by Lauren Warkentine
Blues and Grays are by far the most popular colors when it comes to men's suits and are recommended for about any situation. Not only are both colors incredibly versatile they are typically great pairings together. Owning a gray and blue suit in shades that compliment each other creates more options for you to extend your wardrobe.
However, the dilemma for most men comes after the fact. You have gone home, slept a few times and have no memory of what the sales person told you to do pair with that gray suit you just bought. We're here to help- read on to get some ideas how to style your gray suit.
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The Suit: Business Professional
Creating a business professional look that will impress your co-workers is not a difficult task. The first priority is fit- (learn more here). Picking out the perfect colorcan feel like an art because there really are endless options. It's hard to go wrong with a color or pattern, trust your gut on what you like visually. However, here are a few tips to help you. Solid is the safest and most versatile, naturally. If you're looking for a pattern go with a subtle pattern, it will still be extremely versatile and give you the look you're going for.
Look for fabrics what have some texture to them- this can be true in a solid, a textured fabric or subtle patterns can give you the same effect. In a full suit that texture will give the suit depth and help it look richer.
Shirts: Business Professional
Since we're talking about Business Professional attire stick to light colored solids and light colored or subtle patterns. Do you like louder patterns and colors, not a problem, but save those for more casual days.
White shirts and light blue shirts can be worn interchangeably. I say treat your light blue shirts as a white shirt in the sense of pairings. They provide a slightly different look, but are extremely versatile and go with literally anything. Make sure you have a handful quality shirts in each color.
A few other colors to consider with gray: purple, pink and subtle patterns. Again, sticking to the lighter and pastel shades. These are almost as versatile as the solids mentioned above, but they add a little bit of personality and depth.
Ties
The great thing about ties, is that they are an easy and fairly inexpensive way to make your wardrobe feel bigger. Your options are generally open here as it’s your personality.
For a more business professional look I wouldn't get an incrediblyloud pattern. However, don't fear patterns- they are actually better then a solid. You gain multiple colors and some depth to the look when you have a nicely selected tie with a pattern.
Recommend color of ties depending on the shade of gray:
- Light Gray- any shade of blue, purple, red, green, orange, black, pastels
- Charcoal Gray- lighter blue, yellow, purple, red, orange, black, pastels and green
Shoes
Deciding what color to wear with your suit can be overwhelming. Gray is a very versatile color overall so in general either brown or black will work. The really only limitation is if you have a really dark shade of gray, like charcoal, generally go with black shoes. Otherwise, brown, black or even a navy shoe would work well with gray.
- Light-Medium Gray:Brown or black shoes
- Dark Charcoal Gray: Black shoes
Date Nights, Happy Hours and Mix and Match
A buttoned up business professional look is a very common way to wear asuit, but it's not the only way. When looking to wear yourgray suit to a wedding, date night or in a more casual situation- the options are still endless. Everything I mentioned above still applies and can be used. But here are a few more ideas to mix it up.
- Ditch the tie-wear the suit with a nice button up, sans tie for a put together but relaxed look
- Different pants- wear thegrayjacket with a different pair of slacks, for example a blue pant or patterned pant.
- Don't wear a button up-But wear a shirt when in public. A common misconception is that you must wear a button up shirt, not necessarily. Pair it with a nice pair of chinos or jeans, a henley or nice "t-shirt" and a nice pair or tennis shoes.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Men's Suit Colors: Blues and Grays
The article states that blues and grays are the most popular colors when it comes to men's suits. These colors are recommended for almost any situation due to their versatility and the fact that they pair well together.
Creating a Business Professional Look
To create a business professional look with a gray suit, the article suggests focusing on the fit of the suit as a first priority. When it comes to color and pattern, solid colors are considered the safest and most versatile option. However, if you prefer a pattern, it is recommended to go for a subtle pattern. Additionally, choosing fabrics with texture can add depth and richness to the suit's appearance.
Shirts for Business Professional Attire
For business professional attire, the article suggests sticking to light-colored solid shirts or light-colored shirts with subtle patterns. White shirts and light blue shirts are considered interchangeable and extremely versatile. It is also recommended to have a few quality shirts in each color. Other colors to consider with gray suits are purple, pink, and subtle patterns in lighter and pastel shades.
Ties for Business Professional Look
When it comes to ties, the article suggests that they are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to expand your wardrobe. For a business professional look, it is advised to avoid incredibly loud patterns but not to fear patterns altogether. Ties with patterns can add multiple colors and depth to the overall look. The recommended tie colors depend on the shade of gray. For light gray suits, any shade of blue, purple, red, green, orange, black, pastels, and even charcoal gray ties can work. For dark charcoal gray suits, lighter blue, yellow, purple, red, orange, black, pastels, and green ties are suggested.
Shoes to Wear with Gray Suits
Gray suits are considered very versatile, and in general, either brown or black shoes will work well. The only limitation is if you have a very dark shade of gray, like charcoal, where it is generally recommended to go with black shoes. For light to medium gray suits, both brown and black shoes are suitable. For dark charcoal gray suits, black shoes are suggested.
Date Nights, Happy Hours, and Mix and Match
The article mentions that a gray suit can be worn in various settings beyond a business professional look. For occasions like weddings, date nights, or more casual situations, the options are endless. Some ideas mentioned in the article include ditching the tie and wearing the suit with a nice button-up shirt for a relaxed look, wearing the gray jacket with different pants like blue or patterned pants, and not necessarily wearing a button-up shirt but pairing the suit with chinos or jeans, a henley, or a nice "t-shirt" along with a nice pair of tennis shoes.
I hope this information helps you style your gray suit effectively! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
