There are a lot of aspects to think of when it’s time to put on a suit: what shoes should you wear? Which accessories should you opt for? Is this the right suit for my body shape? And so on. But, in the end, it all comes down to the most important one of all: the color.
The shape, the fabric, the accessories, they all play an important role in the overall look of course, yet what’s going to make you fit in (or stand out, depending on what you are looking for) is the color you pick.
Moreover, a suit is not a piece of clothing you buy everyday or an item you have plenty of. Therefore, you want to keep it versatile and appropriate for a number of different situations. To help you make the most out of this decisive purchase, we’ve come up with the essential suit colors you can opt for when building up your perfect wardrobe. These are not only versatile colors, but also timeless, so you don’t have to worry about outdated garments because those will last forever.
Black suit
The first one on our list is black. A black suit for men is like a women’s black dress: it is a must-have… for certain men. Although it has been a go-to color for a long time, it does have its disadvantages. For example, if you have lighter complexion and light hair, you might wanna prefer staying away from a black suit because it won’t bring out your best features.
For those men with darker complexion and darker hair, this color is a classical, graceful choice, especially for elegant events. Another issue with this colour is that it’s not as versatile as one may think because it’s limited to black-tie occasions only and therefore is very hard to wear as a casual, every-day look.
So, yes, black suits are a great choice, but they are specifically reserved for nighttime wear. Fortunately nowadays we can find plenty of alternatives as good as it that might fit your style and needs better.
Grey suit
If a black suit it’s a little too much for you, then you can always opt for a grey suit instead. There are different shades of grey though, so here are a few tips to choose the right tone for you. A dark shade, like charcoal grey, can be pretty versatile and easy to match, whether it is with complementary colored or patterned garments (shirt, tie, shoes). It’s a signature colour option for business occasions and work meetings, although this type of tone is always a good fit for a wedding too. It’s a color that references authority and maturity.
A lighter shade of grey is also a great choice for a suit, especially during the warmer seasons (you might want to be careful regarding the fabrics you chose, but we are going to talk about that later). Keep in mind that this second option is a bit more casual and relaxed, so it’s a good choice for a night out or daylight gathering, but maybe not so much for an elegant event or business meeting.
Blue suit
If you want to step out of your comfort zone, even if it’s just a tiny step, blue is a good place to start. It’s a lively alternative for both day and night, as well as informal and formal events, work or personal occasions. Blue is a color that references youth and it gives high-spirited vibes.
Although it may seem like a difficult color to match, it’s actually very versatile, even more than black and grey. Like grey, it all comes down to the shade you choose too. A lighter tone will look great during spring and summer; while a deep, navy blue is more appropriate for fall and winter.
Brown suit
Another alternative if you’re looking to add a little bit of color to your wardrobe, but you don’t know where to start, is dark brown. It works just fine for almost all complexions and hair colors as well.
Dark brown suits are fantastic for a daytime wedding, for example, yet that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for attending all formal events or going to the workplace. It’s more a casual, daylight fit.
Among the shades of brown, you can also find tan or khaki suits, which are perfect for summertime. It’s a classical option that could be considered the new must-have because it really offers versatility and a modern style, making a great contribution to the modern man’s wardrobe.
To sum up, if you are having a hard time walking away from the classical black suit —which still remains an unbeatable option until today for some men, as we’ve learned— different shades of grey, blue and brown can do the trick. Now, let’s go over briefly to fabrics, another crucial aspect when it comes to suits.
If you are having trouble matching your suit, shirt and tie, it could be helpful to read this article too.
Fabrics
As we mentioned earlier, another important aspect when choosing the right suit is paying attention to the fabric. It’s possible to wear a suit all year around, just make sure it’s made of the right textile.
In simple words, for summer and spring you want to keep it light and breathable, so go for fabrics like linen or cotton, which not only are fantastic for these climates but they look sophisticated too. During winter, on the other hand, the best options are wool, tweed and cashmere suits.
To round up, whether you are starting to build your suit collection or you want to broaden it, ask yourself these questions. Try thinking how much you’ll be wearing it and on what type of occasions. Do you often attend work meetings or black-tie events? Do you happen to be invited to a lot of weddings lately and you need a versatile suit?
The other thing you need to think of is your own style: if you don’t feel comfortable with colorful suits and prefer more classical versions; or if you are trying to update your current collection with a modern navy blue suit, for example. Answering those questions will enable you to choose the best suit option for you and your lifestyle.
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