"Excuse me, what colour tie goes with a black suit so I don't look like a waiter?" Clients ask us this question, what colour tie to wear with a black suit, almost every week, and it deserves a serious answer. A black suit is the easiest colour to wear and also the easiest to wear dully, because all the interest of the outfit falls on the tie and the shirt.
The Short Answer
With a black suit, a deep navy, burgundy or silver-grey tie are three safe choices for the office. Weddings suit pastel or shimmering silver. Evening events suit burgundy, deep green and lightly glossy silk. Funerals call only for a plain, matte black tie. General rule: the tie must be darker or deeper than the shirt.
Three Principles for Matching a Tie With a Black Suit
Before the colour chart, keep three things in mind. They apply to every black suit, from an office suit to a tuxedo.
One: create just enough contrast. A black suit is already the darkest point of the palette, so the tie can be brighter and more colourful than usual without looking out of place. Avoid a pure black tie unless you are going to a funeral; black on black makes the outfit look flat.
Two: the shirt is lighter than the tie. A white shirt lets a tie of any colour stand up. If the shirt is coloured, the tie must be one step deeper, because the tie sits at the centre of the field of view, where everyone looks first.
Three: fabric decides formality. Lightly glossy silk suits evening parties; matte silk or fine wool suits the office. A knit tie is a casual choice and should not go with a formal black suit.
What Colour Tie With a Black Suit? A Table by Occasion
| Occasion | Tie to choose | Shirt to wear with it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Deep navy, burgundy, silver-grey, fine diagonal stripes | White, light blue | Small pattern, not glossy |
| Job interview | Plain navy, plain burgundy | White | Avoid large patterns and loud colours |
| Wedding (as a guest) | Pastel blue, smoky pink, silver, champagne | White | Do not wear pure white |
| Evening party, cocktail | Burgundy, deep green, lightly glossy silk | White, light blue | If the dress code is black tie, swap for a black bow tie |
| Funeral | Plain, matte black | White | No pattern, no sparkly tie pin |
This table rests on dressing convention, not law. If an invitation or your workplace states its own dress code, follow that dress code.
Black Suit and Red Tie: Which Shade Looks Refined?
A black suit with a red tie is a classic combination, but red comes in many shades. Burgundy is the safest choice: deep, warm, suitable for the office and for parties alike. Bright red feels a little "pushy" and is easily associated with event uniforms. Red with black stripes, or red with small polka dots, creates rhythm without noise.
A formula we often suggest: black suit, white shirt, a burgundy tie with small dots in the same colour, and a white pocket square folded flat. The whole outfit uses only three colours and looks tidy and deliberate.
Black Suit and Blue Tie: Navy, Green or Pastel?
With a black suit and blue tie, deep navy is the choice that is never wrong, especially for work or an interview. Deep green (emerald, forest green) feels more refined and suits evening parties. Light blue (baby blue) suits daytime weddings, but needs a white shirt to separate the light.
One point to note: a blue tie close to black in shade (such as a very dark charcoal blue) makes no difference and from a distance is easily mistaken for black. If you want a little difference, choose a navy with a slight sheen or with stripes.
Black Suit and Pink Tie, and Other Sweeter Colours
A black suit with a pink tie is a very effective way to "soften" a black suit for weddings and daytime parties. Choose smoky pink, dusty rose or a pale powder pink rather than a loud lotus pink. A pink tie is at its sharpest with a white or light blue shirt.
Beyond pink, terracotta is an interesting colour for creative people and events: this warm tone sits very naturally against black, like pottery on dark wood. Do not use it in very serious settings such as banking, law or a funeral.
Black Suit, White Shirt: Which Tie Colour?
A white shirt is a "blank sheet of paper", so almost any colour can be matched with it. To choose quickly, ask yourself three questions:
- Is the occasion formal? If so, burgundy or navy; if not, try terracotta, green or smoky pink.
- Do you want to stand out? If so, choose a colour with some saturation; if you want to stay discreet, choose silver-grey or a tone-on-tone stripe.
- Is any accessory already committed to a colour? If your pocket square or tie pin already has a colour, the tie should only be slightly off-tone, not an exact match.
On size, the width of the tie should match the width of the lapel, usually about 7–8 cm for a classic-cut suit and slightly narrower for a slim fit suit. The tip of the tie should reach close to the trouser belt. To go deeper, read how to choose a tie for your suit.
Colours and Details to Avoid With a Black Suit
- A pure black tie when it is not a funeral. It is easily mistaken for a staff uniform.
- Neon or overly glossy ties to meetings or when meeting partners.
- A tie the same colour as the shirt. The contrast is lost and it looks like one block.
- Overly large patterns (big flowers, large checks) on an office black suit.
- A tie that is too short or too long. A tip that sits above the belt, or one that hangs past the belt buckle, both throw off the proportion.
- Shoes that do not match. Even a lovely tie cannot rescue shoes that are wrong for the occasion, so read on to what shoes to wear with a black suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most versatile tie colour for a black suit?
If you are choosing just one all-round tie, pick a burgundy tie or a deep navy tie with a small pattern. Both go with a white shirt and a light blue shirt, and both can be worn to the office and to parties.
What colour tie goes with a black suit and white shirt for a wedding?
A daytime wedding suits pastel blue, smoky pink, silver or champagne. An evening wedding suits burgundy or lightly glossy silk. Avoid a pure white tie so as not to overshadow the groom, and avoid a black one too unless the invitation specifies a formal black dress code.
Is a black suit with a red tie suitable for an interview?
Yes, if it is burgundy and either plain or with a very small pattern. Avoid bright red and large patterns because they easily look garish. If your industry is fairly serious (banking, law, accounting), deep navy is still the safer choice.
What tie should I wear with a black suit to a funeral?
Choose a plain black tie in a matte fabric with a white shirt, and no tie pin or sparkly accessories. Each family may have its own customs, so if possible, ask a relative or observe beforehand.
Does a black suit with a pink tie look garish?
No, provided you choose smoky pink or dusty rose and let a white shirt serve as the background. Lotus pink or neon pink is the choice that easily looks glaring. It is most suitable for weddings and daytime parties.
In Short
A tie is the smallest item that can change the whole look of a black suit, so the question of what colour tie to wear with a black suit deserves a few minutes in front of the mirror. If you would like direct advice on colour by skin tone and occasion, visit one of the Mon Amie showrooms, or browse the lookbook for ideas. For occasions that demand the correct dress code, the outfit and etiquette consultation service will save you from guessing.