Men’s fashion: Choose classic colours like navy, grey and white, or go bold to make a statement

If you’re not sure which colour shoes to wear with your grey or navy blue shirts, you are at the right place. Men’s fashion doesn’t have to be so complicated, just follow a few ground rules about picking colour, matching your shoes and your belt, and wearing a tie that ties it all together.

If you want to dress more conservatively, you can’t go wrong choosing classic and versatile colours like navy blue, grey, black and camel, whereas if you are open to a little bit of experimentation, pastel or bold colours are the way to go.

Here’s a guide to some classic colours to make you look sharp, along with tips on choosing the right accessories to complement each one.

• Navy blue

Navy blue is a classic, versatile colour that suits a wide variety of occasions, from formal to casual. Navy blazers, suits, and chinos are essential pieces that can be dressed up or down. Pair it with brown, black, burgundy, or oxblood shoes that add contrast without overpowering the look. Match your belt to your shoes—brown belt with brown shoes, black with black; while in ties, choose colours like burgundy, grey, or lighter blues. Patterned or striped ties also work well with navy.

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• Grey

Gray is a timeless choice that offers a range of shades, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Pair your grey suits, sweaters, or trousers with black for formal settings, or wear lighter greys with dark brown shoes for a more relaxed look. Your belt should always match your shoes, while for ties, shades of blue, burgundy, or even pastels like pink work well with grey. Or wear texture ties to add depth to your grey outfit.

• Olive green

Olive green brings an earthy, rugged appeal, adding character to both casual and semi-casual outfits. Olive jackets, cargo pants, and knitwear go great with brown or tan shoes, creating a natural, grounded look. Burgundy can also work for a refined touch. Brown or tan belts work best for a coordinated, earthy vibe. Pair your olive outfits with burgundy, navy, and brown ties. For a more textured look, try a knitted or wool tie.

• Black

Black is powerful and sophisticated, suitable for both formal and casual settings, and easily matched with a variety of colours. Black suits, jeans, and T-shirts pair seamlessly with black shoes and give you a streamlined appearance. A black belt is essential for any black outfit, while you can experiment with colours when it comes to ties - grey, red, and navy or a silver or dark grey tie for formal settings.

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• White

White is crisp and clean, making it an ideal base that can be paired with almost any colour. When wearing white shirts and T-shirts, pair them with brown, black, or tan shoes and add freshness to any outfit. For casual wear, white sneakers are a great option. White shirts offer a blank canvas, allowing for any tie colour, from bold reds to subtle blues. If you can’t decide, go for a classic black or navy tie for formal settings.

• Burgundy

Burgundy sweaters, jackets, or dress shoes add a refined touch to any wardrobe. Pair this colour with brown or black shoes, depending on the level of formality and stick with same colour shoes. When choosing ties, burgundy looks sharp with grey, navy, and black ties. For contrast, try lighter shades of pink, grey, or blue.

• Beige and camel

Beige and camel tones add warmth and elegance--camel coats, chinos, and knitwear are timeless staples that go well with brown, tan, or oxblood shoes. Choose brown or tan belts to keep the look cohesive and colours such as navy, olive, or burgundy when it comes to ties. Beige outfits paired with a navy tie look particularly polished.

• Pastels (light blue, pink, mint green)

Pastels add a modern, relaxed vibe to spring and summer outfits. Pastel shirts, polos, or blazers make stylish choices in warm weather, and can be worn with tan or light brown shoes that keep the look airy and add a warm touch. White sneakers also work well for casual settings. Pair these colours with brown or tan belts to maintain the light colour palette, whereas for ties, go for darker tie shades like navy or deep grey. For example, a light blue shirt with a navy tie creates a sharp, balanced look.

• Earth tones (rust, brown, tan)

Earth tones provide a grounded, natural look that’s especially popular in fall and winter. Wear earth-tone jackets, sweaters, and chinos with brown, tan, or dark green shoes to add warmth and style. Brown or tan belts pair best with earth tones, while shades of navy, burgundy, or forest green are best when choosing ties. Knitted or wool ties also work well for added texture.

• Bold colours (red, cobalt blue, mustard yellow)

If you’re looking to make a statement, bold colours are perfect, especially in casual or streetwear outfits. If you’re not fully convinced but want to experiment, start with small items like T-shirts, sweaters, or sneakers in bold colours. These go best with neutral-coloured shoes—brown, black, or white. A brown or black belt will keep your look grounded.

For ties, bold outfits pair best with neutral ties in shades of grey, white, or black to tone down the look. Alternatively, try a patterned tie that includes a hint of the bold colour. When it comes to men’s fashion, if you want to introduce colour but are not sure how, try with small things like socks or pocket squares, just make sure they complement the rest of the outfit.

With the right colour combinations and accessories, you can build a versatile, stylish wardrobe that suits any occasion and reflects your personal style.