As a stylish man looking to build your wardrobe, one of the most versatile items you can add is a blazer. A blazer is a type of jacket that can be dressed up or down effortlessly. While blazers come in many colors, opting for a neutral shade like black, navy or grey means you’ll get a lot of use out of it by pairing it with various pants, shirts and accessories.
Why Choose a Neutral Blazer?
A neutral colored blazer is a wardrobe staple because it truly does go with anything. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing a black, navy or grey blazer:
- Matches any color shirt or pants – Unlike brighter blazers, neutral shades complement any other color you pair them with.
- Goes from day to night seamlessly – Dress it down for work with chinos and a button-down or dress it up for evenings out with slacks and a dress shirt.
- Elevates casual looks instantly – Throw it on over a t-shirt and jeans to pull an outfit together in seconds.
- Endlessly versatile – Mix and match a neutral blazer with the rest of your wardrobe for countless styling options.
- A wardrobe basic – A good neutral blazer is one of those staples you’ll keep reaching for year after year.
In short, if you want a blazer you can wear practically anywhere, anytime and with any other items in your closet, go for black, navy or grey.
Choosing the Right Neutral Shade
While black, navy and grey are all neutral blazer colors that pair well with anything, the specific shade you choose depends on your preferences and wardrobe. Here’s a look at how to pick the perfect neutral tone:
Black
A black blazer is the most formal neutral option. It looks sharp for evenings out and gives off an authoritative vibe for important work events. However, some find solid black blazers too somber for regular office wear or daytime activities. But the color’s versatility makes up for that.
Charcoal Grey
Charcoal grey blazers sit right in the middle of the formality scale. Charcoal has the same sophistication as black but is a touch softer and more approachable. This color works for both professional and casual settings.
Medium Grey
As you go lighter on the grey scale, blazers get more casual. Medium grey is slightly less formal than charcoal but still pairs well for work and play. It’s an easy color choice if you want versatility.
Light Grey
A light grey blazer veers more laidback and relaxed. It’s ideal for weekend wear but can feel too casual for some office environments. Light grey makes a great choice if you want a blazer primarily for social functions and smart-casual events.
Navy
Similar to charcoal, navy blazers straddle the line between formal and casual beautifully. The darker shade gives it a refined feel while the blue tone feels more approachable. Navy is another option that transitions seamlessly from work to evening.
When choosing between shades of grey or weighing black versus navy, consider your lifestyle. Bold personalities may prefer black while navy suits laidback styles well. Pick grey tones based on the formality of your typical activities.
How to Wear a Neutral Blazer
One of the best aspects of a neutral blazer is its sheer versatility. Here are some quick tips for styling a black, grey or navy blazer in your wardrobe:
At the Office
- Pair with dress pants or chinos and a button-down for an instant business casual look.
- Add over a dress shirt and tie to make a suit jacket more versatile.
- Throw on over a polo or sweater to upgrade any casual work outfit.
Going Out
- Wear over a dress shirt with slacks or dark jeans for evenings out.
- Layer over a henley, polo or t-shirt to give casual looks a touch of polish.
- Complete the outfit with leather dress shoes or chukka boots.
Weekend Wear
- Pair with casual button-downs, t-shirts and jeans for a smart look.
- Try layering over a hoodie or sweater for a sporty vibe.
- Finish with clean sneakers like white or leather.
Follow these quick tips to make your neutral blazer work overtime. The key is mixing and matching it with the rest of your casual and dressy wardrobe basics as needed.
Finding the Right Fit
Neutral blazers come in classic fits like two-button and three-button styles. But finding the right structure for you elevates even the best colors. Here are key fit factors to consider:
- Shoulders – The shoulder seams should end right at the edge of your shoulders for ideal fit and comfort.
- Sleeves – With arms relaxed, sleeve length should fall just above the wrist bone for both mobility and visual balance.
- Length – The bottom hem should cover your rear fully but not be so long as to overwhelm your frame.
- Waist – Choose a slimmer cut for modern style or allow room to layer over thicker shirts or move more freely.
The right fit showcases your form while still being comfortable for all-day wear. Try various sizes or ask a skilled tailor to perfect the adjustments for you.
Outfit Ideas to Try
To give you a head start, here are five outfit examples that combine a neutral blazer with wardrobe basics:
| Outfit | Items |
|---|---|
| Business Professional | Navy blazer, dress shirt, tie, dress pants, leather dress shoes |
| Smart Casual | Grey blazer, polo or sweater, chinos, loafers |
| Date Night | Black blazer, button-down, dark jeans, chukka boots |
| Weekend Wear | Charcoal blazer, t-shirt, casual sneakers |
| Sporty Style | Navy blazer, hoodie, white sneakers |
Use these as a jumping off point to get creative with mixing and matching your neutral blazer for endless looks.
Conclusion
A black, navy or grey blazer truly does pair seamlessly with any color pants, shirts, shoes and accessories you already own. Choosing the right neutral shade and fit means your blazer instantly pulls just about any outfit together. So embrace the versatility and make a neutral blazer your new wardrobe go-to piece.
