Style Scenario: Blue and Black

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. There’s a misconception that a blue suit and black shoes/accessories shouldn’t be worn together. If that’s the case, then what’s with navy tuxedoes? Yes it gets harder to pull off the lighter blue you go. But a mid to leaning darker blue or true navy suit can look great with black shoes and a black necktie. Here’s the proof.

The Suit: Spier & Mackay 100% Australian Merino wool half-canvas suit – $294.40 ($478). On sale and getting an additional 20% off at checkout. Nice fabric, lining, and construction. Sleeve cuff buttons are non-functioning for easy/cheaper tailoring. Slim fit or their more athletic leaning Contemporary fit.

The Shirt: Spier & Mackay Light Blue Fine Twill – $75. Before Spier started offering some of the best bang-for-the-buck suits, sportcoats, and shoes in all of menswear… they started out as a shirt company. Price drops by 20% if you buy two or more.

The Tie: The Tie Bar Black Silk Knit – $28. A black silk knit tie was the OG 007’s choice. Certainly works here. The texture helps too, as a flat-silk black necktie would look mismatched. Don’t like knit ties? Grenadine has some texture too.

The Watch: Timex 39mm Waterbury Classic – $189. Hey now. That’s a looker. Timex has been on a nice roll lately with their under $200 offerings. First the Lexington, and now these? Nice. Comes on a black strap with quick release spring bars. Lug width is 20mm, so getting an additional brown leather strap should be easy and cheap.

The Socks: Boardroom Over the Calf Merino Blend Socks – $19.50. Knit in the USA. Fast shipping thanks to Amazon’s fulfillment process.

The Bag: Johnston & Murphy Hunter Briefcase – $123.48 ($295). On clearance at Nordstrom Rack. Outbound shipping is free as it’s over their $89 free shipping threshold. Returns will set you back a pre-paid label unless you can get it to a physical Nordstom Rack or mainline Nordstrom location.

The Shoes: Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue Cap-toe Oxfords – $276.75 ($450). Part of their extra 25% off sale items deal. In this age of stubbornly persistent inflation, $275ish is awfully fair for some timeless, Goodyear welted in Port Washington Wisconsin dress shoes. Recraftable too, so once the soles/heels wear out, you don’t need to get a whole new pair of shoes. The less expensive option: Spier Brogue Cap Toe Dress Shoes – $168.30 ($198)