It can be a little tricky to match a shirt and tie with your suit color. However, choosing the right color combination can make you look classy, elegant, and presentable.
First impressions usually last. That’s why fitting your suit is essential. But so is the color combination between the suit, shirt, and tie.
Actually, your suit color is the first thing someone will notice – even before the brand, the cut, and the number of buttons.
Let’s look at some of the most common colors used in suits and how to match them with a shirt and tie. Keep in mind that the season, weather, and occasion play a crucial role in choosing a color.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel is the foundation of all color combinations. Understanding it can lead to the exploration of different styles and concepts.
Hence, the color wheel is divided into two sections: warm colors and cool colors. The first is vibrant and warm; the latter is calm and cold.
Using this color wheel, we can create combinations that will match together perfectly. I have listed below the exact patterns and schemes that we can use to achieve the best match.
Keep in mind, however, that this is only informative. Mastering the color combinations will come from experience.
One Color Shades Scheme
This color scheme will lead to the same color combination of your suit, shirt, and tie. It’s the easiest scheme to achieve and is usually a starting point for every suit-wearer.
Matching darker variants of one color to its lighter tones can lead to subtle color combinations. Take the navy suit, soft blue shirt, and blue tie as an example.
Analog Colors Scheme
This scheme matches colors that are similar to each other. Based on the color wheel, similar colors are considered next (adjacent) to each other.
This color scheme usually means that the tie will be slightly warmer than the shirt and the suit. It’s a color combination that is pretty acceptable to the human eye and (almost) never leads to a mistake.
Contrasting Colors Scheme
Contrasting colors match colors that are three slots apart on the color wheel. This color scheme combination can bring harmony to your appearance but is quite often hard to match.
One example of contrasting colors is red and blue. It’s no wonder why red ties pair so well with soft blue shirts and dark blue or navy suits. Thus, the best practice involves matching a darker tone of each variant.
Complementary Colors Scheme
These colors are opposite to each other on the color wheel. As a result, they are the hardest to match together and usually require a lot of sense and experience to pull off a stylish appearance.
To match these colors together on a suit properly, match a tie with a darker tone (shade) from the shirt. As an example, match a grey suit, orange tie, and a soft blue shirt.
Navy Suit
There is never going to be a perfect replacement for black other than the navy. It is a color that has a high preference among suit-wearers, and it’s easy to plan around when the time is short.
A navy suit is a way to go for people who need to stick with a dark color but still want to make a more exclusive impression.
Navy is often referred to as a foundation color for suits, perhaps due to its commonality. In fact, it seems that there are no situations in which a navy suit would be viewed as inappropriate.
It is often considered an elegant and traditional choice. Play with the clarity of this hue and choose classic blends.
Navy Suit & White Shirt Color Combination
It was proven that white shirts pair excellently with navy, just like any other patches of blue. In fact, a navy suit and a white shirt make some of the best combinations from my experience.
Match this combination with a solid color tie like navy, blue, grey, or red. Striped ties would also be an excellent choice for navy suits.
Alternatively, choose a dark color foulard tie, and you will get a perfect result. For instance, you can try putting on a navy suit with a navy or brown tie.
Also, to come up with a modernized look, you can choose a skinny tie, experimenting with one of the slim tie knots.
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Navy Suit & Pink Shirt Color Combination
To have an edgier twist, why not combine a pink shirt with your navy suit? It’s one of the best color combinations if you want to get attention.
Pink automatically attracts attention. If you want to achieve an authoritative type of look, match it together with a red tie.
A navy tie is considered a great option as well. As an alternative, however, you may want to go for a purple or silver tie.
Consider striped and foulard ties as the first option for this suit & shirt color combination. Go for solid and dotted only if you have to.
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Navy Suit & Blue Shirt Color Combination
Matching a navy suit with a light blue shirt is familiar territory for many celebrities and regular gents alike. The secret is to match it with a lighter variant of blue and add a tie with an eye-catching pattern.
These two additions will brighten up the suit and increase the power and representation it carries with him.
Try to choose a soft variant of blue for the shirt. This way, you can diversify the overall appearance.
For the best and smoothest look, go for foulard or striped ties. Go with a more specific red color (such as crimson) variant or a striped white and blue tie.
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Blue Suit
Blue suits provide a modern and fashion-forward look but take some time to master. That’s because blue can be a challenging choice for a suit color.
Still, several standard shirt and suit combinations blend perfectly.
A crucial thing to notice is that blue suits reflect self-confidence and boldness. It’s attention-seeking and sets you apart from the rest. But the best thing is that it’s a fantastic color to work with.
For the best appearance, match the blue suit with a white dress shirt. It really empowers the blue suit. Finally, finish the look with a red, soft blue, or dark blue tie.
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Another color that blends in perfectly with blue is pink. A soft pink shirt will provide a nice contrast to the blue suit, creating a shirt and suit color combo that is both contemporary and pleasing to the eye.
The color wheel shows a plethora of color options for a tie. Certainly, you can go for a blue, light red, or pink tie. But my favorite tie choices will be navy ties with pink decorations like dots, stripes, or floral segments.
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Again, blue suits require a lot of work to master all the elements. That’s because different shades and hues completely change the overall appearance.
It is why I advise you to read my full guide if you want to dive deeper here.
Grey Suits
Grey can be the bane of a suit wearer’s existence because of the many variations.
But the problem with this color is exactly its variety. There is a light grey and a dark charcoal grey – and the spectrum can be huge.
Deciding on the tint and shade can be made based on the occasion and the formality. For example, darker suits tend to be more formal than light ones.
Grey Suit & White Shirt Color Combination
Both grey and white are neutral colors. Thus, you can mix this combination with almost every tie.
A grey suit and white shirt can be matched with a black or navy tie to demonstrate formality. Darker red tones will be a great choice as well.
To achieve a little less serious and informal look, match a grey suit with a white dress shirt, along with a grey tie. You can blend them with a brown belt and brown shoes.
Another option is pairing your charcoal grey suit with a blue and black repp striped tie together with black accessories.
Lastly, I couldn’t help but notice that James Bond simply loves the grey suit and white shirt combo. He usually matches it with a grey or black tie.
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If you prefer a regular fit, my suggestion will be:
Grey Suit & Pink Shirt Color Combination
If you feel that the resulting ensemble of the grey suit is a bit “dry”, then a pink shirt will change your point of view.
I suggest matching this combination with a slightly darker variation of a pink or violet tie.
One of the several reasons making grey a perfect choice for a pink shirt is that, based on the shade, it can easily be matched with either a blue or black tie.
Additionally, you can go with other dark tie colors, such as maroon.
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Grey Suit & Blue Shirt Color Combination
Matching a grey suit and a light blue shirt will lighten your overall appearance. Go for a soft blue shirt because a too-bright blue shirt can ruin the elegance of the combination.
In my personal opinion, the best choice for a tie is either navy or blue. However, you want to distinguish between the shirt and the tie by adding a significantly darker shade of blue tie.
As an alternative, you can combine a grey tie, a shade similar to the shade of the suit. A darker shade is also good, which leads us to another possible option – a black tie.
Regardless of the combination, it will give you that bold and intelligent appearance. Perfect for formal events and business occasions.
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Charcoal Grey Suit
Charcoal grey is a great color that you can choose for a suit, especially if you want to go for a more classic suit type.
Additionally, this color is an excellent option for formal events, including meetings and weddings. It seems that you can never go wrong with a charcoal grey; it is perfect for any occasion.
However, matching the charcoal suit perfectly might need a little practice. That’s why I’ve created a complete guide on all the possible charcoal-grey suits, shirts, and tie combinations.
Light Grey Suit
If white is too bright to wear, light grey is the perfect color to use instead.
The light grey suit feels like a cool breeze swooping in to shake things up. It can be a little trickier, however, to match shirts and ties to a light-grey suit.
If you’re solely interested in matching a light-grey suit with a shirt and tie, read the complete guide.
Black Suit
Black is, by all means, considered to be the principal color when it comes to suits. It carries a reputation for being severe and authoritative.
Black suits are suitable for every occasion, formal and casual alike.
If you have a black suit paired with a white button-down shirt, you can choose a tie with patterns. A dotted tie will be just as elegant, as well.
Unless you prefer to be acknowledged as “formal”. In that case, go for regimental-striped or foulard ties.
Black Suit & White Shirt Color Combination
Black suits and white shirts were once the perfect color combination.
In my opinion, the same qualities that once made the black & white combo perfect still hold. Besides, it’s a straightforward color combination to pair anything with.
Red, blue, and grey are often considered traditional options for ties that go along well with a black suit and a white shirt.
Other fitting matches include a black suit with striped or foulard gold, black or brown tie. In fact, the spectrum is so huge that even plaid and paisley ties match just fine.
However, keep in mind that black suits are mostly made of wool, a heavy fabric. So your option for both shirts and ties should complement this very well.
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Black Suit & Pink Shirt Color Combination
To match a pink shirt with a black suit, choose a more soft and light shade of pink. Too bright, and you will ruin the harmony.
Match this combination with a striped pink & dark color tie, like black or navy. Or bring neutrality with something grey or navy. Additionally, you can put on a red or darker shade of pink tie.
Pink shirts can like quite good on a black suit, especially if you bring some other element into the combination. For example, it can be a striped or dotted tie, a striped suit, or a different shirt’s collar color.
I love this suit & shirt combination. Pink is a very adaptable color and goes along with black just fine. Feel comfortable trying it on!
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Brown Suit
Is brown an option? Yes, and based on the fabric can make anyone stand out. Brown suits have a natural earth tone and provide some excellent shirt and suit combinations.
The fun thing about this color is that it can quickly alternate between professional and casual.
There were times when older gentlemen may disagree with brown being a professional color. But times have changed.
Brown Suit & White Shirt Color Combination
Brown suits are warmer than all other suits. But that doesn’t mean they are strictly casual.
In fact, the white shirt fits so well with a brown suit that I even recommend it for formal or business events alike.
Match this combination with a black, brown, or yellow striped tie, and you’ve got a lovely overall appearance.
Alternatively, you can combine it with a white-dotted brown tie with a darker shade or a slightly lighter analog color solid tie to enhance that warm look of your brown suit.
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Brown Suit & Blue Shirt Color Combination
Last but not least, a very introverted yet powerful color combination: a brown suit and a light blue shirt.
Try matching this attire with a striped navy tie or a dotted or solid blue tie. As a matter of fact, it all depends on the warmth of the brown. But you’ve mastered colors by now and will get along just fine, right?
The contract between the warm brown and the coolness of the blue is evident, balanced, and in perfect harmony. So don’t hesitate to try it on you.
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Tan Suit
Tan suits can accentuate youth, depending on the wearer. Thus, it leaves a first impression that lasts for a lifetime.
A very functional color just by design; it has the right amount of color in it. Tan is actually a shade of brown, just brighter.
Tan is considered the most casual color for suits. I will avoid them if I want to leave a serious or strong business impression.
The shirt and tie color combination makes a huge difference in the overall appearance, though.
Tan Suit & White Shirt Color Combination
A white shirt is a perfect match for a tan suit.
It is an acceptable color combination for casual circumstances like celebrations, summer events, and even a date night.
Brown, gold, blue, and navy are the best and classiest choices for a tie. Since this is somehow a more casual combo, leaving the time at home is also acceptable.
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Tan Suit & Pink Shirt Color Combination
Pink is a vibrant color and can be a lovely complement to a tan suit.
Opt for soft pink rather than bright shades. Even the pale pink works perfectly to warm up the tan hue.
A brown or purple tie can be the perfect match for this suit and shirt color combination. But the most unusual yet astonishing choice would be a floral tie.
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Tan Suit & Blue Shirt Color Combination
Tan and blue go well together for the same reason that black and white do. Blue is colder and calmer, and tan is its warmer counterpart.
A pale blue shirt softens the tan suit and cools the tones of the overall appearance.
Match the suit and the shirt with a blue, navy, or charcoal grey tie to formalize the look.
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Finding the Sweet Spot
Having a variety of suit jacket colors is a way to avoid getting stuck with nothing to wear. The suit color is the foundation when matching your formal attire.
A wardrobe that lacks the basic suit, shirt, and tie colors will have nothing to fall back on.
So start with the base colors. Then, work to mix and match shirt and suit combinations for the best effect.
For example, brown is no longer just casual and can be used in the business world.
Still, navy blue and charcoal grey are fantastic options for every occasion and the most common first suit choices.
One thing to notice is that all these colors are just the tip of the iceberg. Thus, they make a great starting point for figuring out the personality within the suit.
If there is a combination that makes you uncertain, skip it through. Instead, go with something certain and already proven.
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.
Hi there, this site is really helpful. I wonder if you could give any suggestions on my outfit.
I’d like to wear a dark-colored shirt (black or blue comes to mind) contrasted with a nice suit but not sure what suit, any advice would be much appreciated.
It’s for a first day at work, so I want to make a good impression.
For business attire, I suggest a light solid shirt (preferably white or blue). I really don’t recommend wearing a black shirt.
Any dark-colored suit or blazer (like navy or charcoal) is great. But, most importantly, the suit has to be well-fitted.
For more, you can read my business-professional dress code attire.
My husband wants to wear a dark wine/burgundy shirt (solid) with a dark grey (slight look of texture) to a semi-formal wedding this month. I’m not sold on the combo, but he loves it. What are your thoughts? What would you suggest as far as the tie?
Semi-formal weddings allow room for creativity, making this color combination perfectly acceptable. A dark tie would be better (darker shade burgundy, grey, or black), preferably solid or dotted/patterned (avoid stripes). Likewise, black or burgundy shoes and belt are best, and they should be of the same color.
I have a light brown sports coat and a dark brown pants. Could these go together? If not what could I wear with the outfit? Then also I am still debating the dress shirt. Lastly is there a possible chance of wearing white leather shoes with the look?
It all depends on the occasion. It’s also an unusual combination, but you can probably make it work. If you decide to stick with the white loafer, a white dress shirt is perhaps the best choice. However, brown shoes will work way better.
Hi,
I am wearing a gunmetal grey suit. My fiance is wearing a teal colored outfit for a wedding. What color ties would go with a gunmetal color suit.
It really depends on the dress shirt color. But navy, red, and black ties are some classic options for dark grey suits. Finally, you can wear the same shade teal tie and white shirt to match your fiancee’s outfit.
Hi I am wearing a light brown suit with blue checks paired along with a light blue shirt. What color tie should I pick?
The standard choice will be a medium blue, navy, or brown tie.
I have a raspberry color suit for my wedding. Which shirt and tie would match this suit?
I see this blog to be quite interesting. Please help!
Raspberry is similarly matched as the burgundy. Check out these burgundy suit color combinations to explore some interesting ideas.
I have a olive green suit what color tie should I wear?
I have a bright, light turquoise tie with patterns. Very hard to match. What shirt do you recommend?
A white shirt will be the best choice.
I have a Black suit, A white shirt and an Ash trouser/pants, what colour of tie is ideal/
If you’re looking for a solid tie, I would suggest charcoal grey or black. Better yet, go with a striped tie and a mix of black, grey, and white.
Looking to wear a tan suit with a muave colored shirt. What would be the best color tie to match the suit and shirt?
I would advise a brown or a purple tie (darker shade from the shirt). Navy can look good, too. Depending on the occasion, a floral tie is also an option. Check my guide for tan suits for more.
My fiance and her bridesmaids are wearing raspberry red dresses, she would like us in cobalt blue or a shade of grey, what would work best to match them? looking for tie/sock/pocket square combos to match either a cobalt blue or darker shade of grey suit and pull it all together.
A blue suit will work just fine. Take a look at this article to match your blue suit with your tie. Even a raspberry red tie will be a good way to go.
Have an ash suit with sky blue stripes what shirts & tie will do?
I have graphite black suit with a white shirt – what tie color would you recommend with this combination? Thanks
My son has a dark olive green suit and black shirt so what color tie would work with this ensemble?
A dark green suit fits best with a white shirt. But if the shirt must be black, a black solid, foulard or Macclesfield tie will work.
Or even better, no tie at all.
I’m wearing a dark red suit and probably a white shirt (not sure yet). what color tie would work best with this?
The best tie color with this suit-shirt combination will probably be black. However, if you want a light tie, go for a significantly lighter shade of red. Hope that helps, all the best.
I am wearing a black suit with a black shirt. What colour of tie would look nice and classy? Would a pastel yellow tie look nice on it?
Very good combo, I wear yellow or gold ties with a black suit all the time.