As it is widely known, the black suit and white shirt combo has been an unbeatable match for ages. It’s a classical, timeless combination that has worked for all men attending black-tie events, from weddings all the way to important business events.  

Although it’s a harmonious match that never goes out of style, it’s very easy to make mistakes when dressing it up, especially when it comes to color combinations. Leaving shoes aside, choosing the right tie is one of the most important things you should pay attention to. In the end, it is this type of accessory that can make or break your outfit.

Keep in mind that in a black suit and white shirt look, a colorful or patterned tie will automatically become the center of attention. For such a seemingly small accessory, it can completely change the tone of your outfit.  

That is why it is so important that you choose the right color tie to complement your outfit. As usual, there are some color shades that you need to stay away from and others that will look great on any occasion. It may sound overwhelming, but thankfully with these few simple tips you will find it’s not that hard to perfect this classical look.

Pink tie

Pink is a bold choice, yet it can be very stylish and polished when opting for a black suit and white shirt. It’s the perfect touch of color that can add freshness and that trendy, more modern element to such a classical combination. This match is ideal for family gatherings or informal parties.

Black tie

If you are attending an event in the evening, then a black tie is the solution. A black suit with white shirt is already a wardrobe staple, but add a black tie to it and you’ll have created the most elegant, masculine and sharp version of it.

You can’t go wrong with this alternative: it’s minimal effort and maximum impact. It can work for both social or work occasions. If you desire, you can add a white or patterned pocket square for a pop of color too (at the end of the article you will find additional advice on this).  

Grey tie

Grey is a synonym of authority, it’s a color that mirrors you as an important and influential figure. Therefore, opting for a grey tie should be reserved for specific occasions, especially work events. It’s an up-to-date, frequent combination nowadays.

Men with darker complexion could also opt for a silver tie to achieve an ultimate, trendy look.

White tie with light blue cashmere motifs

This pair is one of our favorite ones because of its versatility. It reflects a casual image, which makes it perfect for all types of events. If you are having trouble choosing what to wear for an evening event, then we recommend you to read this article to achieve a suitable and personal wardrobe.  

Burgundy tie

Earlier we mentioned that a silver tie works amazingly for men with darker complexion. In this case, a burgundy tie is a flawless match for men with lighter skin tone.  

Universal rules

There are always exceptions to universal rules, but if you are not the type of guy who likes to experiment, here are a few infallible suggestions that can help you out when combining colors and schemes. 

• Suit, shirt and tie should always blend smoothly, so a basic rule you can apply is to never wear more than three colors into one same look.
• The colors of your tie and pocket square should be sympathetic, but never entirely matching. For example, you can choose a secondary color from your tie and match it with your pocket square.
• Make sure your tie is fit for the suit and it is in proportion to the lapels. An 8 or 9cm lapel is the usual. 

What tie colors not to use for a black suit and white shirt?

This type of suit and shirt combination can pretty much be styled with any color of tie. Nevertheless, there are a few shades that could spoil the whole outfit, so you should try staying away from those.  

• First of all, avoid bright colors at all costs. As we said previously, a pop color is great, but suit, shirt and tie should blend easily in the overall look.
• On the other hand, you should also steer clear from orange and green ties, no matter the shades. These tones could detract from the formality of your outfit.
• If you’d like to try something else than a solid colored tie, patterns can be a perfectly good alternative, yet you should avoid large prints. Go for small and discreet patterns instead (also known as micro patterns) to look youthful, and keep the shades to the minimum.  

After all this information, surely now you feel more confident about picking up your tie for your next event. The black suit and white shirt look is an iconic statement all around the globe and it’s thanks to these small details that you can make it your own.  

If you are looking for other alternatives to the classical black suit, then take a look at these essential suit colors for the perfect man’s wardrobe.