It is a great idea for men to invest in a quality suit. You may need it for a wedding, a funeral, a formal occasion or even for work. But you can get more out of your suit separates and expand your wardrobe options by combining your jackets and trousers with other pieces and colours.
Can you wear your suit jacket as a blazer?
The short answer is yes, but some styles should be avoided.
You can wear your suit jacket as a blazer if it has:
- textured fabric
- casual fabric such as tweed, linen, flannel, cotton and some wool blends
- patterned fabric (but not pinstripes)
- contrasting buttons
- soft shoulders
- patch pockets
However it is recommended that you don’t wear your suit jacket as a blazer if it has:
- a sheen to the fabric
- a fine fabric with little or no texture
- structured padded shoulders
- pinstripes (considered formal and for business wear)
- formal details
Suit Separates Colour Combinations
Once you are happy that your suit jacket can be worn as a blazer, the next important decision is what colours and trousers to match it with. Read on for our list of 7 colour combinations for suit separates that work well together.
1. Navy jacket with beige or khaki trousers
A navy suit is one of the most common suit colours. It is a stylish and traditional. One of the easiest and most classic separates combinations is navy blue with beige or khaki. You can mix this classic combination up but adding some extra colour with your shirt, such as a pastel blue or pink, or with a contrasting colour pocket square.
2. Navy jacket with grey trousers
Another great combo is navy with grey. These two masculine colours work well together with the grey giving a modern edge to the traditional navy. These two colours can also be reversed with a grey jacket working well with navy trousers.
3. Black jacket with grey trousers
A black suit jacket can look very formal, but pairing it with a grey pant will tone down the black and make it more casual while still being sophisticated. Keep it tonal with a crisp white shirt or for something different add a coloured pocket square. This monochromatic look can be also work in reverse with a grey jacket and black trousers.
4. Navy jacket with white or cream trousers
Once again a navy jacket proves it’s versatility by working well with white or cream trousers. Be careful with this look as it tends to be a bit nautical or preppy and can easily become a bit cliche so watch your accessories. Keep things simple and modern. If pairing with white is too much of a harsh contrast try a cream or off white pant to soften the look.
5. Blue jacket with navy trousers
This is a great tonal option, pair a blue suit jacket with a darker navy trouser. When trying for a tonal look make sure you do have enough difference between your jacket and trousers. A distinct change in colour, such as a royal blue jacket with navy pants works well, as does a shift in texture and pattern. Finish this look off with a contrasting crisp white shirt or keep and tonal again and opt for a blue shirt.
6. Coloured jacket with white trousers
Non-traditional suit jacket colours, such as blues and greens, will all easily work with a clean white trouser. This can be a fresh and modern look, perfect for the day time and summer.
7. Suit jacket with denim
Denim jeans are so versatile that most suit or blazer colours work well with them. This pairing is a great option for smartening up a casual outfit, you can even wear a suit jacket over a t-shirt with your jeans. Or dress your outfit up with a waistcoat and tie. Textured and patterned jacket fabrics, such as tweed, work really well with denim jeans.
Always remember that what colour combinations work will depend on you, your look, style, individual taste and where you will be wearing it. So test different options out with your suit separates and see what works best for you.