shoes to complete the outfit. Choose this elegant combination for your wedding suit, formal dinners, or business meetings.
For more casual occasions, brighter shades of red are acceptable, and black suede brogues or loafers are perfect for daytime.
The proximity of gray and black makes this combination a smart option for any professional environment. Paired with a crisp white shirt, the shades of gray in your tie can range from dark to almost silver without looking out of place.
Remember that your tie should complement the proportions of your lapel, and again, avoid shiny fabrics. Black patent Chelsea boots or a pair of semi-brogue Oxfords are ideal for this combination.
A black suit, white shirt, and black tie are classic men's attire. However, for an outfit suitable for both weddings and funerals, texture is essential.
Wool, cashmere, or tweed ties lighten the look and are good in winter, while silk is considered strictly formal. Opt for black suede Chelsea boots or black patent leather loafers to complete the outfit.
You'll look like a movie star and exude undeniable masculinity if you manage to pull off this outfit. After all, James Bond looked superb in his perfectly tailored black suit, crisp white shirt, and black tie.
The days when men were advised against combining black and blue are over. The genius of black and white "non-colors" means they can be combined with almost any shade of blue.
Once again, navy and darker shades of blue are best for formal events. Lighter blues and even powdery blues can add a pleasant and playful touch to the look. Opt for silk or cashmere ties, and glossy black patent leather shoes.
This classic yet bold combination of a black suit and a brown tie allows you to showcase your sartorial prowess.
Silk ties work well here, whether they're matte or shiny. For shoes, opt for classic black patent Oxfords, or for a more casual look with dark brown leather loafers.
When paired with a black suit, solid pink shirts are the best choice. They create an excellent base for your tie selection. Red, pink, and purple ties are all good color options. Pink softens the look of black.
The color is flattering and surprisingly easy to wear. A pale pink button-down Oxford, for example, is elegant without being stuffy. It's also a stylish choice when you need something for a less formal event.
Opt for youthful cuts and textures to avoid looking older. Wear this stylish combination for a morning at the shops or a daytime wedding.
Red and pink go well together on the color wheel. Dare to wear a strong, dark red to create a contrast. Silk and cotton ties complete this look perfectly.
Opt for patent leather dress shoes for formal occasions or black suede ankle boots for more fun events.
Probably one of our personal favorites with a pink shirt. A very polished combination that adds elegance and a subtle touch of refinement.
Since navy ties naturally complement patterns, choose a polka dot or striped tie with pink stripes. Scarf ties with pink accents are also perfect.
You need to break up the look here, which means contrast is key. Your shirt and tie shouldn't be the same shade of pink. Pair a dark pink shirt with a light pink tie, or vice versa.
Texture can also help add contrast, with wool necklaces bringing a playful touch. As for shoes, anything goes. But keep them black.
From lavender to lilac, through magenta and blackberry, to shades of plum and violet, purple has a lot to offer. Thus, while remaining close to pink on the color wheel, a shade of purple offers many more options.
Since purple is the color of royalty, silk is probably the best choice in terms of texture. As for shoes? Classic Oxfords, Cheltenham brogues, or patent leather loafers will all work with the black/pink/purple combination.
Black and blue are not traditionally recommended together, but they can work if you follow a few rules. Choose a light blue shirt, close to white.
This almost universal color suits most skin tones. It's a harmless and fairly neutral color. As a general rule, don't wear a dark suit (in our case, black) with a dark shirt. So, a navy shirt wouldn't be appropriate here.
Your outfit will look better with some contrast. A black suit, a light blue shirt, and a dark tie are perfectly suited to a Monday morning meeting in a boardroom. It adds a subtle touch of elegance without being overly formal.
Be chic in a contemporary way - make sure the suit is well tailored and fits you like a glove.
A black suit, white shirt, and black tie are classics, but you can end up looking like a waiter if you're not careful (use a white pocket square to avoid this, by the way). Replacing the white shirt with a light blue one will prevent this problem.
Yes, it can work if you pay attention to the details. Choose a powder blue shirt. The perfect blue tie is royal blue or cobalt with a powder blue and black stripe or pattern. This pattern gives the whole outfit a sense of unity and is perfectly suited to the office or other daytime attire.
A navy tie on a light blue shirt can look superb, especially if the tie has a touch of pink, dark red, or brown.
Prince Harry recently pulled off a very stylish combination. His black suit, light blue shirt, and dark red narrow tie were brilliantly coordinated. A subtle red thread ran across his blue shirt, adding a touch of sophistication to the outfit.
This is a very good color combination that suits all skin tones. Choose from a range of gray tones, from silver to slate, dove gray, or charcoal.
The contrast is softer than that of black with a white shirt, and the whole look is very cohesive with silver accessories like a silver watch and ring. Black shoes would be the best choice.
A black tie looks very elegant with a slate gray shirt. Choose a slim black tie rather than a wide one. A tie with diagonal stripes or a preppy check pattern will soften the look a bit.
A dark gray tie worn with a slightly lighter shirt is elegant and stylish. Look for a tie with some texture or embossed patterns for added interest.
Combining a black shirt with a black suit can be tricky. The lack of distinction between the two pieces means finding the right balance is essential.
If you decide to take on this challenge, remember that this very demanding color combination requires quality. A mediocre black shirt will ruin the effect of even the best black suit.
The shirt should be fitted, like the suit, and matte rather than shiny. Use the tie to add contrast, but don't overdo the color. Tightly knitted wool ties in pastel shades work well as they create a relaxed look.
Brogues or loafers in black suede (never brown) can also help to break up an otherwise understated look.
A black suit doesn't have to be ordinary or boring. The keys to this classic look are relatively easy to remember.
You should always aim for a high-quality black suit, preferably tailored, with complementary shades that won't overwhelm you. Don't be tempted to use too many colors with black; instead, try to keep it simple.
It is essential that your suit is of good quality and that it fits your body shape perfectly.
The right color coordination won't make an inexpensive suit look expensive. Pocket squares are your go-to accessory for a finishing touch that will liven up the whole look.
Have we forgotten a combination? Feel free to add it in the comments below.
Comments are approved before publication.
