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A well-tailored black suit exudes sophisticated luxury and is the ultimate classic look for men. Black never goes out of style and suits all hair and skin colors. It is also slimming for those who need it.
Want to stand out in the sea of pale suits everyone seems to be wearing at the moment? Dare to be classic in an age where menswear is all about being bold and trendy.
The black suit look can turn sour if you choose the wrong shirt and tie. We are here to help you. This article has all the tips you need to find the best complementary companions for your black suit. So why wait?
Read on for our complete guide to black suit, shirt, shoes and tie combinations for a smart, polished appearance.
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.
We can think of black as 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 slim-fit black suit can create a sleek, sleek 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 option. But pink, blue and even black shirts can also look good. The preferred shoes are black Oxfords, but Derby shoes and Monkstraps are also acceptable.
If you have light skin and hair, wear your black suit with warm colors like pale blue, light pink, or light mint green.
If you opt for colors that are too dark, the black suit will make your skin look even more pale and washed out. If you decide to wear baby pink, make sure you have a fitted suit. Otherwise, the look will appear outdated.
Dark-skinned men can wear their black suit with white or brighter colored shirts, like vibrant blue or yellow, for example. But it is best to avoid too garish colors and especially not to opt for bright colors.
Dark shirts should be paired with dark ties. Bright colors stand out too much and create a messy effect. To add some color, choose a dark tie with a colorful pattern to create a formal look.
Printed shirts should have more muted colors. Look for small prints with small patterns like stripes, checks, or polka dots. Use a different scale pattern on the tie and shirt.
For example, if your tie has bold stripes, wear a solid-colored shirt or one with only a tiny pattern.
The general rule is that your tie should be darker than your shirt. If you're unsure, just wear your tie in a darker shade of 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 color shirts can be mixed with textured ties, such as a crochet weave.
In the meantime, here's our in-depth analysis of the best shirt and tie combinations to make your black suit stand out.
Wear as a tie color with your black suit:
With a white shirt: Red, gray 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 its appearance attractive, the suit must fit perfectly. It’s not just about looking “right”; it’s what defines your style and the occasion you’re attending.
We know it's been said repeatedly that the cut of your suit defines you. However, people seem to forget that the difference becomes crucial when your suit doesn't fit your size. Always remember the basics.
Classic suits offer class and comfort. They are perfect for everyday wear, especially if they are black. Additionally, they are easy to find and easier to wear.
What's very interesting is that classic suits make you look smarter. This is why they are most often used in professional environments or at formal events.
Here are some black suits that work really well.
No outfit looks as sharp, powerful and bold as a fitted black suit. If your body is slim or lean, then this cut is the one for you.
In general, slim-fit suits boost the confidence of the wearer. Therefore, they are the preferred choice for date nights, business meetings and demonstration events.
It's hard to miss a black suit and white shirt combination. This look works just about anywhere and anytime. Wear it to the office, to a wedding or out to dinner.
Getting the wrong tie, on the other hand, can ruin this look. Black and white are the original classic colors, so when it comes to choosing a tie, embrace tradition for formal occasions.
Your tie shade can add a bright, or more subtle, note to your black/white background, depending on the occasion. Of course, you can always wear a bow tie.
A red tie will always add some pep 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 complement the outfit. Choose this elegant jumpsuit 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 combo 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 fit the proportions of your lapel and, again, avoid shiny materials. Black patent Chelsea boots or a pair of semi-brogue Oxfords are ideal for this combo.
The black suit, white shirt and black tie are the classics of men's attire. However, for an outfit that is suitable for both weddings and funerals, texture is key.
Ties made from wool, cashmere or tweed lighten the look and are good in winter, while silk is considered seriously formal. Opt for black suede Chelseas or black patent loafers to complete the ensemble.
You'll look like a movie star and exude an undeniable air of masculinity if you pull off this outfit. After all, James Bond looked stunning in his perfectly cut black suit, crisp white shirt and black tie.
Gone are the days when men were advised not to combine black and blue. The genius of black and white "non-colors" means they can be combined with just about any shade of blue.
Again, navy blue and darker shades of blue are preferred for formal events. Light blues and even powdery blues can add a nice, playful note to the look. Opt for silk or cashmere ties, and shiny black patent leather for shoes.
This classic yet bold combination of a black suit and brown tie lets you show off your sartorial prowess.
Silk ties work well here, whether matte or shiny. For shoes, go classic with black patent Oxfords, or casual with dark brown leather loafers.
In combination with a black suit, single-color pink shirts are preferred. This creates a great basis for your tie choice. Red, pink, and purple ties are all good color options. Pink softens the black look.
The color is flattering and surprisingly easy to wear. A pale pink button-up Oxford, for example, is elegant without being stuffy. It's also a stylish choice when you need something for a less casual event.
Favor young cuts and textures to avoid an overly aged effect. Wear this interesting jumpsuit for a morning at the races or a daytime wedding.
Red and pink go well together in the color wheel. Dare to use a strong, dark red to create a contrast. Silk and cotton ties complement this look well.
Opt for patent leather dress shoes for formal occasions or black suede ankle boots for more fun events.
Probably one of our personal favorite picks with a pink shirt. A very neat combination, which adds elegance and a subtle note of refinement.
Since navy ties naturally pair with patterns, choose a polka dot or striped tie with pink stripes. Scarf ties with pink elements are also perfect.
You need to break up the look here, which means contrast is key. Your shirt and tie don't have to 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 adding a playful touch. When it comes to shoes, anything goes. But keep them black.
From lavender and lilac, to magenta and blackberry, to shades of plum and purple, purple has a lot to offer. So, while staying close to pink on the color wheel, a purple shade offers many more options.
Purple being the color of kings, silk is probably the best choice in terms of texture. The shoes? Classic Oxfords, Cheltenham brogues or patent leather loafers will all suit the black/pink/purple combo.
Black and blue aren't 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 is 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 would not be appropriate here.
Your outfit will look better with some contrast. A black suit, light blue shirt and dark tie are perfect for a Monday morning meeting in a boardroom. It gives a subtle touch of elegance without being too formal.
Be contemporary chic – make sure the suit is well tailored and fits you like a glove.
A black suit, white shirt, and black tie are classic, 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). By replacing the white shirt with light blue, you will avoid this problem.
Yes, it can work if you pay attention to details. Choose a powder blue shirt. The perfect blue tie is royal or cobalt with a powder blue and black stripe or pattern. This pattern gives unity to the whole outfit and is perfect for the office or other daytime outfits.
A navy tie over a light blue shirt can look great, especially if the tie features a pop of pink, dark red, or brown.
Prince Harry recently pulled off a very suave combination. His black suit, light blue shirt and dark red narrow tie were brilliantly combined. His blue shirt had a subtle red thread running through it, making it a smart 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 black with a white shirt, and it all looks very cohesive with silver accessories like a silver watch and ring. Black shoes would be best.
A black tie looks very elegant with a slate gray shirt. Choose a thin black tie rather than a wide tie. A tie with diagonal stripes or preppy checks will lighten the mood a bit.
A dark gray tie worn with a slightly lighter shirt is elegant and trendy. Look for a tie with some texture or raised designs for added interest.
Combining a black shirt with a black suit can be difficult to achieve. The lack of distinction between the two pieces means that finding the right balance is critical.
If you decide to take on the challenge, remember that this very demanding color combination requires quality. A mediocre black shirt will ruin the effect of 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 give a relaxed feel.
Black (never brown) suede brogues or loafers can also help break up an otherwise plain look.
A black suit doesn't have to be plain or boring. The keys to this classic look are relatively easy to remember.
You should always aim for a premium black suit, preferably slim-fit, 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 fits your body perfectly.
The best color coordination won't make a cheap suit look like an expensive one. Pocket squares are your go-to accessory for a finishing touch that will liven up the entire look.
We forgot a combination? Feel free to add it in the comments below.
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