Introduction
When choosing a tie to wear with navy pants and a blue shirt, the most important consideration is creating a look that is coordinated and stylish. The key is picking a tie color that complements the existing blue tones without being too matchy-matchy. There are a few different approaches you can take, depending on the desired look and formality of the occasion.
Some quick tips:
– Stick with cooler-toned ties like purple, green, grey or silver that will pair nicely with the navy and blue. Warm colors like red, orange or yellow tend to clash.
– Alternate shades within the same color family, like light blue shirt with navy pants and dark blue tie. This helps the tie stand out.
– Add patterns and textures like stripes, dots or knits for visual interest. Solid ties on solid shirts can be boring.
– The bolder the shirt pattern, the more subtle the tie should be. Choose a navy tie with a gingham shirt or tone-on-tone stripe.
– For very formal events, match the tie’s shade to the pants or shirt. For business casual, slight contrasts usually look best.
Tie Color Suggestions
Here are some of the best tie color options to complement navy pants and a blue shirt:
Purple
A purple tie is a versatile choice that will nicely bridge the gap between the navy and blue. It adds a touch of color without being overwhelming. Any shade of purple will work, from light lavender to deep eggplant. Lighter pastel shades complement a casual look, while darker jewel tones elevate a formal outfit.
Green
From mint green to forest green, green ties flatter both the navy pants and blue shirt. Olive green is an especially attractive option for a vintage vibe. Green offers a crisp, preppy look that works well for summer weddings, garden parties or office attire.
Grey or Silver
For a sleek, stylish appearance, consider a tie in grey or silver. These neutral metallic shades subtlety pick up the blues without matching them exactly. Grey ties exude confidence and professionalism, making them ideal for important meetings and events. Shiny silver ties have an eye-catching, modern appeal.
Patterned
When selecting a patterned tie, stick with versatile motifs like stripes, dots, geometric shapes or paisley in navy, purple, green, grey or metallic shades. Small-scale patterns will be most effective. Bolder patterns can overwhelm the solid shirt and pants. Knit and woven textures also add interest.
When to Wear Different Tie Colors
The occasion will help determine if you should opt for a bold, bright tie or subtle neutral hue. Here are some recommendations for when to wear different tie color options:
| Color | Best For |
|---|---|
| Purple | Office settings, important meetings, weddings, religious services |
| Green | Outdoor events, summer weddings, business casual office days |
| Grey or Silver | Interviews, formal business events, evening galas |
| Pastels | Daytime weddings, garden parties, casual warm weather events |
| Jewel Tones | Black tie weddings and events, formal occasions, nighttime |
| Patterns | Casual office days, business casual events, daytime weekends |
As shown in the table, the formality of the event often dictates the best tie color. Bold jewel tones like eggplant purple or forest green are most fitting for black tie, evening weddings and formal business occasions.
During the day, lighter pastel ties or brighter shades like mint and lavender complement a more casual vibe. The same applies to patterned ties – subtle stripes, dots and textured weaves are preferable for daytime and business casual events.
Factors that Influence Tie Choice
Beyond just the event itself, there are a few other factors that can help guide your choice of tie color:
Hair and Skin Tone
Choose tie colors that complement your hair color, skin tone and eyes. For example, men with warm complexions and brown or red hair tend to look best in earth tones like green, yellow and terra-cotta. Cooler skin tones pair well with purples, blues and pinks.
Season
Lighter pastels and shades like mint, sky blue and lilac work best in spring and summer. Deeper, richer colors like emerald, eggplant and navy make sense for fall and winter months.
Current Trends
While classic style never goes out of fashion, you may want to select a trendier tie color or pattern for more fashion-forward events and settings. Metallics, knits and skinnier tie silhouettes are some current styles.
Coordinating with a Date
When attending a wedding or formal event with a significant other, it’s thoughtful to coordinate your tie color with their outfit. For example, pick a purple or pink tie if they are wearing a lavender or rose-colored dress.
How to Choose a Flattering Tie Width
In addition to color, the other key factor when selecting a tie is the width. Follow these guidelines for picking a tie width that flatters your body type:
| Body Type | Best Tie Width |
|---|---|
| Slim or slender build | 2.75″-3.5″ wide |
| Muscular or broad shoulders | 3.5″-4″ wide |
| Short or petite frame | 2.5″-3″ wide to avoid overpowering your height |
| Tall or long torso | 3.5″-4″ wide to complement your long lines |
The general guideline is that huskier body types can handle wider tie knots, while slimmer frames look best in narrower widths. However, personal taste is important – if you prefer a wide 1970s style tie, wear it with confidence no matter your build. Just aim for some proportion to your shoulders and torso.
How to Incorporate Patterns
When working patterns into your navy pants, blue shirt and tie ensemble, use these suggestions:
Patterned Shirt
– Small-scale shirt patterns like gingham, thin stripes and mini-checks pair well. They make the outfit more interesting without being distracting.
– Solid or subtly patterned ties are best on patterned shirts to avoid clashing.
– If your shirt has a bolder graphic print, choose a solid tie in one of the shirt colors.
Patterned Tie
– On a solid shirt, you can be more bold with the tie pattern. Go for wider stripes, large plaid or polka dots.
– Stick to tie patterns in the recommended color palette like purple, green, grey, silver or blue.
– Anchor flashy patterned ties with a simple solid navy or grey suit.
Patterned Pants
– Subtle pintucking or pinstripes on navy pants adds interest without being overwhelming.
– Pair patterned pants with solid shirt and tie to let the pants be the focal point
– Use a textured tie like knit or woven silk to complement patterned pants.
In general, don’t pair more than one highly patterned piece at a time. Choose patterned pants, a patterned shirt or a patterned tie to avoid clashing prints.
Conclusion
When assembling an outfit with navy pants, a blue shirt and a tie, follow these guidelines:
– Complementary cool-toned ties in shades of purple, green, grey or silver are your best options.
– Think about the formality of the occasion when choosing a bold jewel tone versus a casual pastel hue.
– Consider factors like hair color, skin tone, body type and seasonal appropriateness.
– Add patterns tastefully through subtle shirt prints, textured ties or narrow pinstripes.
Most importantly, the tie you choose should harmonize with the rest of the outfit while reflecting your personal style. confiden
