Blue suits are among the most popular due to their versatility. Whether you’re attending a formal event, such as a wedding, or going to a job interview, a blue suit is a great choice. Plus, blue suits match many different colors of dress shirts and ties, allowing you to express your style in classic or unique ways.
Have you ever wondered if you could wear a black tie with your blue suit? If so, this article is a great place to find out because we’ll discuss the answer to that question. In addition, we’ll share some expert tips for looking your best and styling your suit like a pro!
Can You Wear a Blue Suit with a Black Tie?
Yes! This combo is a classic and looks great with the right styling. You can wear dark blue suits with black ties for formal occasions or situations where you don’t want to attract a lot of attention to your outfits, such as funerals or job interviews. Meanwhile, a light blue suit with a black tie would be appropriate in more casual settings.
Of course, to pull off this versatile suit and tie combination, there are some things you should keep in mind.
How to Style a Blue Suit with a Black Tie
Before you run to the closet and pull out any blue suit and black tie, you’ll want to read the rest of this post. These tips will help you style your suit and tie so they look good together, fit the desired dress code, and match your accessories.
Assess the Occasion
You likely know that some men’s suits are more formal than others. For example, you’re expected to wear a tuxedo to a black-tie event, but if you showed up to work wearing a tux, you would likely be a spectacle. In a similar way, the color of your suit can have a huge impact on your outfit. Some shades of blue, especially darker ones, are generally seen as more formal.
Moreover, fabrics are also an important factor to consider when choosing the right suit for the occasion. Rugged fabrics, such as linen, corduroy, cotton, or tweed are generally best in casual situations. On the other hand, glossy fabrics like worsted wool make for more formal suits.
Below you’ll find some examples of how to wear a blue suit with a black tie according to the dress code.
Black Tie Dress Code
Who said you could only wear black suits to black-tie events? Whether you’re headed to a wedding or walking the red carpet, a midnight blue tuxedo or dinner jacket with a black bow tie is the perfect look. If you want to take your evening wear to the next level, make sure your tuxedo shirt has a wing collar and your jacket has a peak lapel, as these are characteristic of more formal occasions.
If you don’t have a tuxedo or dinner suit and the event is black tie optional, a dark navy blue suit (preferably a three-piece suit) is your next best bet.
Business Professional
In less formal situations, such as a business meeting or job interview, you can opt for a regular fit navy suit with a silk black tie.
Business Casual
For business casual dress codes, you can ditch the two-piece suit and opt for a lighter blue suit jacket or blazer with dress pants. Another option is a slim-fit suit in your favorite shade of blue with a black tie. Have fun with the tie material, even experimenting with knitted or woven black ties if that’s your thing.
Stick to a Neutral Shirt
If you’re going to wear a blue suit with a black tie, a neutral shirt is essential. Light grey or white dress shirts are best since these light colors contrast with the tie but aren’t too busy. You may be able to get away with a light blue shirt, but only if your suit is a dark shade.
Match the Fabric
Not everyone thinks about the fabric of their suit and necktie, but these should also match or at least complement each other. It may not seem like a big deal, but failing to pay attention to this seemingly minor detail may ruin your whole ensemble.
For example, shiny wool suits look best with silk ties since these also have some shine to them. Linen or tweed suits look better with cotton, knit, or woolen ties.
Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize
Your accessories shouldn’t detract from your outfit. Instead, they should complement the main features, especially your suit. On our website, you’ll find many accessories to choose from, and below we recommend a few of our top picks for a blue suit and a black tie.
Tie Bar
Tie bars are a great addition to any outfit, mainly because they keep your tie in place and prevent you from looking disheveled. However, they also bring your look together and draw attention to your necktie. If your suit has some silver elements, opt for a silver tie bar. If not, you can choose any tie bar that you wish, but we recommend keeping it simple.
Pocket Square
Generally, your tie should match your pocket square. However, there’s an exception to this rule when you wear a black tie. In this case, a white pocket square is the safest choice. It won’t clash with your tie, contrasts with your blue suit, and matches your crisp white shirt.
Still, there are a few more options if you’re feeling daring. One possibility is a patterned pocket square, such as polka dots, that’s either black and white or blue and white.
Cufflinks
Formal outfits call for cufflinks, especially if you’re wearing a tuxedo shirt. Your best bet is silver, but you can also opt for darker metals like gunmetal.
Choose Matching Shoes
Brown and black shoes are both reasonable choices for a blue suit and black tie combo. The main difference is that black shoes blend in more with the outfit, while brown shoes create a contrast.
While both of these colors are acceptable, we recommend classic black dress shoes in patent leather for more formal settings. If the dress code is more relaxed, such as a social event, go for dark brown oxford shoes, brogues, loafers, or derby shoes.
It’s worth noting that your belt should always match the color of your shoes.
Browse PRIME Neckwear’s Collection of Black Ties
After reading this guide, you’re ready to rock your blue suit and black tie ensemble! You may need to purchase a few pieces to look your best, such as a black tie that matches the fabric of your suit or a pocket square to tie your look together. If so, don’t fret!
PRIME specializes in menswear and has everything you need to look your best, no matter the occasion. Browse our online shop now, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact our customer support team so we can lend you a hand!
