Shirt & Tie Color Combinations: A Quick & Easy Guide

Shirts that work: White, gray, blue, pink, lavender, light yellow

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Navy is a wardrobe workhorse. Stick with white for a timeless look or add personality with lavender.
• Best look: Navy tie, white shirt, navy suit

Classic. Confident. Always in style—this navy blue tie goes with (almost) everything.

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue, pink, lavender, light yellow

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan

• Style tip: Royal blue pops against a white shirt. Avoid tan suits with royal blue ties. However, tan suits do pair with light or muted blue ties, especially in warm weather.
• Best look: Blue tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, tan

• Style tip: Keep the shirt neutral so your tie can shine. Great for summer weddings or beachy vibes.
• Best look: Turquoise tie, white shirt, charcoal suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, tan

• Style tip: A classic red tie with a white shirt is power dressing 101. A light blue shirt softens the look without losing impact.
• Best look: Red tie, white shirt, charcoal suit

Bold and timeless—a red tie makes a powerful first impression.

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue, pink, lavender, light yellow

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Burgundy adds depth and pairs beautifully with lighter shirts. It looks especially sharp in fall and winter.
• Best look: Burgundy tie, white shirt, navy blue suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, blue

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive

• Style tip: Orange ties can be bold. Tone them down with a white shirt or play with pattern by adding gingham or checks. Orange and blue (shirt or suit) is a popular combination.
• Best look: Orange tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, gray, cream, blue

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy*

• Style tip: A favorite for fall weddings. Think earth tones with these ties. *For burgundy suits, opt for redder-toned rust ties instead of burnt orange.
• Best look: Burnt orange or rust tie, white shirt, brown suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, blue, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive

• Style tip: Light yellow ties are spring-friendly. Dark yellow ties, like mustard, look great with earthy shirt tones and navy suits.
• Best look: Yellow tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, blue, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Pair gold ties with light-colored shirts for a balanced look, or go bold with a black shirt and suit for a striking combination.
• Best look: Gold tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, gray, cream, blue, pink

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Green ties feel fresh. Keep brighter greens paired with traditional suit colors ( navy, charcoal, gray or black). Subdued greens, like sage, can be worn with those less common brown, tan, olive and burgundy suits.
• Best look: Green tie, white shirt, charcoal suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: A strong, classic color that looks great in fall. Pair with white or light blue shirt for contrast.
• Best look: Hunter green tie, white shirt, charcoal suit

Shirts that work: White, gray, cream, blue, pink, lavender, light yellow

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive

• Style tip: Purple ties bring elegance. Try a lavender tie with a white shirt for weddings or a deep plum for a formal evening look.
• Best look: Purple tie, white shirt, gray suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue, pink

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Pink ties are more versatile than you think. A white shirt is a no-fail combo, but light gray brings a modern twist. Go bold with dark pink ties and black shirts.
• Best look: Pink tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, cream, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, white, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Keep it crisp with a white shirt or go monochromatic with a black shirt for evening events. Light gray works well for less formal occasions, like your everyday business wear.
• Best look: Black tie, white shirt, black suit

Shirts that work: White, black, gray, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, white, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: White ties are bold and formal, often worn for tuxedo-level occasions. Try a white on white combo or pair them with black suits.
• Best look: White tie, white shirt, black suit

Shirts that work: White, black, blue

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Ivory ties are a popular choice with tan suits, especially in warmer weather. For the best look, pair warm-toned ties with warm-toned suits to keep the outfit cohesive and natural.
• Best look: Ivory tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, black, blue, pink, lavender, light yellow

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, black, brown, tan, burgundy

• Style tip: Sleek and modern. Perfect for weddings or professional settings. Shine level can shift the vibe from boardroom to ballroom.
• Best look: Silver or gray tie, white shirt, charcoal suit

Shirts that work: White, gray, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, gray, black, brown, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: More flexible than black, but just as sharp. Works great for business and formal settings.
• Best look: Dark gray tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: White, black, cream, blue, pink, lavender

Suits that work: Navy, charcoal, gray, black, brown, tan, olive, burgundy

• Style tip: Underused but stylish. Brown tones are perfect for autumn and earthy looks. Great with textured shirts and tweed suits, too.
• Best look: Brown tie, white shirt, navy suit

Shirts that work: Stick with a white shirt, or choose one color from the tie and use the color guide to find a matching shirt. Keep patterned shirts subtle.

Suits that work: Keep the suit simple or pick one main color from the tie and use the guide to match.

• Style tip: Let the tie do the talking. When in doubt, pair with a solid shirt that picks up one color from the tie.
• Avoid: Mixing bold patterns.

Shirts that work: Oxford cloth shirts, flannel, chambray, white or light blue

Suits that work: Unstructured suits, sport coats, cardigans

• Style tip: More casual by nature. Great for layering with cardigans or unstructured blazers.
• Avoid: Formal events, especially with knit ties.

• Stick with neutral shirts like white, light blue, or light gray if you're unsure.
• Use patterns sparingly. If your tie is bold, keep the shirt simple (and vice versa).
• Swatches help. Grab free fabric swatches to test shirt and tie combos at home.

With this guide, you’ll know exactly what shirt to grab every time you reach for a tie.

TieMart is your go-to destination for affordable men’s neckties, bow ties, and accessories. With a wide range of styles, from classic solid colors to patterns like paisley and plaid, there’s something for every occasion—and shirt color. Located in the Midwest, TieMart is committed to fast shipping and providing great value for every customer.