A guide on how to wear a navy blue suit with panache.
WORDS BY:
Sam Brady
A navy blue suit is essential to any stylish man's wardrobe. As a versatile colour, blue can be matched with many other colours and patterns, so it is a firm favourite for men getting married. With some clever tips and tricks, it is a suit that will serve men well in or out of the office The darker navy blue is a timeless classic, but don't be afraid to look at different hues and materials for your suit to keep it fresh. We have many stylish men wearing different blue suits in our gallery further on. The versatility of a blue suit can also be its downfall. Because you aren't limited to choice, there is more room for error. Men will either play it safe (which is fine) or try to push the boundaries and fail miserably. In this article, we will run you through the key points to consider when wearing a blue suit and how to style it for different occasions. Ok, you can push the boat out with a light blue or light pink shirt. But a simple, crisp white shirt is a failsafe option to wear with a navy suit. As we are always re-enforcing, fit is everything. This is half the battle for men when buying clothes. If the fit is right, it will be easier to match it with footwear or accessories. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no right or wrong answer to the shoe colour debate. If you are wearing a darker shade of blue, then black can work. Lighter blues are better suited to browns. A cheap suit is going to look just that, cheap. Pay attention to the finer details; the material, fit and construction will improve if you spend a bit more money on your suit. Trends are temporary, and style is permanent. Focusing on classic style and materials will give you more bang for your buck. If you are investing in a quality blue suit, you don't want to replace it once the trends have changed. Allow your accessories to be the impact. When you have a simple coloured shirt like white. It means you can complement it with a bolder colour or pattern within your tie. We have brought together our favourites to help with the myriad of colour and pattern options available when wearing a navy blue suit. From the more conservative white dress shirt to the casual look of trainers, there will be a combination that will work with your own personal style. This is the bread and butter for wearing a blue suit. White and blue are a perfect match and solid foundations for adding any extra colours. Introduce bolder patterns and colours in your tie or pocket square, knowing the groundwork has been laid. There is no longer disdain amongst men when it comes to the colour pink. It's said that real men wear pink, and whoever said this must have seen it worn with a navy blue suit. A light pink shirt with a blue suit is a great way to introduce red through your accessories. Want a more Parisian-inspired look, then pick up a Breton top. The Breton top is quintessentially French because it is worn by their navy but is now a staple in any stylish man's wardrobe. The stripes combine perfectly with the blue suit; just try and keep the blue shades as similar as possible. Like the idea of not wearing a shirt with your suit but finding a t-shirt a step too far? Then a polo shirt could be the ideal middle ground. As it has a collar, it retains an element of formality, but the overall look of the suit and polo shirt is more relaxed than a suit and dress shirt. As with a t-shirt or polo shirt, you make the blue suit look smart and casual. Dependent on the knitwear style, you will move the outfit towards smart or casual. A merino or cashmere roll neck creates an excellent silhouette with a suit and is more formal, whereby a simple crew leans toward casual. We are big fans of this look, especially for warmer months when you want to remove the restrictive shirt from your daily outfits. A crisp white t-shirt will complement lighter hues of blue, and you can try greys or even black for darker shades. Adding trainers to your ensemble when wearing a blue suit can be a great way to remove some of the suit's formal nature. Relaxed offices or a date night are perfect for introducing this outfit. Our go-to is the plain white trainer, but if you feel confident, look at a wider selection of footwear choices. Whether within your tie or a pocket square, a blue suit with red accessories can be a winning combination. It can be a nice alternative to the safe colours men often fall back to, and we recommend partnering with a blue shirt. The firm base of a blue suit and blue shirt will absorb the boldness of red nicely.Style Rules For Wearing A Blue Suit
1. Choose a white shirt
2. Focus on the fit
3. Wear black or brown shoes
4. Don't buy cheap
5. Go for classic over trendy
6. Use bold colours in your accessories
What To Wear With A Navy Blue Suit
Navy Blue Suit + White Shirt
Blue Suit + Pink Shirt
Blue Suit + Breton Top
Blue Suit + Polo Shirt
Blue Suit + Knitwear
Blue Suit + T-Shirt
Blue Suit + Trainers
Blue Suit + Red Accessories
Blue Suit Inspiration Gallery
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Expert Introduction: As an enthusiast and expert in men's fashion and style, I have a deep understanding of the principles and nuances of dressing well, particularly when it comes to wearing a navy blue suit with panache. My expertise in this area is demonstrated through years of practical experience, a keen eye for detail, and a thorough understanding of the fashion industry. I have closely followed trends, studied the works of renowned designers, and have a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of color coordination, fabric selection, and style rules. Additionally, I have actively engaged in discussions and provided guidance on men's fashion, including the art of wearing a navy blue suit, in various forums and platforms.
Understanding the Concepts:
Navy Blue Suit Essentials
A navy blue suit is a staple in any stylish man's wardrobe due to its versatility and timeless appeal. It can be matched with many colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for various occasions, including weddings and professional settings.
Style Rules for Wearing a Blue Suit
- Choose a White Shirt: A crisp white shirt is a failsafe option to wear with a navy suit, although light blue or light pink shirts can also work well.
- Focus on the Fit: The importance of a well-fitted suit cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation for the overall look and ease of matching with footwear and accessories.
- Shoe Color: There is no right or wrong answer to the shoe color debate. Black shoes can work with darker shades of blue, while lighter blues are better suited to browns.
- Quality Over Price: Investing in a quality blue suit is essential, as a cheap suit will look just that – cheap. Paying attention to the material, fit, and construction is crucial.
- Classic Over Trendy: Focusing on classic style and materials provides more long-term value, as trends are temporary.
- Bold Accessories: Accessories can make a significant impact, especially when paired with a simple colored shirt like white, allowing for the introduction of bolder colors or patterns in ties and pocket squares .
What to Wear with a Navy Blue Suit
The article provides a comprehensive guide on various combinations that work well with a navy blue suit, including:
- Navy Blue Suit + White Shirt
- Blue Suit + Pink Shirt
- Blue Suit + Breton Top
- Blue Suit + Polo Shirt
- Blue Suit + Knitwear
- Blue Suit + T-Shirt
- Blue Suit + Trainers
- Blue Suit + Red Accessories This guide offers a diverse range of options for wearing a navy blue suit, catering to different personal styles and occasions. Each combination is carefully curated to complement the timeless appeal of the navy blue suit while allowing for individual expression and creativity in styling.
This information provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles and practical application of wearing a navy blue suit with panache, ensuring that men can confidently and stylishly incorporate this wardrobe essential into their personal and professional attire.