Building a solid suit collection doesn’t need to be complicated or cost a fortune. In my opinion, every guy should begin by investing in three versatile, high-quality suits that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
So, let’s examine what these essential suit colors are and why they deserve a spot in your closet.
1. The Navy Suit:
Let’s start with the Navy. If you don’t already own a navy suit, I suggest you change that, pronto. The Navy is a modern classic. It’s polished for the office or important daytime events but doesn’t come across as overly stuffy for hitting the town at night or kicking back at weddings.
I find it pairs well with lighter shirts and the usual necktie suspects from burgundy to silver. It’s seriously a no-brainer addition for any guy trying to expand his style horizons beyond basic blacks and grays.
2. The Gray Suit:
Now onto charcoal gray—possibly the ultimate suit shade. Gray suits are so easy to wear for day or night, rain or shine. I recommend going for a mid-tone gray rather than light or dark for maximum versatility.
Grays are essentially neutrals, meaning they provide the perfect backdrop for dazzling ties, pocket squares, and dress shirts for when you need to make an entrance at black-tie affairs. But grays can be toned down for business meetings too. There’s no occasion this suit can’t handle.
3. The Black Suit:
Lastly, we have the powerhouse black suit. Black suits ooze modern masculinity and confidence. Sure, they look sensationally sharp for evenings out and making the scene at VIP functions, yet they can also help set the tone for pivotal business presentations and networking meetups.
If you’re going for that boss CEO aesthetic, a tailored dark black wool suit is a must. Plus, let’s be honest, black is hands down the most slimming, flattering color for most men, and we all want to look sharper and more sculpted, right?
Verdict:
Having these three foundation suit colors readily on hand means always being prepped for life’s most important moments, both big and small. The navy, gray, and black suit trio forms an essential arsenal for the sharp-dressed man about town.
FAQs:
Can you wear a suit jacket as a blazer?
Yes, you can wear a suit jacket as a blazer as long as it matches and coordinates with the rest of your outfit appropriately. The key is that a suit jacket must work with non-suit pants such as chinos or dark jeans.
Can you wear brown shoes with a black suit?
No, you should not wear brown shoes with a black suit. Black suits should only be paired with black shoes in order to maintain the flow and coordination of colors from top to bottom. Brown shoes would look out of place and clash with an otherwise black ensemble.
Can you wear a bow tie with a suit?
Yes, you can absolutely wear a bow tie with a formal business suit for events where standard neckties are too expected. Opt for bow ties in silk, wool, or high-quality synthetics that complement your jacket and shirt duo without matching too directly.
Can you wear loafers with a suit?
You can wear loafers with most business and casual suits provided they are high-quality leather, have an appropriately formal aesthetic, and coordinate well with the rest of the ensemble. Stay away from overly casual loafers.
Can you wear a black suit to a wedding?
Yes, you can wear a black suit to a wedding as long as the ceremony and reception are late afternoon or evening events. Daytime summer weddings are best avoided for black suits which give off too somber a tone in bright light. Prioritize texture and sheen instead of pure black.
Can you wear a suit without a tie?
You can wear certain suits without a tie for business casual settings or evening events meant to convey a relaxed aesthetic. The key is choosing an intentionally styled, coordinated jacket and trouser pairing cut close to the body from unlined, lightweight materials.
Can you wear black shoes with a blue suit?
Yes, you can pair jet-black oxfords or loafers with navy and other dark blue business suits. Black shoes deepen the sophistication of the navy for evening formal events. During daytime opt for brown shoes instead which lighten the suit’s mood.
Can you wear boots with a suit?
You can pull off wearing boots with a suit if they have an appropriate refined, sleek profile that does not detract from the formality of the ensemble. Chelsea boots, jodhpurs and minimal motorcycle boots work while chunky styles should be avoided. Prioritize black, gray or brown leather boots.
Can you wear a suit jacket with jeans?
You can style a suit jacket with dark-wash, dressy jeans and other smart casual separates like oxford shirts and loafers. The key is choosing an unstructured suit jacket meant for casual wear in a lightweight material like cotton, linen or wool blends rather than business suits.
Can you wear a suit to a black-tie event?
No, you should not wear a mere business suit from your work wardrobe to true formal black tie events. Opt instead for a tuxedo with satin lapels, formal trousers with ribbon down the sides, a white formal shirt, a black bow tie, and other traditional black tie components.
Can you wear brown shoes with a grey suit?
Yes, brown leather shoes paired with gray suits bridge formal wear with rugged masculine energy. Brown wingtips, brogues, loafers and chukka boots in particular complement the versatility of gray suits for both business and casual occasions.
Can you wear Chelsea boots with a suit?
Yes, Chelsea boots can fashionably be worked into suit outfits provided they boast sleek, minimalist leather uppers and a slim silhouette. Pair them with modern slim or skinny suit trousers hitting at or just above the ankle for the most streamlined proportions.
Can you wear black shoes with a navy suit?
Yes, you can sharply pair jet-black oxford shoes or sleek loafers with navy blue suits. The deeper black shoes ground the lighter blue for a more refined, stylish look. This also allows seamless transitioning of the navy suit from day to night.