The blue suit gained popularity recently, offering a contemporary and fashion-forward look without sacrificing elegance or panache.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to master this color. I’ll also introduce you to the best shirts to wear with your blue suit and delve into the appropriate accessories.
Anyone can carry off the vibrant blue look like a real gentleman without appearing attention-seeking or loud. No matter what the occasion!
The Color Wheel
The color wheel tool helps us establish the basis of all color combos. Understanding the wheel allows you to explore different combinations, concepts, and styles.
The color wheel is divided into two color sections: warm and cool. The first is vibrant and rich; the latter is calm and cold.
Keep in mind, however, that this is only a basic guideline. Mastering the color combinations will come from experience.
But by following the color wheel, you can learn more quickly and feel more confident and ready to express your unique style.
Single Color Scheme
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The single color scheme leads to the same color combination for your suit, shirt, and tie. This is the most straightforward scheme to achieve and is a great place to start for every outfit.
All you need is to match darker and lighter shades of the same color. A mid-blue suit with a light blue shirt and a navy blue tie is a great example.
Analog Color Scheme
With the analog scheme, you match similar colors adjacent on the color wheel. This means you can wear a warm tie with a slightly cooler suit and shirt and vice versa.
In addition, analog color schemes can be very pleasing to the human eye.
You can match a blue suit with a light purple shirt and a slightly darker purple tie as an example of this color scheme. Looks good, doesn’t it?
Triad Color Scheme
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Here you can match colors three slots apart from each other on the color wheel.
The contrast combo brings harmony to your look, but it can be difficult to visualize. Blue and red, for example, are opposite sides of the wheel.
So, they should clash. The trick here is to pair the darker tones of each component.
For example, match a scarlet tie with a light-blue shirt and a blue suit, and you’re sure to make an impact.
Complementary Color Scheme
These colors lie on opposing sides of the wheel, making the complementary scheme one of the hardest to pull off.
Experience helps here, but one rule of thumb states your tie should be a darker shade than your shirt.
One perfect complementary color scheme example will be matching a blue suit, a light-blue shirt, and an orange tie. This combination is a real trendsetter nowadays.
Want to explore deeper? Let’s say you wear your dark blue suit with a pale orange shirt. The ideal tie color could be either dark green or dark red.
Sounds a bit wild? Not according to the color chart. Try it and see.
Choose the Blue Suit by Fit
Blue displays confidence, but so does the man in the suit. We’ve talked about how a suit should fit and its importance many times by now.
Believe it or not, fitting your suit defines you. Thus, getting the correct measurements is crucially important as well.
Classic Fit Blue Suits
Classic fit suits are often chosen for work and business occasions or any other formal events. As a matter of fact, they can be a marvelous choice for weddings, too.
Best Choices
#1: Classic-fit blue wool suit by Suitsupply.
#2: Classic-fit light blue polyester suit by Braveman.
#2: Modern-fit blue suit by Tommy Hilfiger.
#3: Two-piece royal blue suit made of Italian wool by Tomasso Black.
#4: Modern-fit polyester-blend suit by Suitshop.
Slim Fit Blue Suits
Blue slim-fit suits are the trendsetters at the moment and are excellent for any occasion.
The slim-fit suit will make you appear sharp, calm, and luxurious. So if your body type is slimmer, boost it with extra confidence.
Best Choices
#1: Slim fit wool blue suit by Calvin Klein.
#2: Two-piece suit made of Italian wool by Tomasso Black.
#3: Slim-fit light blue suit by Suitsupply.
#4: Slim fit stretch wool blue Suit by Calvin Klein.
#5: Stretch slim fit blue suit by Kenneth Cole Reaction.
Blue Suit and White Shirt Color Combinations
You can never go wrong with a crisp and clean white shirt and a blue suit. Period.
However, it’s equally important to consider the various aspects of the shirt when choosing a shirt for your suit, not just the color, to make sure they match in formality.
Here, a tie adds the final flourish to your look. And again, your blue suit is the perfect canvas, just waiting for the right tie to make a real statement.
Best Choices
#1: Slim fit white shirt by Calvin Klein.
#2: Regular fit white shirt by Van Hausen.
#3: Slim fit shirt in white color by Kenneth Cole.
#4: Slim fit white shirt by Amazon Essentials.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Red Tie
The warm red tie against the cool white shirt backdrop really pops. Your blue suit adds an attractive frame to the ensemble.
Go for a patterned or thin woolen tie and brown loafers for less formal events.
A wider, solid-color silk tie with black dress shoes is perfect for more exceptional moments.
The red shades can vary from light to burgundy, depending on the shade of your suit.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Pink Tie
Pink goes remarkably well with blue. It pops against the white shirt but adds a more subtle note than a powerful red.
In my opinion, the color works better in summer. Combine the blue, white, and pink look with black dress shoes with thin leather soles.
Avoid shoes with thick rubber soles that remind us of winter.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Black Tie
Pairing a blue suit with a black tie is a great look for those tough business meetings and other occasions where you need to be in control.
Thinner black ties of cashmere or silk work best. The rule of thumb says a black tie always pairs with black leather shoes and a black leather belt.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Blue Tie
A blue tie with a blue suit and white shirt adds an interesting monochromatic effect to your outfit.
Of course, you need to vary the shades of blue. For example, if you wear a dark blue suit, choose a light, powder blue tie. On the other hand, a light blue suit will call for a darker blue tie.
If the two shades are closely related, it’s perfectly okay to go for a patterned or striped tie.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Navy Tie
Navy is always a safe choice. The combination works well with wider, high-quality silk or satin ties.
Also, you can go for patterned ties or ties with thin white stripes to compliment the white shirt backdrop.
You can pick brown loafers with this look for summer. But a brown leather Oxford is the best option during winter.
Blue Suit with a White Shirt and a Brown Tie
At first glance, brown is not an obvious choice to go with blue suits. But you can consider brown as basically a very dark version of orange.
So as orange is a complementary color to blue, the combination starts to make a lot of sense.
Brown shoes are an obvious choice here, as is the belt, which should always be leather.
Blue Suit and Pink Shirt Color Combinations
A pink shirt contrasts with your blue suit in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Also, the color works far more subtly than a white shirt.
However, it’s best to stick with softer pink tones. For example, a powder pink shirt will go with just about any shade of blue suit.
The softness of the pink works best in warmer seasons and climates.
Add a specific color tie to your pink and blue outfit to create an eye-catching en vogue statement.
Best Choices
#1: Slim Fit pink shirt by Calvin Klein
#2: Metal Cufflink Regular Fit Pink Shirt by J.Ver
#3: Tailored fit light-pink shirt by Buttoned Down
#4: Unlisted Regular Fit Pink Shirt by Kenneth Cole
Blue Suit with a Pink Shirt and a Red Tie
Pair a powerful red tie of finest silk with a pale pink shirt.
If your shirt is cotton, a thinner wool or cotton tie works too. Keep the tie knot mid to small.
The combo of blue, red, and pink simply cries for brown shoes and a matching belt.
Blue Suit with a Pink Shirt and a Pink Tie
Any same-color combo can be tough to execute. But it will make a real impression if you do pull it off.
The trick here is to mix things up. A patterned suit with a plain shirt and a patterned tie. Or vice versa.
If you must go with a plain shirt and solid color tie, a darker tie on a lighter shirt is probably the best option. Pair black or brown shoes and belts with this look, according to the occasion.
Blue Suit with a Pink Shirt and a Purple Tie
A purple tie can be problematic with a blue suit, but the pink shirt serves well to facilitate the transition from one color to another.
The royal color deserves the finest material, so a tie made from high-quality silk is recommended. Also, go for the full Windsor knot to top off the regal look.
Black or brown leather shoes and belts, according to the mood and formality of the event.
Blue Suit with a Pink Shirt and a Blue Tie
Different shades of a blue suit and tie matched with a powder pink shirt can create an elegant, well-thought-through impact.
A mid-width cashmere tie and brown non-scuffed loafers work well here.
Alternatively, a thin striped silk tie can be paired with black leather shoes. Of course, your belt should always match your shoes.
Blue Suit with a Pink Shirt and a Navy Tie
The navy tie helps to ground your outfit and leans to the formal side rather than relaxed.
This is one of the combinations where you could even pull off a pink shirt of a more powerful tone.
Navy lends itself naturally to patterns and stripes. But please don’t go overboard. Subtlety is key.
Both black and brown shoes, highly polished and in good condition, can complete the look.
Blue Suit and Blue Shirt Color Combinations
Wearing a blue shirt with your blue suit creates a smooth blend of shade and texture that can be very easy on the eye. It’s a great look at any event, both formal and informal.
Shades is the operative word here. A dark blue suit, coupled with a light blue shirt (or vice versa), can still create a high contrast level.
In both cases, the choice of tie color is relatively simple. The tie will build a bridge between the two blues.
If you match the blue tones close on the color wheel, the tie will have to work a lot harder to add balance and harmony to the look.
Best Choices
#1: Slim fit blue-striped white shirt by Calvin Klein.
#2: Slim fit blue shirt by Kenneth Cole.
#3: Slim fit blue shirt by Tommy Hilfiger.
#4: Classic Fit Blue Shirt by Buttoned Down.
Blue Suit with a Blue Shirt and a Red Tie
A powerful red tie will automatically attract attention because the color is embedded in our DNA.
Here, the red tie works well when your suit and shirt are of a similar shade. Patterns or stripes are allowed as well, adding a sense of adventure to your outfit.
Black or brown patent leather shoes, coupled with a matching belt, complete the look.
Blue Suit with a Blue Shirt and a Blue Tie
If you stick to the color wheel, you can work with the three shades of blue next to each other. When done properly, this can create a harmonious, balanced look.
Go for a tie with thin white stripes or patterns to add a minor but noticeable contrast. They can help break up the subtle monotony of the blue-on-blue look.
Blue Suit with a Blue Shirt and a Navy Tie
Again, you’re working with similar shades, so the same tips apply.
A wide, white polka dot navy tie will draw admiring glances. But a thin, striped woolen tie will work too.
Keep your suit and shirt shades of blue tight, and wear black leather shoes and a belt.
Blue Suit and Black Shirt Color Combinations
Black is a grounding color, and it’s related to blue on the color wheel. So, even though it might not be an obvious choice, the pairing does make sense.
In my opinion, a black shirt works best with mid to dark-blue suits. Also, the right tie can make a positive impact here, carrying off one of two jobs.
Wearing your suit tieless is also a stylish way to portray style and character.
Best Choices
#1: Slim-fit black shirt by Calvin Klein.
#2: Slim fit black shirt by Kenneth Cole.
#3: Regular fit black shirt by Van Heusen.
Blue Suit with a Black Shirt and a Black Tie
The black tie creates a solid color effect that nicely offsets your blue suit. Shirt and tie become one here, so match the textures and shirt fabrics.
Width doesn’t play a huge role, so go for whatever you’re comfortable with. If you’re aiming for a less strict look, choose a tie with bold stripes or patterns.
And, of course, black shoes and a belt.
Blue Suit with a Black Shirt and a Blue Tie
The blue tie in this combination works as a bridge. It is one of those ensembles where you can match your tie extremely close to your suit’s color.
The black shirt acts as an almost invisible backdrop for the tie, giving your outfit a balanced look. Keep the tie’s texture in line with the material of your suit.
How to Match Shoes with a Blue Suit
Your blue suit has already created a contemporary look and a bold statement. But what shoe color would work best with the blue suit?
Lighter shades of blue are less versatile, which means that they pair best with light brown shoes.
As the shade of blue darkens, so does the brown. Therefore, dark brown shoes work best with darker shades of blue suits.
Loafers and monk straps work best here. Tan brogues and derbies are also preferable dress shoe choices.
Don’t forget to wear a belt that has the same color and shade as your shoes.
Black patent shoes and a black belt is usually reserved for navy blue. Opt for Oxford or Derby shoes if you want extra formality to your appearance.
Why Choose a Blue Suit
Blue can be a challenging choice, and it takes a level of courage to pull it off.
While black suits have always epitomized the ultimate look for men in the past, the trend changed.
Nowadays, it’s the blue suit that is synonymous with versatility and projects confidence.
Another reason why blue suits are famous is that they can easily be dressed down or up according to the season and time of day.
And I’m not talking about the navy suit, but true blue as a clear sky. In fact, a navy suit is almost as safe a bet as classic black and is a reliable option at any event.
Blue Suits are Playful and Luxurious
Well-tailored blue suits work well with a plethora of combinations, and it slims the figure too.
Your blue suit-based combo creates an elegant and sophisticated look for weddings and first dates to everyday office wear, especially when accompanied by the right dress shirt, shoes, and tie.
And most men out there working their way into blue suit combinations are having a lot of fun doing it, too.
High Selection of Accessories
Details matter. And there are a lot of matching accessories to choose from. The list stretches from shoes and pocket squares up to shirts and ties.
It is where your blue suit excels from other suit colors. Think of it as the canvas to which you, as the artist, can add sweeping strokes with the combo and accessories brush.
Add a contrasting tie and brown or black shoes with a matching belt, and you’re guaranteed to be turning heads at your next event.
To be clear, I’m not condoning wild, free-for-all color choices here.
True, the real beauty of blue suits is that it’s so darn versatile. But colors need to fit together, or they should create an impact through measured contrast.
Texture matters too. A thin wool tie on a silk dress shirt just won’t work, regardless of whether the colors match.
Finally, add some style to your look by choosing the right watch that will match your suit. And away you go!
Hi, I’m Alex, and I’ve studied and specialized in styling in Rome. Through my writing, I want to help men dress well and learn the purpose and significance of suits and other formal attire. My final goal is to make men more confident in their wardrobe choice and life in general.
What about a yellow shirt with a navy suit? Something different, though matching tie would be tricky.
It’s a contemporary combination and might be harder to pull off, especially for new suit wearers. So my advice for those buying a navy suit for the first time is to stick with the traditional choices.
Matching the tie would also require some master skills. But perhaps a yellow/navy dotted tie would work in all cases.
How close do the browns need to be when matching the belt to the shoes? Can they differ, and if so, how far apart? i.e burgundy belt & umber shoes or vice versa
The best way to match blue and brown is to match their hues. Pick light brown if you have a light blue suit. That being said, burgundy and umber go well only with darker shades of blue (or maybe navy).
Dark Navy suit, Black Shirt, Dark blue tie, Black Oxfords?
It can be pulled off, just make sure you feel comfortable in this almost monochromatic color combination.
To enhance the look, replace the black shirt with a white one.
Blue suit with red wine color shirt, tan brown shoes for wedding?
It really depends on the shade of the blue suit. If it’s slightly darker (as it should be if you’re matching it with a dark red shirt), maybe you should try burgundy or dark brown shoes. Read more here.
Navy sport coat, yellow shirt, grey pants, brown shoes. What color tie?
Navy suit pink shirt what colour tie .. and shoes ?
Blue suit with a crisp white shirt. Gold tie and pocket square. Black shoes. For a wedding. What do you think?
Hello 🙂
I m confused about my big day dressing.
I m going with a Navy blue suit with a black blue waistcoat, white shirt, and 2 tone shoes black and brown.
what tie color you suggest.
bride dress color is light rusty pink.
A black tie or a black bow tie would be a perfect choice.
Navy or orange tie is a good choice too, it really depends on the shade of your navy suit.
Feel free to try different tie types like foulard or striped ties.
You might want to try them with your suit, too.
Can I get away with a Navy shirt and a lighter blue suit?
Dates dress has a navy base covered in floral design with shades of blues/greens/pinks/purples.
Or would white shirt be better?
I would recommend a white shirt. But a light blue shirt is an equal match for a navy suit, if performed right.
Try to choose a soft variant of blue for the shirt. Go for solid or foulard ties for the best look.
French blue suit. Date is wearing emerald color dress and gold accessories. I want to wear an emerald color tie. Light blue shirt?
If you want to wear an emerald tie, I would suggest a black suit and a white shirt in order to create a good formal appearance.
Blue suit, light blue shirt & emerald tie CAN be a good combo, but it requires a very careful approach. Don’t forget to wear brown shoes!
how about a blue suit, white shirt, burgundy colored tie o bow tie with dark brown shoes?
Sounds pretty good to me!
Bright Blue suit white shirt with gold tie
It can be pulled off, but be cautious. If you take a closer look at the color wheel, you’ll notice that the complementary color of the golden yellow tint is navy.
To perform the contrast color scheme, your yellow tie has to have a slightly lighter shade so you can go with a light blue suit. I hope that helps!
Lighter blue suit. Need to match my date (burgundy dress). Can wear white shirt, toe with burgundy in it, light brown loafers?
Footwear seems good, probably you will match the shade with the suit. White is the preferred choice for the shirt, too.
I guess you mean a “tie with burgundy in it” instead of a toe (needed some time to figure that out). Burgundy can be a good choice, but it varies a lot from the shade of the blue.
If you’re unsure about the choice, check the color wheel at the beginning of the post and see if your choices match with each other.
Light blue suit with light grey checks. Brown shoes.
Now the debate between white or pale blue shirt and then which tie/pocket square to match. What would you recommend?
Although highly debatable, the most secure choice will be a white shirt and a darker shade of blue tie.
Learn more about the fabrics and the style of your ties by reading the guide.
Navy suit,burgundy tie and pocket square. What colour shoes should I choose?
Go for a white shirt. Fits best with the blue suit and copper bow tie.
French blue suit. Date is wearing cooper sequin dress. I want to wear a cooper bow tie…what color shirt?
Good to go!
blue suite, baby blue shirt, brown shoes & dark red tie.
Dark navy blue suit, white shirt, want to wear brown shoes and belt. What color tie? For a wedding
Please check the section about navy suits and white shirts. I think you’ll easily find what you’re looking for!
Really depends on the event, actually. Although not a standard set of choice, you might find its use in specific circumstances.
Pale blue suit, orange shirt, dark blue tie & tan brown brogues?
Seems good. Choose a slightly “brownish” shoe color.
blue suite, pink & white shirt, tan shoes?