Countless sartorial articles will tell you, every man needs a high-quality suit in his arsenal. A navy suit is one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces a guy can own; with the right shirt, tie, and pocket square combination, it can even go from boardroom meetings to beers with the boys.
When you’re building out your navy suit ensemble, there are five aspects to consider to make it not only functional, but also stylish. The accessories, like a pocket square, can make or break your outfit, creating a harmonious look that says you spent some time, energy, and thought into getting ready.
5 Aspects of the Navy Suit Pocket Square Combo
There are a few basic elements to keep in mind when you’re putting together and styling a navy suit.
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Formality
One of the great things about a suit is that it can be split up into different elements depending on the formality of the occasion. For instance, you would wear all three pieces (jacket, trousers, and vest) for very formal occasions but can get away with just the jacket or jacket and trousers for more casual events. The formality will dictate the types of accessories you choose to add to your suit as well.
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Suit Color/Pattern
Your suit color or pattern will then dictate how you build the rest of your ensemble. A patterned suit will usually limit your shirt and accessory choices, so we always recommend starting your wardrobe off with something simple and classic. A solid navy suit is easy to color coordinate with and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
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Shirt Color/Pattern
Once you’ve selected your suit, you can choose your shirt. A solid white or light blue makes it easier to coordinate all other accessories. Don’t feel limited, though. Navy is a neutral enough color that you can play with colors and even patterns to create a look that makes you feel confident.
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Tie
Not every occasion will call for a tie. If you’re playing it casual, you can skip the tie (and move on to the pocket square), but including one will add sophistication to your suit and make your outfit look more formal. The tie is also an opportunity to further define the colors you’re going to accent your suit with.
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Pocket Square
The pocket square is what brings your outfit together. You want to make sure your pocket square complements—but doesn’t directly match—the tie and/or shirt color or pattern. There should be a shared color to bring the two accessories together. If you’re foregoing the tie, have as much fun as you want with your pocket square. A solid white fabric is effortlessly distinguished, while a bright and bold flamingo print, for instance, can stylishly dress down your attire for a night on the town.
Make the Most of Your Navy Suit Investment by Adding a Pocket Square
A navy suit is versatile enough on its own, but building on your collection of pocket squares gives you even more wardrobe to play with. A good pocket square will always make you look polished and complete; it’ll take your suit to the next level by adding personality and pizzazz.
Switching up your pocket square can give your suit an entirely different look. For instance, you can stick with a solid square (and maybe a tie) for a boardroom meeting. But once it’s time for happy hour, take off that tie, change up your square to a fun seahorse design, and you’re ready to hit the bar—while still looking incredibly stylish.
As you start building your wardrobe and looking for accessories to complement your navy suit, don’t forget to shop Rare Fold’s collection of pocket squares to elevate your look.