Quick answer
Start with the suit, then choose a shirt lighter than the suit and a tie that is a different shade from both. White shirts go with everything. With a navy suit try a white shirt and burgundy or silver tie; with charcoal try a light blue shirt and navy tie; with black, a white shirt and black or burgundy tie.
Key takeaways
- ✓Pick the suit first, the shirt second, the tie last.
- ✓A white shirt works with every suit.
- ✓Make the tie a different shade from the shirt and suit.
- ✓Keep patterns to one item or vary their scale.
The Three-Step Method
- 1.Start with the suit colour.
- 2.Choose a shirt lighter than the suit, usually white or light blue.
- 3.Choose a tie that adds contrast but stays in the same colour family.
Combinations That Work
| Suit | Shirt | Tie |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | White or light blue | Burgundy, silver or a deeper blue |
| Charcoal | White or light blue | Navy, burgundy or silver |
| Black | White | Black, burgundy or silver |
| Light grey or beige | White or light blue | Navy, green or burgundy |
Mixing Patterns
If your suit has a pinstripe, keep the shirt plain and the tie simple. If you want to mix patterns, vary the scale: a fine stripe shirt with a wider tie pattern.
Our Accessories
Dress shirts ($29, white and black), ties ($19, black, navy, burgundy and silver) and bow ties ($19, black and navy) are available at Suit Archive.
Build the Full Look
See how colours work together on the real suit. Suit Archive's studio is at 12 Lorong Bakar Batu #06-07, Singapore 348745, open Monday to Friday, 11am to 11pm, by appointment. Every complete 3-piece suit is $178. Book online or WhatsApp us at (65) 8979 1210.
Try it on before you buy. Book a Suit Archive fitting and walk out in a suit that fits.
Frequently asked questions
What shirt colour goes with a navy suit?
White or light blue. A white shirt with a burgundy or silver tie is a classic pairing.
What tie goes with a charcoal suit?
Navy, burgundy or silver ties all work, with a white or light blue shirt.
Can I wear a black shirt with a suit?
Yes, for a bold evening look. Pair it with a matching or contrasting tie.
