There’s nothing quite like a blue suit to make you feel confident and powerful. But before you can rock the look, you need to know how to style it correctly.
In this post, I’ll be breaking out how to style a men’s blue suit to suit different occasions, formalities, and times of the year.
Let’s get to it.
We’ll be covering:
- What’s The Best Shade Of Blue Suit?
- How To Wear A Blue Suit To The Office
- Can You Wear A Blue Suit To A Funeral?
- How To Style A Blue Suit For A Wedding
What’s The Best Shade Of Blue Suit?
That’s not a question with one simple answer. After all, suits come in many different shades of blue, each with its own pros and cons.
The classic navy suit, for example, is a great shade to wear when you want to look serious and professional. It’s also a good choice for more formal occasions, like weddings or funerals.
But if you’re looking for something a little more fun and unique, you might want to try a lighter shade of blue, like powder blue or baby blue. These colors are perfect for summertime events or parties.
In order to work out which shade of blue is best for you, it’s important that you assess your own individual needs.
- Where do you plan to wear this suit?
- Do you like suits that make a statement?
- Are you more traditional or modern when it comes to your sartorial wardrobe?
It isn’t easy to work these things out. Which is why I’m breaking out a variety of different blue suit options below.
How To Wear A Blue Suit To The Office
Wearing a blue suit at work is pretty standard practice for most guys. You could work in a conservative bank or a modern art studio, a blue suit will easily carry you through most professional situations you might find yourself in.
You’ll find that the darker the shade, the more traditional your blue suit will appear.
As such, if you work in a conservative city office, I’d recommend opting for a classic navy suit. Doing so will ensure that you look smart and serious without coming across as too try-hard or formal.
Pair your navy suit with a light blue shirt and mustard-yellow tie for a classic, professional look that guys have been wearing for decades.
That being said, if you work in a more relaxed environment, you might want to experiment with lighter shades of blue.
A powder blue suit is a great choice for summer days in the office, while a baby blue suit can inject some much-needed personality into your work wardrobe.
Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple if you’re going for a lighter blue suit. A white shirt and dusty pink tie are always a good choice, as they will stop your look from becoming too busy or overwhelming.
Can You Wear A Blue Suit To A Funeral?
Should you wear a light blue suit to a funeral? Absolutely not.
Should you wear a royal blue suit to a funeral? Heck no.
Can you get away with wearing a well-tailored navy suit to a funeral – yes.
The trick is to ensure that your navy suit is the only blue item you’re wearing. A crisp white shirt, black tie, and black shoes will ground your look and ensure that you’re respectful of the occasion.
Be warned – some people may take offense to you opting for a colored suit. Traditionalists will expect you to wear a black suit – so use your best judgement.
If you knew the person well and think that they wouldn’t have wanted you to wear a black suit to their funeral, then that’s your decision. Just be ready to justify yourself if challenged by grieving loved ones.
If you think the risk is too high, then just opt for a black suit instead.
How To Style A Blue Suit For A Wedding
There are two types of weddings – summer and winter. And as you might expect, the way you style your blue suit will differ depending on the season in which you attend.
A good rule of thumb is this: if the weather’s cold and the leaves have fallen, opt for a dark suit. Winter is the time of year when darker colors really come into their own, so wearing a navy suit with darker accessories is best.
For an average American winter wedding, wear:
- A navy 3-piece suit
- A crisp white poplin shirt
- A dark red tie with a tie clip
- Brown shoes and belt
However, if the weather is warm and the wedding’s outdoors, you’re safe to go a bit lighter in your color palette.
Like the summer flowers that the bride will undoubtedly use to adorn every inch of her wedding venue, it’s good for you to dress up in pastel shades that match the season.
So, for a summer wedding, you might want to consider:
- A light blue two-piece suit
- An off-white linen shirt
- A patterned, slim tie in shades of yellow or pink
- Light brown loafers or Derby shoes
Remember – it’s always better to be too formal than too casual at a wedding. you can always take off your jacket if things start to get more laid back on the dance floor.
Styling a Blue Suit FAQs:
What color shirt goes best with a blue suit?
A white or light blue shirt is classic, but pastel pink and light grey also work well.
What shoes should I wear with a blue suit?
Brown or black leather shoes are great options, with brown being more casual and black more formal.
What accessories go with a blue suit?
A pocket square, tie bar, and cufflinks can elevate your look. Opt for silver or gold tones to match your belt buckle.
What tie colors match a blue suit?
A navy, burgundy, grey, or even patterned ties like polka dots or stripes work well with blue suits.
Should I wear a belt with my blue suit?
Yes, it’s best to wear a belt, and it should match your shoes for a cohesive look.
What color socks go with a blue suit?
Dark blue or grey socks are a safe choice, but patterned socks can add a touch of personality. Consider formality of the even you wear a suit to.
Is it okay to wear a blue suit casually?
Yes, pair it with a casual shirt and loafers or sneakers for a laid-back yet sharp look