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Blue suits have begun to gain popularity in recent years, offering a contemporary and avant-garde look without sacrificing elegance or panache.
In this guide, I'll show you how to master the blue look. I'll also explain the different color combinations for blue suits with a shirt and tie, which are ideal for making you look sharp and cool.
You too can adopt the bright blue look like a true gentleman without appearing to seek attention or make a fuss. 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.
While black suits have historically been the epitome of the classic men's look, the trend has shifted. Blue is synonymous with versatility and could very well become the new black.
Blue projects confidence and boldness. And I'm not talking about navy blue here. A navy suit is almost as safe as classic black and is a reliable option for any event. I'm talking about blue as a clear sky.
A blue suit can be dressed up or down, depending on the season and time of day. Furthermore, this color lends itself to being paired with a wide variety of other color combinations, including other shades of blue.
Furthermore, these suit combination ideas open up a whole world of expansive styles that allow you to showcase your creativity. Combinations of suits and blue shirts alone offer a vast array of possibilities.
Bold, tailored blue suits have taken center stage. No one will mistake your blue suit for a black one. Not anymore. Blue sets you apart.
The color pairs well with a plethora of combinations, and it also slims the silhouette. Many men are interested in blue suit combinations right now, and they're having a blast with them.
Whether it's for a wedding, a first date, or everyday office wear, your blue suit creates a stylish and sophisticated look, especially when paired with the right shirt, shoes, and tie.
This is nothing new. Fashion-forward men have been wearing blue suit suits for years.
A well-curated wardrobe is a significant investment. It deserves careful research and planning. That's why I've created this detailed style guide for blue suits to help you achieve the perfect look.
Here you'll 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 I'll look at the appropriate accessories.
Details matter. Exploring any outfit combination involves learning styling techniques that set you apart from the crowd. Your look is only complete when all its components work together perfectly.
And there are many 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 extra.
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 are always a winner. But black, pink, and red also work, to name just 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 advocating a riot of colors. It's true that the real beauty of a blue suit is its versatility. But that doesn't mean you can throw everything together in a chaotic frenzy.
To a greater or lesser extent, colours must either harmonize or create an impact through measured contrast.
Texture is also important. A fine wool tie with a silk shirt won't work, even if the colors match. But there's no need to worry if your sense of color isn't quite perfect.
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 cool and warm colors. Cool and calm colors are on the left, and warmer and more vibrant colors are on the right.
The color wheel allows you to create near-perfect combinations. But keep in mind that the wheel is only a guide. There are no absolute rules.
The best way to learn color combinations is through personal experience. By following the color wheel, we can create four basic color combinations:
A single-color scheme results in the same color combination for your suit, shirt, and tie. It's the simplest scheme to create and a good starting point for any outfit.
Simply combine darker and lighter shades of the same color. A medium blue suit with a light blue shirt and a 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 cooler 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 shade as an example of this color scheme. It's very nice, isn't it?
Here, you can pair colors in three different locations. Contrasting combinations bring harmony to your look, but they can be difficult to visualize. Blue and red, for example, are opposite sides of the color wheel.
They should therefore be contrasted. The trick here is to combine the darkest tones of each component. Pair a scarlet tie with a light blue shirt and a blue suit, and you're sure to make an impact.
These colors are found on opposite sides of the color wheel, making the complementary color scheme one of the most difficult to achieve. Experience can help, but a basic rule is that your tie should be darker than your shirt.
A perfect example of complementary color combinations is a blue suit, a light blue shirt, and an orange tie. This combination is very fashionable these days.
Want to take it a step further? Let's say you're wearing your dark blue suit with a pale orange shirt. The ideal tie color might be dark green or dark red. Sounds a bit crazy? Not according to the color chart. Try it and see.
Blue conveys confidence, but so does a man in a suit. We've already discussed the cut of a suit and its importance several times.
Believe it or not, the cut of your suit defines you. Therefore, getting the right cut 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, business occasions, or any other formal event. In fact, they can also be a wonderful choice for weddings.
To make things easier for you, I've selected some of the best classic and modern cut blue suits sold online. Feel free to take a look:
Slim-fit blue suits are at the forefront of fashion right now. Excellent for any occasion, they are one of the most popular choices for most people, especially young people.
If you have a slim or slender figure, give it a boost by giving it more confidence. Don't hesitate to choose a blue suit. It will make you look sharp, calm, and luxurious all at once.
You've already figured out that the blue suit is a perfect base for a wide range of additions. And you're right. But where do you start?
Each shirt has its own characteristics, silhouette, style element, and color. When choosing a shirt for your blue suit, consider all aspects of the shirt, not just the color.
You're looking for a shirt that will complement your blue outfit. So, you can never go wrong with a crisp, clean white shirt paired with a blue suit. Period.
A tie adds the finishing touch to your look. Again, your blue suit is the perfect canvas, just waiting for the right tie to make it stand out. A tie can also be a subtle touch that projects quiet confidence and a relaxed ego. The choice is yours!
Ties have been an essential element of men's fashion since, well, forever. The right tie can transform your look and significantly enhance the appeal of your blue suit.
Here are a few blue suit/shirt/tie combinations to try until you find what suits you best. Remember that it's not just the tie color that matters. The shape and texture also play an important role.
This is a truly eye-catching combination that works equally well for formal and casual occasions. The warm red tie against the cool backdrop of the white shirt really makes a statement. Your blue suit adds an attractive finishing touch to the ensemble.
Opt for a patterned or slim wool tie and brown loafers for less formal events. A wider, solid-colored silk tie with black dress shoes is perfect for those special occasions.
Shades of red can range from light to burgundy, depending on the color of your suit. Consult the color wheel for advice on choosing the right red tie for your blue suit and white shirt combination.
The days when pink was considered effeminate are over. Pink pairs remarkably well with blue. It stands out against a white shirt but adds a more subtle touch than a bold 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.
Therefore, 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 tie have decidedly funereal connotations, especially when paired with a white shirt. The same cannot be said of a blue suit. This combination is very serious.
This is an ideal look for tough business meetings and other occasions where you need to maintain control. Slimmer black ties in cashmere or silk are most suitable. Generally, a black tie is worn with black leather shoes and a black leather belt.
A blue tie with a blue suit and a white shirt adds an interesting contrast to your outfit. Of course, you should vary the shades of blue. If you're 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 certainly opt for a patterned or striped tie.
Slim wool or cashmere ties are perfect for relaxed, almost 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 a suit and a tie. But since we're talking about all shades of blue other than navy, a navy blue tie can be an interesting option.
More formal than casual, this combination works well with wider ties in silk or high-quality satin. Opt for patterned ties or ties with thin white stripes to complement 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 doesn't seem like 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 starts to make perfect sense.
Brown ties pair well with 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 have already established that a pink/blue combination is a rather sensible choice.
A pink shirt manages to create a pleasing contrast with your blue suit. 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 its own merits. 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 waistband ensemble to create an eye-catching and fashionable statement.
As I mentioned earlier, 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 similar, you have to go all out to create a striking contrast.
Pair a bold red tie in fine silk with a pale pink shirt. If your shirt is cotton, a thinner wool or cotton tie will also work. Tie it in a medium to small knot. The combination of blue, red, and pink simply calls for brown shoes and a matching belt.
Any combination of the same color can be difficult to pull off successfully. But it will make a real impression if you manage it. The trick is to mix things up. A patterned suit with a solid-colored shirt and a patterned tie. Or a solid-colored suit with a patterned shirt and a solid-colored tie.
You get the picture. If you have to choose between a plain shirt and a plain tie, a darker tie with a lighter shirt is probably the best option. Black or brown shoes and a belt complete 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 a pink shirt works well to facilitate the transition from one color to the other.
The royal color deserves the finest material, so a high-quality silk tie is recommended. Opt for a full Windsor knot to complete the regal look. Choose shoes and a belt in black or brown leather, depending on the mood and formality of the event.
Here's a particularly polished combination option for your blue suit. Different shades of a blue suit and tie paired with a powder pink shirt can create a stylish and well-thought-out look. People will notice that you didn't just throw together your outfit.
A medium-width cashmere tie and elegant, crisp brown loafers are a good choice here. A fine-striped 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 touch of refinement. The navy tie helps to ground your outfit and leans towards formal 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 to pair with a light blue suit. This is one of those occasions where you could even take advantage of a pink shirt in a bolder shade. Well-polished, good-condition black or brown shoes can complete the look.
A monocolour combination can be difficult to achieve. However, the effect produced when you succeed can make all the effort worthwhile.
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's a look that works well at any event, whether formal or informal.
Nuance is the key word here. A dark blue suit paired with a light blue shirt, or vice versa, can always create a high level of contrast.
Even though both shades belong to the same color family, choosing the tie color is relatively simple. The tie will bridge the gap between the two blues.
You can also combine shades of blue that are much closer to each other 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 color wheel, so why be shy about the shade? A bold red tie will automatically attract attention because this color is 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 acceptable, adding a touch of adventure to your outfit. Black or brown patent leather shoes, paired with a matching belt, complete the look.
There's a risk of looking bland when you wear this combination. Therefore, 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 well, this 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. These can help break up the subtle monotony of a blue-on-blue look.
Brown shoes will not be appropriate here, so opt for glossy black leather shoes with a thin sole for formal events, along with a black leather belt.
Again, you're working with similar shades, so the same advice applies. The navy tie has earned a special place in the world of men's fashion. That's 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 slim wool tie with red stripes will also do the trick. Keep your suit and shirt in solid 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's special because, unlike all other colors except white, there are no shades of black. If you have a non-black shirt, it's 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 entirely agree, but it's something to keep in mind when putting together your outfit.
Black is a basic color, and it's related to blue on the color wheel. So, while it might not seem like an obvious choice, the combination makes sense. In my opinion, a black shirt pairs best with a medium or light blue suit.
A dark blue suit worn with a black shirt might give the impression that you're unaware of the difference. The right tie can have a positive impact in this regard, fulfilling 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 makes a statement. Since there's only one shade of black, the tie perfectly complements the shirt. It creates a solid color effect that nicely balances 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 matter much here, so choose what suits you best. If you're going for a less formal look, choose a tie with stripes or bold patterns. And of course, black shoes and a belt.
If a black tie makes a statement, then a blue tie in your blue suit/black shirt combination works well as a bridge. It's one of those outfits 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 complements the fabric of your suit.
Personally, I would never wear brown shoes with a black shirt. I would feel much more comfortable in black leather shoes with a thin sole and a matching belt. But this isn't a hard and fast 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 best complement a blue suit?
A complete guide to suit and shoe colours according to occasion and formality
Lighter shades of blue are less versatile, meaning they pair best with light brown shoes. Monk straps are the most suitable. Brown brogues and derbies are also a good choice.
Black patent leather 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 look.
White shirts look perfect with suits in all shades of blue. For more formal events or the office, blue or brown shoes are always a good choice when paired with a blue suit.
But don't forget to add the right touches. Wear buttons to give a classic feel to formal occasions. You can also opt for a pair of crisp white sneakers to create a clean and relaxed look.
Once you've found the best blue shirt and suit combination, you need to choose a tie. Black 100% cotton ties are good choices, as are silk or wool ties in red, blue, and burgundy.
Wider ties are more appropriate for formal events. If you're looking for a smart yet relaxed outfit, you can opt for a thinner wool tie. Or, complete your blue suit with a silk bow tie, and you're sure to achieve the "WOW" factor.
Finally, add style to your look by choosing a watch that matches your suit. And you're good to go!
Comments are approved before publication.
Mercier Lionel
March 4, 2023
Good morning,
I find your articles very informative. They're exactly what I was looking for, explained in a clear and accessible way. I see you've written articles for several colors but not for the gray suit, which could also be very helpful. What a shame! :)
Thank you,