Why Navy Blue Suits Are Essential
In my opinion, a navy blue suit is a timeless, versatile, and essential addition to any man’s wardrobe because it can cover you for just about any situation that you can think of.
Suitable for both formal events, such as weddings or dinners, and casual enough to be worn for more lighthearted occasions, a navy blue suit is a staple piece that can be dressed up or down fairly easily and can even be broken up into effective suit separates (assuming that the right fabric is chosen).
This guide aims to demonstrate the versatility of a classic navy suit, but remember, these seven outfits are only a SMALL sample of the many styling options this timeless menswear staple offers.
But first things first...
What About a Dark Blue Suit?
Dark navy blue suits, in particular, are just as versatile as regular navy blue suits, and some would argue they are even MORE essential to own.
Truth be told, I've gone back and forth between these two schools of thought...
On the one hand, a dark blue suit is an excellent alternative to a black or dark gray suit, adding a touch of sophistication to any look.
A dark navy blue suit can serve as an excellent "single-suit collection" because it is dark enough for more formal events and even funerals, while still allowing the wearer to pair it with brown dress shoes and a variety of dress shirts, neckties, accessories, etc.
That said, I believe any man who NEEDS to own a suit for work or daily life is likely to own several suits throughout his lifetime. Therefore, my advice is to begin with a classic navy blue suit.
Navy blue suits convey trustworthiness and approachability, making them a popular choice for formal and even casual events.
What to Wear With a Navy Blue Suit
A white shirt is a classic pairing with a navy blue suit (as we will soon see), but lighter pastel tints can also add a touch of color, allowing one's personality to shine through.
A navy blue suit can be complemented with various necktie colors such as navy, gold, brown, green, red, and black. Of course, brown shoes are an excellent choice for adding warmth to the outfit, but black shoes can be just as suitable.
Navy Blue Suit Styles & Occasions
A navy blue suit is a popular choice for weddings, formal events, and business meetings. A slim-fit navy blue suit can create a modern and stylish look, perfect for younger men.
A navy suit can also be paired with a variety of accessories, including a waistcoat, tie, and pocket square.
Where to Buy Navy Blue Suits
The Best Custom-Made Option: Suit Supply
Suit Supply began as an "off-the-rack" suiting company before graduating to its more recent "custom" (a.k.a. made-to-measure) program.
Suit Supply differentiates itself from traditional suiting outlets by offering premium pre-made suits with excellent fabric and pattern options. The company also has a unique team of tailors who sit in front of each store, ready to spring into action and alter suits to achieve an excellent fit for the customer.
Although Suit Supply is known for its off-the-rack options, its newer custom program is also outstanding.
If you're like me and don't have a "typical" build that translates well to ready-to-wear clothing, I highly recommend choosing Suit Supply's custom option, which is definitely the BEST choice in my opinion.
In fact, each of the following seven navy blue suit outfits I'm about to showcase features my custom navy blue wool suit from Suit Supply, so you'll be able to see for yourself what I mean.
The Best Ready-To-Wear Option: Bonobos
Bonobos is difficult to surpass when it comes to high-quality, classic-styled "ready-to-wear" clothing straight from the production line.
I understand that not everyone is as focused on tailoring and obtaining a perfect fit as I am; however, fit remains the MOST important factor when wearing a suit.
So, if you're looking for a ready-to-wear option, trust that Bonobos offers well-made suits that will fit you well and, more importantly, fulfill your need for a handsome and professional suit.
Without further delay, here's one classic navy blue wool suit styled in seven different ways.
Outfit #1: Business Time
Kicking things off with the most classic of these looks, I have a navy suit, crisp white poplin dress shirt, classic silk striped rep tie from Brooks Brothers (the iconic BB#1 Rep Tie), a white silk pocket square, brown double monk strap dress shoes, and a dress watch in an elegant color scheme.
Effortlessly regal, this is the type of ensemble you’ll see politicians or company executives wear (depending on the company).
The white dress shirt is the most formal color, creating a bold contrast that isn’t too loud or fussy. The deep red and gold in the tie are perfectly balanced; after all, Brooks Brothers has been selling this type of tie for decades, and any style aficionado will quickly recognize its distinction and quality.
If you aren't willing to spend over $100 on a Brooks Brothers necktie like the one I have here, don't worry. The Tie Bar is an affordable alternative you can TRUST if you're trying to dress well on a modest budget.
Truth be told, if you opt for The Tie Bar's less than $30 Bar Stripes silk tie, you and those around you will scarcely notice the difference between the two (trust me).
Outfit #2: Tieless
This next look is one of the most casual ways to wear a navy suit.
The most noticeable change is the absence of a tie. Any dress shirt with an apparent pattern will automatically be more casual than your typical white or solid-colored variant, but that doesn’t mean it can't be dressed up.
For this look, however, I'm leaning more toward a casual vibe by ditching the necktie altogether.
This look COULD very well be complemented with a stylish silk tie, depending on its pattern, but I opted to wear the white-and-blue striped dress shirt alone and skipped the pocket square to highlight the outfit's casual vibe.
For footwear, I have opted for a pair of leather loafers (arguably the most casual of the dressier shoes) for an effortless look and additional comfort.
Since I have no tie or pocket square, I chose a classic, handsome wristwatch that matches the outfit's color scheme to complete the look.
This ensemble is perfect for a casual day at the office or a relaxed reunion or networking event where looking polished remains essential.
Outfit #3: The Groomsman
For men planning to marry the beautiful woman of their dreams, this traditional navy-blue suit combination is a perfect choice.
It includes all essential elements typical of a classic wedding groomsman's outfit:
The ice-blue dress shirt (slightly off-white but very close in color) pairs well with either a white or silvery silk necktie, making it suitable for the groom's special day.
The subtle light blue shade looks especially charming when matched with a navy wool suit. My accessories include a stunning silvery glen plaid necktie, a classic tie clip, a handsome dress watch, and a timeless, shiny silk pocket square that any blushing bride would appreciate.
For footwear, I recommend simple black cap-toe oxford dress shoes — they're practical and elegant.
Outfit #4: Blue & Gold
Here, I’m playing with a color scheme that goes together like peanut butter and jelly: blue and gold (hooyah).
These colors are complementary, which is why you see them quite often in creative spaces and in our own brand logo (just sayin').
The addition of the same oxford-cloth ice blue dress shirt as the previous groomsman look adds some elegant texture that you probably can’t appreciate in the photo or from afar in person.
The weaves of white are mixed in with those of light blue. This gives the shirt depth, resulting in a subtly sophisticated, elegant color that harmonizes well with the navy blue in the suit and the medallion pattern in the gold necktie.
Blue also pairs well with green, as the two are analogous colors (meaning they sit adjacent to one another on the color wheel). I opted for a subtle but effective steely green cotton pocket square with a tasteful medallion print that mimics the small square medallions on the necktie.
This adds consistency to the look in terms of color and pattern. On the feet, I've got a classic pair of brown cap-toe oxford dress shoes, which are always an excellent choice for a look like this.
Outfit #5: Cocktail Hour
Here, I've ditched the dress shirts altogether in favor of a sleek, elegant wool turtleneck sweater. I've intentionally returned to the black cap-toe oxford dress shoes because I want to keep this color scheme simple: black and blue.
This look offers the wearer a cozy, form-flattering silhouette ideal for any elevated evening cocktail hour. I've chosen to skip the pocket square entirely, embracing the idea that sometimes, less is more.
Wear something like this to an upscale event where a suit isn't totally out of place, and you're guaranteed to turn heads for all the right reasons.
Outfit #6: Pattern Perfection
Paisley ties can add a lively touch to any man’s wardrobe. I see this style as a playful option for men with either bold or plain-fun personalities.
But pulling off a paisley tie isn't always straightforward, and honestly, many men who TRY end up missing the mark. If you're considering adding one to your collection, here’s my advice on how to wear it...
The tie I'm wearing features blue, magenta, silver, and plum — these are the hues I find easiest to coordinate with navy blue suits. To complement the tie, I've chosen a subtle lavender micro-check dress shirt.
Paisley, especially in this navy-blue suit combination, can seem flashy and somewhat chaotic because of its intricate design. The secret to pairing patterns is ensuring there’s a CLEAR scale difference.
Larger patterns, like thick stripes or checks on the tie or shirt, should be balanced with smaller patterns on the other. Don't overthink it; large, thick patterns on the tie should be matched with finer, smaller patterns on the shirt, and vice versa.
Wearing large, blocky patterns together can create visual chaos and distract from the overall look, similar to pairing finer patterned ties with thinly patterned dress shirts, etc.
In this outfit, I’ve paired a blue, plum, and silver paisley tie with a tiny lavender micro-check shirt, which maintains balance for all the reasons mentioned previously.
The blue and purple hues in the tie and shirt harmonize with the navy blue suit, resulting in an outfit that’s both fun and elegant. I've completed the look with deep brown, textured tassel loafers for a fun, casual vibe, as well as a tasteful wristwatch to add visual intrigue.
Outfit #7: The Suit Sneaker
White sneakers and a suit are seldom easy to pull off.
Only do this if you have a premium pair of white leather sneakers, utterly devoid of additional accented colors and no apparent branding. This means that the Adidas Stan Smiths and Converse Chuck Taylors are off the table, given their more "plastic-like" look and contrasting colorways.
Instead, go for something like these classic Reid Sneakers from Beckett Simonon:
When choosing sneakers, suit trousers MUST be tapered, meaning they are tailored to your leg shape. Very rarely are they already like this off the rack (unless you buy a ready-to-wear suit from a brand like Bonobos).
In terms of length, wear leather sneakers with a suit only if your trousers have a slight or NO break. If you're unsure about suit terminology like this, refer to my separate guide on how a proper suit should fit and look.
In my view, when pairing plain white sneakers with a full suit like this, avoid mixing overly casual items with more formal pieces, such as a dress shirt and tie.
While SOME runway models can pull off this sort of look, most men like you and me aren't a part of that world... So, it's better to choose a simple white T-shirt or a timeless white pique polo shirt, like the one I'm wearing here, and stop there.
Conclusion
A navy blue suit is a timeless and versatile choice that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. It conveys trustworthiness and approachability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of life events.
With the right accessories and styling, a navy blue suit can create a sleek, sophisticated look, making it an excellent addition to any man’s wardrobe and a worthwhile long-term investment.
