A good blazer worn with a shirt that fits and that goes perfectly with the blazer is a combination that will take you far and that you can easily take from setting to setting.

If you want to buy or already have some blazers and shirts, but don’t know how to match them, here is a list of practical rules, paired with visuals that will give you examples of how you can sport a blazer and shirt combination. The rules in this guide can be applied to any body type, style, and budget and to any setting (you should always wear a dress shirt in an office or in a rather formal setting, never a casual one). Moreover, the examples we offer are interchangeable, meaning that, for example, if we present a solid color blazer with a shirt that features a pattern, you can also switch it up and wear a blazer that features a pattern with solid color shirt.

The rules in this guide work best if you wear black, gray, navy or generally neutral pants and neutral shoes (you will read more about neutrals later).

In the end, it needs to be said that these are not unbreakable rules; they are guidelines that will make you look harmonious and stylish and that will ensure you that you will look great and sophisticated when wearing a blazer with a shirt and that, if you want, you can break the rules, but our recommendation is to affirm your breaking of the rules when you do it.

Here are the rules:

 

 

Solid Neutral + Anything

 

 

 

A safe bet and a smart move when it comes to wearing a blazer with a shirt is to wear at least one piece that is a solid neutral. Solid neutral clothes go with absolutely anything in terms of color. In fashion, neutrals are colors that go with any other color and with each other, as well as with any pattern, print or texture. These colors are gray, white, black, beige, tan, khaki, ivory, dark blue, brown, etc. If, for example, you wear a blazer in one of these colors, it will work with any color tie and vice versa.

 

The rule is that neutrals go with anything, so if you don’t wear other non-neutrals, there is no way of going wrong. Also, you can wear two neutrals at the same time, but that is often boring and bland.

 

 

Solid Color + Solid Color

 

 

 

Another alternative to wear a blazer and shirt combination is to wear two solid colors that are not neutrals. Here are some easy tips on coordinating the colors of your clothes:

a) Colors that are close to each other on the color spectrum will always go well together. Examples include combinations such as purple and blue, orange and red, orange and yellow, etc.

b) Colors that are positioned on opposite sides of the color wheel will also go together well. For example, green goes with red, blue goes well with yellow etc.

There are many types of color schemes you can create, even more so if you add a third color in the mix.

 

 

Solid Color + Pattern

 

 

 

Another smart way to wear a blazer and shirt mix is to wear a solid color with a pattern. For a safe bet, make sure that the pattern you choose features the solid color you wear on the other garment, or a different shade of it. For example, if you wear a light blue blazer, you can match it with a shirt that features a white and dark blue print. Opting for such a combination, you will create a look that is coherent, cohesive and that will work in any setting.

If you are an expert in mixing colors you will be able to easily break this rule.

 

 

Pattern + Pattern

 

 

 

A lot of men want to wear multiple patterns at a time and don’t know how to go about it.

If you follow a very easy rule, you will be able to mix patterns easily. The basic rule of mixing patterns is that the two or more patterns you mix have to be of different sizes.

For example, you can wear both a checkered blazer and a checkered shirt, but the checks of the blazer need to be of a different size (spacing, line thickness, etc.) than the checks of the tie. Big checks go with small ones, always remember this.

You can also mix two patterns or prints that are very different, such as polka dots with stripes. In this case, the rule applies just like above: big dots go with small and vice versa.

Remember that a pattern is a repeated construction, while a print is an image that features a composition, like a drawing and a texture can not only be seen, but also felt with your fingers. If you want to wear a pattern and a print, or two prints, the rule stays the same, just that you need to check the type of element from which the print is made. For example, if you want to wear a print that features bold lines and big blocks of color, you should wear it with something that features rather thin lines, regardless of whether they are curved or straight.

 

 

As you can see, going by just some simple rules will make your blazer and shirt outfits look more cohesive, more sophisticated and more stylish. And there many reasons why you should follow the rules: looking your best will make you feel more positive and more confident and, by extension, it will impact almost every other aspect of your life!

Remember that practice makes perfect, so even if you don’t get a good combo right from the first go, you should not give up! Rely on your instincts, respect the rules and you will have it down in no time!

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

Further reading:

The complete guide to mixing patterns and prints

A guide to coordinating the colors of your clothes (+examples)

Choose the colors of your clothes like a pro!

Choosing the colors of your clothes according to your skin tone

Discovering what colors to wear according to your natural features

Choosing the best color of clothes for dark skin tones

What makes a quality shirt: A guide

How should a shirt fit?

Add a pop of color to your shirts: Accent fabrics

A guide to the different types of nen’s jackets shoulders

The guide to casual suits

The different types of suit fits

P.S. How do you match your shirt to your tie? What colors do you like to wear? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!