Written by Tanya Zhang

Intro to Picking the Suit Color

Selecting the perfect suit color can make a striking statement and exude confidence and sophistication. Whether you're preparing for a formal or black tie event or aiming to elevate your everyday professional attire, understanding the basic rules for picking suit colors is essential.

The color of your suit sets the tone for your overall appearance, conveying your personal style and leaving a lasting impression. In this article, we will explore the best suit colors for men, taking into consideration various factors such as occasion, complexion, and current fashion trends.

So, whether you're a fashion-forward gentleman or simply seeking guidance on classic suit color choices, read on to discover the timeless and versatile options that will elevate your sartorial game to new heights.

 

The Basic Rules for Picking Suit Colors

When it comes to picking suit colors, there are some basic rules that can help guide your decision-making process. These rules take into account factors such as occasion, complexion, and personal style. Here are the fundamental guidelines to consider:

1. Occasion: Different occasions call for different suit colors. For formal events like black-tie weddings or a wake or funeral, classic colors such as black, charcoal gray, or navy blue suits are ideal. Here's a guide on what tie to wear with your blue suit. These colors convey elegance and professionalism. For more smart casual settings, you have more flexibility to experiment with lighter or bolder suit colors. 

2. Complexion: Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining which suit colors will complement your appearance. For fair or light complexions, consider opting for darker suit colors like charcoal gray or navy blue. These shades provide a strong contrast and create a sharp look. If you have a medium to dark complexion, earthy tones like olive green, chocolate brown, or deep burgundy can enhance your features.

3. Versatility: When building a suit wardrobe, versatility is key. Opt for suit colors that can be easily paired with a variety of dress shirts and accessories. Classic colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, and medium gray are considered wardrobe staples as they can be dressed up or down for various occasions. This is our favorite white dress shirt to pair with a suit and solid navy tie. 

4. Fashion Trends: While timeless colors are always a safe choice, keeping an eye on current fashion trends can help you add a contemporary touch to your suit collection. Explore seasonal color trends and incorporate them into your wardrobe, but be mindful that these trendy colors may not have the same longevity as classic options.

5. Personal Style: Ultimately, your personal style should dictate your suit color choices. Consider your preferences, personality, and the image you want to portray. If you're more traditional, stick to classic colors. If you're bold and adventurous, don't hesitate to experiment with unique colors like deep red, true blue suit, or even pastel shades.

By following these basic rules for picking suit colors, you can ensure that your wardrobe remains versatile, stylish, and suited to your individuality.

Remember, a well-chosen suit color can significantly elevate your overall appearance and leave a lasting impression wherever you go.

 

Colors That Suit the Occasion

Choosing suit colors based on the dress code or occasion requires careful consideration to ensure that your attire aligns with the event's formality and expectations. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice:

1. Formal Events (Black Tie, White Tie): For formal occasions like black tie or white tie events, stick to classic and traditional suit colors. Opt for a black tuxedo for a black tie event and a tailcoat for white tie events. These colors are considered the standard and convey elegance and sophistication. 

2. Business Professional: In a business professional setting, such as formal meetings, interviews, or conferences, it's best to choose conservative, dark colored suits. Classic colors like navy blue, charcoal grey suit, and medium gray suits are safe and versatile options for power suits that project professionalism and confidence.

3. Business Casual: Business casual dress codes offer more flexibility while still maintaining a polished appearance. You can experiment with a wider range of suit colors, including lighter shades like a tan suit, gray, and even subtle patterns like pinstripes or checks. Just ensure that the overall look is still refined and well put together.
   
   

4. Casual and Social Events: For casual or social events, you have more freedom to explore a broader range of suit colors. Consider incorporating more vibrant or unconventional shades like burgundy, olive green, or even light pastel colors like light blue, depending on the season and your personal style. However, always consider the context of the event and ensure that your outfit is still appropriate and well-coordinated.
   
   

5. Seasonal Considerations: Depending on the time of year, it's also worth considering seasonal colors that align with the occasion. For example, in the fall, deeper, earthy tones like brown, rust, or mustard yellow can complement the autumn ambiance. Keep reading to see our suggestions for matching the fall season.

Remember, it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific dress code or guidelines provided for the occasion and make sure your suit fits well. If not, here's a guide on whether you should get your suit tailored.

This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your suit colors are in line with the expected level of formality. We have also put together a few color combinations guides like how to match your shirt and tie, as well as a few guides for suits:

• How to wear black suits and brown shoes

• How to wear blue suit with brown shoes

• How to wear grey pants and brown shoes

 

Best Suit Colors to Have

When building a well-rounded suit collection, it's beneficial to have a range of versatile colors that can cover various occasions and complement your style of colors suit well. Here is a list of the best suit colors for men:

 

Navy Blue Suit

A timeless classic, navy blue is a versatile color that works well for both formal and semi-formal occasions. It exudes sophistication and pairs well with a navy suit and wide range of dress shirts and tie combinations. Try wearing a black shirt with navy blue suit for a cool unique look.

 

Charcoal Gray Suit

Another staple color, charcoal gray offers a sleek and professional look. It's perfect for business settings and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

 

Black Suits

The epitome of elegance, black suits are a must-have for formal events and evening occasions. A black suit exudes confidence and refinement, making it a timeless choice. Try wearing a blue shirt with your black suit for a timeless and stylish look.

 

Light Gray Suit

Light gray suits are excellent for daytime and summer events. Light grey suits offer a more relaxed and approachable aesthetic than brown suits while still maintaining a sense of professionalism.

 

Medium Gray Suit

This shade sits between charcoal grey and light gray, offering a balanced and modern look. It provides more versatility than a darker gray suit and can be a great option for business or social events.

 

Brown Suit

A rich, earthy tone like a chocolate brown or dark brown suit can add depth and character to your suit collection. It's an excellent alternative to the traditional black or gray options and works well for both formal and casual settings.

 

Olive Green

For a unique and stylish choice, consider an olive green suit. It's a versatile color that adds a touch of individuality while remaining sophisticated and trendy.

 

A white suit is typically reserved for specific occasions, such as summer or tropical destination weddings, beach events, or white-themed parties. A white suit draws attention and is a bold and attention-grabbing choice that exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance when worn appropriately in the right setting. 

However, it's important to consider the dress code and the formality of the event before opting for a white suit, as it may not be suitable for more traditional or conservative settings.

The key is to have a mix of classic and contemporary suit colors that suit your personal style and can adapt to different occasions. With these essential suit colors in your wardrobe, you'll be well-prepared to make a statement with your attire.

 

Fall Suit Colors

When transitioning into the fall season, incorporating suit colors that align with the autumnal ambiance can enhance your style. Here are some fall suit colors to consider:

1. Dark Brown: Deep, rich shades of brown, such as espresso or chestnut, evoke the warm tones of autumn. A dark brown suit adds a touch of sophistication and pairs well with earthy tones and autumnal accessories.

2. Burgundy: This deep, wine-inspired color is a classic choice for fall. A burgundy suit exudes elegance and can be a stylish alternative to traditional black or navy. It pairs well with neutral tones and adds a pop of richness to your ensemble.
   
   

3. Olive Green: As the leaves change color, incorporating an olive green suit into your fall wardrobe can be a smart choice. It reflects the natural hues of the season and offers a versatile, earthy option that works well with various shirt and tie combinations.

4. Rust or Tan: Rust, a warm reddish-brown shade, is reminiscent of falling leaves and cozy autumn days. A suit in this color can make a bold statement while maintaining a sophisticated and stylish appearance. 

5. Charcoal Gray: While charcoal grey is a timeless color suitable for any season, it particularly shines during fall. It pairs well with the deeper, warmer tones commonly associated with autumn and provides a sleek and refined look.

6. Mustard Yellow: For those looking to add a vibrant touch to their fall wardrobe, mustard yellow can be an unexpected but stylish choice. A mustard yellow suit brings warmth and energy to your outfit, making it an excellent option for fashion-forward individuals.

Consider hues that reflect the autumn while still aligning with your preferences and the formality of the event. With these fall suit colors, you'll be ready to embrace the season in style.

 

Frequently asked questions about suit colors

Which suit color is best?

The best suit color ultimately depends on the individual's personal style, occasion, and complexion, but classic and versatile options like navy suits and charcoal gray are widely considered safe and stylish choices for various settings.

 

What 5 suit colors should every man own?

Every man should consider owning five essential suit colors: dark blue, charcoal gray, black suit, medium gray, and a versatile shade of dark brown suits. These colors offer a well-rounded selection that covers formal events, business settings, and more casual occasions while allowing for flexibility and timeless style.

 

What colors should match in a suit?

When it comes to matching colors in a suit, it's essential to ensure that the suit itself matches well with the shirt, tie, and accessories. Harmonizing shades of the same color family, coordinating complementary colors, or opting for classic combinations like navy blue suit with a white shirt are safe choices to achieve a polished and cohesive look.

 

What color should your first suit be?

For your first suit, a versatile and timeless color like navy blue suit or charcoal gray is highly recommended. These classic colors can be easily dressed up or down, suitable for a range of occasions, and provide a solid foundation for building your suit collection.