How To Style A Blue Suit

The blue suit has never gone out of style, with mid-blues and soft pastels now part of the mix and is still a firm favourite for weddings, business meetings and dinner parties. Luckily there are many ways to style and accessorise a blue suit so it’s easy to create a look that feels uniquely yours.

Our style experts have come together with inspiration and tips on how to pick the perfect shirt, tie, pocket square and shoes to match a blue suit for your next special occasion.

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Finding The Right Shade Of Blue

With so many different shades of blue, it can be difficult to know which kind is the right one for you. Navy blue suits are usually worn at more formal occasions, with light blue shades often worn at events with a more relaxed dress code like an outdoor wedding. Mid and royal blues can fit either dress code, depending on how you style them. As a general rule, the lighter the shade, the more laid back the event. It’s always important to get a feel for the dress code, and to choose a suit that you will feel confident in.

Finding The Right Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find a suit that fits well in the trousers, sleeves and shoulders, or book a free appointment at your nearest Suit Direct store.

What Colour Shirt Should I Wear With A Blue Suit?

Blue is one of the most versatile colours to wear as it pairs with an almost endless amount of accent colours which makes styling it simple - the hardest part is figuring out how to choose which colour palette to pick from, but we’re here to help.

The Classic White Shirt

A crisp white shirt looks good with any shade of blue, offering a nice contrast against a darker suit. This is a classic choice and one you can’t go wrong with. If you’ve chosen a pastel blue suit, a white shirt keeps the overall look light, perfect for summer.

Shades of Blue

If you’re opting for a navy or mid-blue suit and fancy something a little bit different, try tonal dressing. Create a sophisticated look with different shades of blue, starting with a pale blue shirt - the lighter the better. Finish with a lightly patterned blue tie or one that’s a few shades darker than your shirt for a coordinated look that strays from the classic white shirt without bucking tradition. There’s still room to weave a secondary colour in your pocket square if you’d like.

Prints and Patterns

A relaxed occasion allows for more flexibility in how you dress. A plain shirt in a solid colour is usually worn at more formal occasions but a printed shirt suits a more intimate or laid-back event and allows a touch more personality to shine through. Stick to a subtle pattern in soft blue, pink or grey on a white background to keep your look clean and modern.

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What colour tie to wear with a blue suit

What Colour Tie Goes With A Blue Suit?

The tie provides the perfect opportunity for you to create the right colour palette for a range of settings and themes. Here are our top picks depending on the suit shade and season.

Calm Neutrals

Neutral shades like champagne or cream make mid to lighter blue suits pop. A silk tie with a soft sheen is occasion-focused and can transform a suit into an occasion-ready look. Choose a warmer tone like beige or sand for summer.

Soft Pastel Shades

Pastel shades are the kings of summer styling. Pale pink, peach, powder blue and lilac complement both lighter and darker shades of blue suits and help to keep your outfit fresh and light for spring and summer.

Rich Jewel Tones

Rich jewel-like tones are sumptuous and easy to match with seasonal flowers and foliage and are perfect for winter and autumn. A deep burgundy or burnt orange tie adds a contrasting warmth compared to the cooler blue tones in your suit, while vibrant blues and forest green ties suit modern business settings.

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What Colour Pocket Square Should I Wear With A Blue suit?

It might seem like a small detail, but a pocket square can really bring a blue suit together. The pocket square is another great ally for building the perfect colour palette at weddings too - just make sure it connects to something else you’re wearing, like your shirt or the flowers in your buttonhole.

If you want to keep it simple, match your pocket square to your tie or shirt. White, cream and muted shades are a safe choice.

Mid-blue suits are easier to accessorise with pastel colours like sage or sky blue, while darker blues pair well with richer colours like burgundy and rust orange, especially in the colder months.

A cotton or linen pocket square in a pale shade like green or yellow keeps things light and relaxed in the summer.

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What Colour Waistcoat Goes With A Blue Suit?

A three piece suit is most often seen at special occasions and events like weddings and race days. Many suits offer a matching waistcoat for a coordinated look but if you’re looking for something a little different, a contrasting colour can work well - depending on the shade. A grey waistcoat is a popular choice as it shares the cool tones found in blue, similar to wearing a lighter or darker shade of blue. Brighten up your outfit with a waistcoat in cream or maroon, finding a similar shade for the tie to bring the look together.

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What Shoes Should I Wear With A Blue Suit?

Shoes and belts are equally as important for helping you create the right look. Typically, you’d pair brown or tan shoes with a blue suit, especially if you’re wearing a coloured tie. However, if your tie is black, your event has a more traditional dress code, or you’re wearing a blue tuxedo, then smart black shoes will complete the look.

If your suit is a lighter blue, consider lighter browns or even tan shoes, which feel fresh and seasonal. Suede can be a good choice in spring or summer, lending a softer texture without feeling too casual.

Your choices are generally more limited for belts, and a good rule of thumb is to match the colour of your shoe. Look for suit trousers with side adjusters as it removes the need for a clean look.

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The Finishing Touches

Complete your outfit with little extras like a polished tie bar, a smart watch, cufflinks or a lapel pin to add character, and don't forget to pay attention to your socks! They should cover the ankle and match an element of your outfit. Stick to black or navy with darker suits or match your socks to your tie for lighter blue suits.