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The Suggestion: Get the blues

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How to wear multiple shades of blue

There is a phobia out there about mixing different shades of blue.  There’s a faction of men who think that if you wear dark denim, you can’t wear a navy sportcoat or even a blue sweater on top.  Clashing happens, but blue is one of the more forgiving colors.  It’s not like you’re piling on different shades of yellow and walking out the door.

There are two keys to mixing shades of blue in one outfit:

1. As the shades of blue on two garments get closer, their difference in texture should become more noticeable.
2. When mixing blues, its encouraged that your leathers (shoes, belt, watch strap) pop.

Still skeptical?  Here’s a few outfits that might convince you to give a blue on blue on blue outfit a shot. (Note:  These are all from the personal collection, so some items are no longer available for purchase.  That belt in the first outfit is at least 10 years old.)
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The Mostly Blue Casual Outfit

Cheap and easy.  The sweater, jeans, and shirt are all noticeably different shades of blue, and the deep V of the sweater shows off plenty of that lighter blue shirt to add some contrast.  No, the watch strap doesn’t match the belt and shoes.  But with all the blue and medium brown going on, an odd man out item isn’t a bad play.  Not a bad look for firing up a fall bbq.

 

The Mostly Blue Smart Casual Outfit

So you’re heading out but it’s not exactly a suit and tie kind of evening.  Grab a sportcoat in a casual fabric like cotton or linen (cheap option:  The Target Kensington), your dark wash jeans, and smash those two together with a white shirt which will ad some serious polish to the look.  For you feet, choose some noticeable medium brown to cognac shoes.  If your jacket is closely tailored, remember to wear your closest fitting pair of jeans.  You don’t want tight jeans, but most of us have at least one pair that fits slimmer than our others.  If you wear the pair with more room you risk looking slightly unbalanced with a close jacket up top.

 

The Mostly Blue Dressed Up Outfit

A navy suit with a blue tie is no new thing, but try mixing up your fabrics and going with something with a more casual texture around your neck.  Despite being solid, the chambray tie (click here for a close up) keeps the outfit from looking all blocky since it’s an oddity.  No shined up Regis Philbin silk tie here.  The stripes on the shirt also break it up and prevent a solid on solid on solid look.  And about the shoes, well, they’re not exactly shy.

Are you a believer in blue on blue?  Or is it too reminiscent of Denim Dan /the Canadian Tuxedo (remember that rule about textures and you won’t look like that).  Leave your take in the comments…

Comments

  1. Here’s an even more casual outfit with blue on blue, probably only works for people who are sub 20 though

  3. I don’t have a problem mixing blue with blue except in the case of a blue blazer/sport coat and dark jeans. Anytime I’ve done that, I’ve gotten way too many “Why are you wearing a suit?” questions, followed by my requisite explanation of “No, look, they’re jeans”. I don’t mind the “why are you dressed up question”, but if I have to explain the “mechanics” of what I’m wearing, then I won’t like the outfit.

  4. Never pulled that trigger on that fairfax every time I am at the Nordstrom rack. I always think I might get a better deal online. I might get it the next time I see one. That thing is beautiful on dark lighting.

  5. Loving this new way of showcasing outfits. Really helps me out.

    On a different note – Joe, LOVE the flooring! Can you give me some details on what it is? Hardwood? Laminate? Brand, etc.?

  6. I agree with Andrew: Love these posts! One of my biggest challenges is matching awesome colors, styles, and materials. It’s like one stop shopping. Keep it up, Joe!

  10. Hi Joe et al
    Do you guys think that AE Walnut Strand shoes and matching walnut belt would work with the above 3 outfits?
    Thanks
    Rod

  13. Joe,
    You so need to get a mannequin. Maybe a little photostudio set up to shoot these too. Put on a neutral gray background. Would really help to set the colors off better. – But oh, yes, great shots to show the clothing setups. Love these. more more MOAR!!!

  14. I dont think its that people couldnt tell a difference if they tried. Its just that most people glance, see (semi) matching dark and dark and just assume it to be a suit.

  15. Nice post. Love the simplicity. I wore a simple white oxford with slim, dark denim, and some simple brown loafers and was struck by just how awesome a simple look is when done right.

  22. A lot of people I know refer to any jacket (sometimes even a vest) as “a suit.” It is kinda sad, actually.

  23. I just read this and looked down to see myself wearing a navy blue Express coton v-neck sweater on top of a light blue j-crew button down, dark wash 514’s, and blue/white AE sneakers. Excellent timing! (And I obviously heartily agree with the sentiment of the post)

  26. Question joe,

    I was looking at those staffords online (just the wingtips, not boots) and in the reviews I found something interesting. One of the reviews stated the shoes kept drying out after a polish, and said it was because they were painted leather, rather than stained.

    Your experience?

    TJ P.

  27. i have been hesitant of wearing my suit jacket sans matching pants and wearing jeans instead. is there a specific sportcoat color/material that should never be worn with dark denim or chinos?

  28. I wish I had read this post this morning, when I wanted to wear my Merona Kensington blazer and dark was 514’s with my tan suede bucks and white shirt. Appparently it would have looked good afterall. Dang.

  29. I wish I had read this post this morning, when I wanted to wear my Merona Kensington blazer and dark was 514’s with my tan suede bucks and white shirt. Appparently it would have looked good afterall. Dang.

  30. You don’t need Joe, or anyone, to explicitly tell you what to wear and what not to wear. Personal style is all about experimenting and taking those risks. Don’t be a cut and paste #menswear puppet.

    …No offense to Joe though haha.

  31. I think it’s more the cut/style than the color of fabric or material. For example, a regular suit jacket looks weird with jeans, imo. It’s too much of a mix of casual and formal. A blazer or sportcoat, on the other hand, usually has less padding, or a more casual-looking fabric like a big tweed or herringbone or corduroy. That looks better with jeans because they’re closer to the same level, if that makes sense.