There are few items in your closet as wildly versatile as your plain navy suit. With a little out-of-the-box thinking you can wear it with hoodies, cardigans, pullovers, half-zips, luxe polos, beat-up tees, shredded denim, streamlined chinos, even puffy sport vests. (Yes, if you're feeling really crazy, you can also go with a three-inch silk tie and a spread-collar button-down.)
To help you out get the most out of your best style investment, we've narrowed it down to the 10 absolute best ways to rock your trusty navy suit—from strictly business Mondays to lazy, lounging Sundays. And for more sage sartorial wisdom, don't miss the 40 Best Tips for Dressing Well In Your 40s.
1 | Casual Cool
Neiman MarcusLoro Piana Cashmere-Blend Sweater Jacket
$3,495; buy now at neimanmarcus.com
An effortless trick for adding some "dude" to the navy jacket: Just add a plain white tee, a hoodie, off-white jeans, and a casual belt. For best results, opt for sneakers. And if you'd like to go all the way in on casual dress, check out The 10 Best Button-Down Shirts You Need to Wear Untucked.
2 | Laissez faire office
BarneysBoglioli K2 Wool-Cotton Two-Button Suit
$1,545; buy now at barneys.com
Swap out the dress shirt for a cool floral print, punch up the pocket square, and finish with dressed-up, to-die-for sneakers. A great option for a more casual workplace.
3 | Splitsies
BarneysBrunello Cucinelli Wool-Silk Three-Button Sportcoat
$2,495; buy now at barneys.com
Reserved on top (with a crewneck sweater over a white collared shirt). Rugged on bottom (with slightly distressed denim). Just add loafers and you're set. For more on looking your best, check out these 15 Genius Tricks for Appearing More Attractive.
4 | Friday Night Tailoring
Bergdorf GoodmanErmenegildo Zegna Textured Solid Wool Two-Piece Suit
$2,795; buy now at bergdorfgoodman.com
Yes, it's a no-brainer, but it's always effective. Opt for a crisp white shirt, open at the neck, and polished dress shoes—no accessories needed.
5 | Snazzy Style
NordstromJ.Crew Ludlow Trim Fit Solid Wool Sportcoat
$398; buy now at nordstrom.com
For a great way to add some snap to a staid navy suit, pair with a bold, contrasting dress shirt and tie, then finish with a simple tie bar and white pocket square. Dark brown dress shoes would work well here. And if you need ideas on what shirts to pair here, check out these 20 Date-Night Shirts That Women Can't Resist.
6 | Ocean Breeze
BarneysGiorgio Armani Wool Two-Button Sportcoat
$2,195; buy now at barneys.com
This is as clean and graphic as it gets. The jacket gets a white long sleeve t-shirt and white pants with rolled up cuffs. Just add loafers and a subtle pattern pocket square. Note: This look also works with a short-sleeve tee.
7 | Gray All Day
Neiman MarcusZ Zegna Double-Face Jersey-Knit Jacket
$995; buy now at neimanmarcus.com
Navy and gray were made to be put together. This look is simple and always works. Just pair a gray crewneck and pants in the same gray tone. No pocket square. For maximum cool, opt for some snazzy loafers.
8 | Blue Dream
BarneysErmenegildo Zegna Milano Easy Wool Two-Button Suit
$2,995; buy now at barneys.com
What always works well with navy? More navy. Add in a navy shirt—go for a polo to truly stand out—in a slightly lighter tone and you'll present a clean, monochromatic look. Pass on the accessories. Finish up with luxe leather sneakers.
9 | Throwback Time
BarneysRalph Lauren Purple Label Nigel Wool Two-Button Suit
$2,795; buy now at barneys.com
Consider injecting a retro vibe with a tennis-inspired polo, simple white pocket square, and white slip-on sneakers.
10 | Classic Cool
BarneysRalph Lauren Purple Label Nigel Wool Two-Button Suit
$2,295; buy now at barneys.com
You can't go wrong with the classics—but if you're going to do it, do it right. A crisp dress shirt, quiet necktie, simple pocket square, and blindingly shined dress shoes should do the trick.
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