A blue suit offers versatile styling options for any season and occasion.
But are you aware of the many different color combinations you can wear with a blue suit?
Worry not. We all have been there.
Read with attention, and you will know exactly how to rock this attire.
Different Blue Suit Shades You Can Wear
Choosing the right shade for a specific dress code is essential.
As a beginner, always try going for more neutral or darker shades of blue. This is especially true for more formal events.
Some shades of blue, such as the navy and the royal blue, go with almost everything.
I don’t mean to say you can’t wear other shades to some events. You just have to know which ones.
Navy Blue
We are starting with the most popular shade – the navy blue suit.
The navy suit is a contemporary shade of blue which offers versatility and sophistication.
If you don’t want to overdo your suit collection, navy is a perfect choice.
It’s the perfect business suit color when matched with a white shirt and a dark-colored tie.
It is also a decent option for an optional black-tie event paired with a classic white tuxedo shirt.
Midnight Blue
Midnight blue is quite similar to black, making it hard to differentiate between the two in low-light venues.
It is also a popular choice for tuxedos at formal events.
For the rest of the attire, follow the general rule of thumb: the darker the suit, the darker the accessories.
For example, black dress shoes and dark ties pair best with a midnight blue suit.
Stick to a white dress shirt and a light pocket square when constructing the rest of the outfit.
Royal Blue
A royal blue suit symbolizes uniqueness and confidence. It is for men who want to stand out from the crowd.
However, make sure you don’t overdo it with the accessories.
Keep them minimal with understated shoe and tie combinations such as black or dark brown.
Classic/True Blue
Classic or true blue is for contemporary men who like to play along the boundary lines.
Wearing a classic blue suit reflects your out-of-the-box thinking. Pair it with brown or black oxfords to take it up a notch in semi-formal events.
It also works flawlessly with a pair of leather sneakers for casual settings.
But yes, if you were looking for the ultimate dress-up or dress-down color, I recommend classic blue.
Sky Blue
The sky-blue suit is only recommended once you have confidently worn the classic blue or navy suit.
It falls in the middle of the blue shade spectrum and is a great way to turn the suit game up a notch for a prospective suit buyer.
Make sure you feel confident in your choice and have a good collection of accessories to go with it.
Baby Blue
The lightest shade in the list, also known as the blueish-white suit, is associated with more casual settings.
This vibrant shade stands out in warmer seasons, perfect for those looking to showcase their creative and dynamic side.
Pair it with slacks, a nice button-up, a quality watch, no tie, and leather shoes.
Best Dress Shirt Colors for a Blue Suit
The blue suit is known for its versatility. It helps you look fine on numerous occasions.
But it also offers you the flexibility to pair it with a wide range of shirts.
While you have a long list of shirt colors to pair it with, some classic choices always look better.
White Shirt
The white shirt is for anyone unsure what to wear with their blue suit simply because it is the safest option.
A blue suit with a classic white dress shirt is a simple combination that anyone can pull off.
The crispness and clean look of the white shirt complement the cool blue tones of the suit.
The combination is perfect for formal settings, especially if you are in a navy blue suit paired with understated, classic accessories.
A bold tie can sharpen the look against the neutral shirt and suit combo.
You can pair the white shirt with a lighter shade of blue and more casual accessories for not-so-formal settings.
Light Blue Shirt
The light blue shirt combined with a blue suit is a monochromatic must-have for your wardrobe because it looks elegant.
For a full one-color look, you can add a blue tie.
Depending on the shade of the blue suit, you can regularly wear this look in more business-oriented or semi-formal settings.
It is an incredible shift from the classic white shirt while offering the same feel with a softer touch.
Pink Dress Shirt
Pink shirts have become quite popular today as they produce a strikingly sharp contrast when combined with a neutral-colored suit.
So, if you want to create a more vibrant look, I would say go for a pink shirt under a blue suit.
You can wear it on numerous occasions, from casual to semi-formal.
This is especially true when you are in the mood to look fashionable and smart and want to move away from the traditional formal look.
For this combination to work, stick to pastel hues and lighter shades of pink. It won’t clash with any shade of blue.
Black Shirt
The black shirt looks great when paired with a mid-to-dark blue suit.
On the other hand. going for a light blue suit with a black shirt is pretty bold and gives the impression that you are comfortable with your style.
As always, you can put on the right tie to make this bold look stand out.
But keep in mind black tends to look better on darker hair and darker complexions.
Best Tie Colors for a Blue Suit
Another good thing about blue suits is that they go with a wide variety of tie colors.
Usually, I go for solid tie colors, but a solid to small-patterned red tie is my personal favorite for the blue suit.
However, you can make your own style statements with different tie colors.
Red Tie
The red tie paired with a navy or midnight blue suit makes a powerful look.
This is the tie you need if you want to come off as bold and smart.
A red tie with a blue suit works best for weddings or cocktail parties.
You can even wear it with lighter shades of blue in casual settings.
Burgundy/Maroon Tie
If any tie color could present a distinct and sophisticated line, it’s either burgundy or maroon.
The deep colors were made for semi-formal settings.
Try to wear them with darker shades of blue suits, such as navy or midnight.
As for the lighter shades, I won’t recommend burgundy or maroon.
Navy Blue Tie
Navy blue tie is the classic choice. It is also the safest option with a blue suit.
Consider coordinating your shirt color to ensure it contrasts well with your suit for a cohesive look.
Other than that, a wide navy tie made of satin or silk, even rocking some polka dots, would turn the eyes.
You could also get your hands on a red striped thin woolen tie – it works like a charm.
Orange Tie
The orange tie sits well with lighter shades of blue, such as sky blue and baby blue.
It is great for casual settings as it implies that you are open-minded, adventurous, and enthusiastic.
However, you could also stick to deeper shades of orange, like brown, which work better with navy suits.
Black Tie
Black is the safest color when it comes to suit-wearing.
A black tie is a timeless choice that consistently enhances your look, especially when paired with a navy blue suit.
However, keep in mind that it might come a bit off if worn with lighter shades of blue.
Other Tie Colors & Styles
Brown, purple, yellow, grey, or patterned ties are also acceptable for blue suits.
However, for all these tie colors and styles, one needs an aberrant character to carry them.
You cannot wear a popping yellow tie without a bold personality overflowing with enthusiasm.
Shoes that Match the Blue Suit
The occasion affects the type of shoes one must wear.
You could ruin the whole look of your blue suit if not paired with the right type of shoes.
The most popular options for a blue suit are oxford, monk straps, and double monk shoes.
Let’s see which are best for what occasion and in what color!
Black Shoes
The classic black shoes combined with a black belt go hand in hand with the navy blue suit.
If you wish to keep things formal to the toe, I would say stick with Oxford shoes.
Combine the classic navy or midnight blue suit with a white shirt and a red or black tie, and it immediately calls for a pair of classic black shoes.
You could also pick loafers or something more easygoing and casual.
Maybe throw in a black shirt as well to keep boldness in the equation.
Brown Shoes
When pairing a blue suit with brown shoes, always remember the general rule of thumb: the darker the shade of the suit, the darker the shoes, and vice versa.
Brown shoes, especially the lighter shades, fall on the low end of the formality spectrum.
As a result, light blue suits can be paired with light brown monk straps or even derbies.
For darker shades of blue suits, a premium pair of dark brown dress shoes can easily replace classic black.
For example, a solid pair of dark brown oxfords adds a touch of formality and modernity.
Always make sure to pair a matching brown belt with the shoes.
Other Accessories You Can Wear with Blue Suits
Suits aren’t just about wearing the right jacket, trousers, and shirt.
Accessories complement the whole look of the suit and are key supporting elements for a blue suit.
But you cannot use the same accessories for all shades of blue.
Darker shades call for understated and formal accessories, whereas you can experiment with lighter shades of blue.
Formal Belt with the Same Color as Shoes
First, having a belt that is the same color as your shoes is essential.
If you wear black shoes, have a black belt and a brown belt with brown shoes.
Other than that, just make sure it has a decent buckle and strap that does not overwhelm the trousers.
Watch that Matches Your Outfit
A watch is a great way to heighten the bold, classy, and neat look that comes with a blue suit.
Try to wear one with a strap, preferably the same shade as the belt and shoes.
As for the dial, the simpler it is, the better, especially for formal settings.
Some men prefer metal straps, which is totally doable. A sophisticated chronograph or diving watch can complement a blue suit nicely.
Pocket Square Can Make You Look Classy
A pocket square adds grace, elegance, and formality to the look.
You cannot reach the suit’s full potential without one.
I always recommend them for weddings and other celebratory events due to the touch of luxury they add.
Just make sure you don’t overdo the patterns or abstract shapes on the pocket squares.
Best Blue Suit Color Combinations Depending on the Occasion
Blue is one of the most desired suit colors in contemporary corporate and formal settings.
Ensuring your suit fits impeccably is crucial; a poorly fitting suit can detract from your appearance and undermine your confidence.
Formal Events
Although most formal black-tie events require the wearer to wear a black suit or tuxedo, some allow a certain form of creativity.
The best combination for such settings is the navy blue suit paired with a crisp white shirt for a sharp look.
You can wear a midnight blue tuxedo for fully formal settings.
Go for the darker suit shades. Remember, the lighter the shade, the more casual the outfit looks.
Blue Suit for Weddings
A blue suit or tuxedo ensemble really catches the eyes at the altar.
Wearing a waistcoat underneath the suit completes the groom’s look.
You could wear a black tie or a bow tie, depending on how you wish to shape your appearance and the impression you aim to convey.
If you are simply going to attend a wedding, pick the combination based on the wedding’s dress code.
Semi-Formal Events
Semi-formal events are where you can actually play with different shades of blue.
It is up to your mood and the season.
For warmer months, stick to lighter shades, like pairing a lighter suit with a pink shirt and understated accessories.
Sticking with brown shoes is also recommended for daytime events.
As for winter, especially during the night, try to stick with darker colors.
That means pairing a navy suit with dark brown or black shoes.
Blue Suit for Business Events
Blue is, without a doubt, a great color for business conferences and meetings as well.
Just stick to darker shades such as navy blue because of the high formal appeal.
You could throw in a patterned shirt for a more sophisticated and accentuated look.
Skipping the tie is also acceptable in most business environments.
Wearing the Blue Suit Casually
The best way to wear a blue suit casually is to separate the jacket and pants.
Maybe add a pair of trousers and a T-shirt with the blue suit jacket to rock a fully casual look.
Usually, start-up owners can go to workspaces and meetings to give off a relaxed look.
A pair of grey trousers can look elegant and sophisticated. But jeans are admissible as well.
