Over the last three years I’ve attended 27 weddings, 40+ client meetings, and countless dinners where I had to look sharp but not stiff. I have tried every possible men formal dress combination – some worked, most didn’t. Below are the only ones that survived real life and still get compliments every single time I wear them.
The Navy Suit That Saved My Life
My first proper navy suit (wool, half-canvas, notch lapel) is still the hardest-working piece I own. I’ve worn it to:
- Job interviews (landed all three)
- Receptions (stood next to grooms and didn’t look out of place)
- Even a date where she said “you clean up well”
Best combo: Navy suit + crisp white shirt + burgundy knit tie + dark brown leather oxfords. Never fails.
Charcoal Grey – The Quiet King
Charcoal is darker than light grey, lighter than black perfect middle ground. I wore this exact suit to my cousin’s winter reception and got stopped five times for photos.
Combination: Charcoal suit + light blue shirt + navy grenadine tie + black cap-toe oxfords. Looks expensive, photographs perfectly.
Black Suit Done Right (Yes, It’s Possible)
Everyone says “black suits are only for funerals”. Wrong. The trick is texture and fit. My black wool-silk blend suit with a subtle sheen is strictly for night events.
Best combo: Black suit + white shirt + black silk knit tie + patent oxfords. Wore this to a New Year gala and felt like James Bond.
The Blazer + Trouser Magic Formula
After buying five full suits, I realised separate blazers and trousers give 10x more outfits. My navy hopsack blazer is the MVP.
Look 1 – Navy Blazer Power
Navy blazer + mid-grey wool trousers + white shirt + brown suede loafers. I wear this to every client lunch. Smart enough for office, relaxed enough for drinks after.
Look 2 – The Wedding Guest Hero
Navy blazer + off-white/cream trousers + light blue shirt + knitted brown tie + tan double monks. Wore this to three weddings last year – zero repeats, maximum compliments.
Look 3 – Friday Office Flex
Navy blazer + dark jeans (raw selvedge) + white Oxford shirt (no tie) + brown leather sneakers. My boss asked where I got the blazer.
Smart Casual Combinations I Actually Wear Weekly
Look 4 – The Unbeatable Tan
Tan linen-cotton blazer + white shirt + navy chinos + brown suede loafers. Wore this to a rooftop dinner in 38°C – stayed cool and looked sharp.
Look 5 – Monochrome Stealth
Charcoal blazer + charcoal trousers + black polo (or black crew neck) + black leather sneakers. Minimal effort, maximum impact.
Look 6 – Summer Wedding Guest
Light grey blazer + white shirt + beige chinos + brown belt + suede loafers. Wore this to a day wedding in Goa – perfect balance.
Shirt + Tie Combinations That Never Fail
- White shirt – works with literally everything
- Light blue shirt – second most versatile
- Burgundy knit tie – elevates any suit
- Navy grenadine tie – texture that photographs beautifully
- Pocket square? Only if it’s white linen, folded flat
Shoes That Changed Everything
I used to wear black shoes with everything. Then I switched to brown. Game changer.
- Navy or grey suit → medium brown oxfords
- Black suit → black cap-toe or patent
- Blazer combos → brown suede loafers or double monks
The One Mistake I Made for Years
Wearing shiny, square-toe black shoes with everything. Threw them out in 2022 and instantly looked 10 years younger.
My Current Rotation (What Actually Hangs in My Wardrobe)
- Navy suit
- Charcoal suit
- Black evening suit
- Navy hopsack blazer
- Tan linen blazer
- Grey wool trousers × 2 shades
- Cream/off-white trousers
- White shirts × 5
- Light blue shirts × 3
That’s literally it. These 15 pieces give me 50+ men formal dress combinations without thinking.
I’ve tested every single one of these in real situations – heat, rain, long events, photos, compliments. These are the only ones that survived.
Which combination are you trying first? Drop it in the comments.
Want more everyday sharp looks? Check my Virat Kohli style breakdown or formal outfit ideas that work beyond weddings.