How to Wear Blue Suits: Outfit Ideas for All Occasion

A blue suit is a necessity for all men. Ideal for work, the weekend and beyond, blue suits are both versatile and stylish. Of course, how your blue suit is perceived depends mainly on its shade. While light and bright blues create a bold statement, more subdued tones and navy hues achieve a refined aesthetic. But, don’t worry if you’re unsure about what blue suit to wear when and where because we’re here to provide some expert advice on the topic. Below is our guide on how to wear blue suits for every occasion.

When to Wear a Blue Suit

Smart Casual

For less formal, more adaptable casual looks, opt for blue blazers and suiting in pastel tones or ground your looks with honourable navy. If a relaxed aesthetic is what you are hoping to achieve, team your suit with cashmere sweaters and simple scoop neck shirts. Accompanying whites will suit all blue shades but also experiment with brighter accessories to add dimension to more relaxed looks. Maintain an understated look with sneakers, particularly in classic colours to contrast with your blue tailoring in a subtle, but effective way.

Corporate Attire

Blue suiting should be a welcomed change from the standard monotony of black, so commit to blue tailoring by teaming your suits with classic white work shirts and brighter ties. While navy will work remarkably, don’t be discouraged to also experiment with brighter blue suits, which have proven to produce formidable workplace looks. Team with deep, dusky brown shoes for a classic take on blue suiting and incorporate subtle bursts of colour with ties in complementary colours like emerald greens and vermillion reds. Do not be afraid to mix up patterns, styles and textures to express aspects of your personality in the office.

Cocktail Attire

Darker blue suits will work well for cocktail attire and can be enhanced with personal touches like vividly patterned pocket squares and sleek leather belts. For a modern take on blue suiting, go for more iridescent blues that will appear unique in the midst of cookie-cutter cocktail looks. Ensure your suit is perfectly fitted, cut a sleek silhouette when trying out brighter suits and do not be scared to experiment with vivid shirt colours and patterns for varying aesthetics. Additionally, don’t be fearful to opt for a patterned blue suit which will evoke a dimensional centrality to looks, but ensure it is teamed with more subtle accessories and traditionalist dress shirts.

Formal Occasions

The patterned blue suits in steel blue plaids and navy checks will add depth to your aesthetic, offering timelessness with a twist. Be sure to also keep your shoes clean and polished while matching the colour tone to your belt and outfit. Dimensional blues traditionally work best for more formal occasions, so amplify this colour choice with classic white dress shirts and textured bow ties or slim ties in traditionalist shades. Opt for darker blue pocket squares for contrast and a personalised essence to looks. Be mindful that a blue suit can set you apart from the crowd, but styling and modernised fit are essential to perfect memorable blue formal looks. The double-breasted suit is always great and adds a point of difference to the common formal evening wear attire.

Blue Suit Styling Tips

• There are many shades of blue, and with so many options, it can be easy to make the wrong choice. Keep in mind that the color of your suit invariably dictates how you are perceived. Have a think about the setting in which you will be wearing the suit. As a general rule of thumb, the brighter your suit, the more likely you are to appear in the background of a Miami music video.
• For a more contemporary turn on the blue suit, you can opt for a neon shade. Vibrant colors portray a summery, fun feel.
• If you’re looking for a more classic take on the blue suit, powder and navy blues are solid options.
  Mid-tone blues are a versatile option if you’re planning on wearing your suit to the office and social events. Brighter tones may find it difficult to transition into a nighttime event, while navy blues might only suit the office. Mid-tones will make give you a go-to option for most events and allow you to dress it up or down.
• When pairing your suit with a shirt, think first about making some distinction between colors. You don’t want to choose a shirt that is washed out by a bright blue suit jacket. The easiest way to do this is to choose a smart, white shirt. It’s the most versatile option and can be worn with a tie or an open collar.
• Pale blue and pink tones are also terrific shirt choices for a fun vibe.
  White pocket squares are always a safe option, although pocket squares in darker shades of blue are also a nice look with brighter suits.
• While your choice of tie color is wide open, the color of your tie is most often dictated by the occasion and your suit’s shade of blue.
• Black or brown shoes are your best color choice, although brighter suits also combine well with tan shoes. If you’re wanting to appear more casual, go sock-less with your shoes.
  If you’re looking to appear even more casual, you can pair your blue suit with white runners and a polo.

Roger Grindstead

Fashion Designer / Writer

Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.