what is a versatile suit for non-business purposes

[lemmywinks]

I know standard navy and dark grey/charcoal are the most versatile suit colors you can buy, mostly because you can wear it to work.

but if you're just completely ignoring the constraint that this also has to serve as a business suit, what is a good versatile suit to buy?

for going to nice restaurants, more evening parties, to wear when i host events, etc.,

 

[jaxenro]

Dark gray or navy works well for evening parties

Unless it’s summer in a hot climate then I would look at a linen or seersucker

 

[breakaway01]

Medium/dark grey and navy remain the most versatile colors for a suit. You don't have to get a plain worsted fabric though. For example, a nailhead, birdseye, or sharkskin weave work well for something just a touch less formal. I would recommend avoiding stripes/pinstripes as these are more clearly associated with business.

 

[maxalex]

Another option would be a lighter shade of blue than navy—what is sometimes called Air Force blue. It won’t look like a business suit but will still be sharp, and more festive than navy.

The conventional caution with medium blues is that they can look a bit “electric” in bright sunshine. But as you are specifically wanting an evening suit, that’s not an issue.

 

[JettStyle]

As others have said, I would stick to blue (but I go brighter than Navy Blue). If you stick to a solid color (do not read boring), you can drive a lot of how it looks with your shirts, shoes and accessories.

A blue suit with the right black shirt will a good stylish look, that does not look too corporate/boring.

You should start checking out pictures that show the look you want. Check this forum, Instagram, Pinterest and such.

Also, check out SuitSupply's website, or store if you have one close by, i bet they will have a lot that you will like.

 

[jaxenro]

Don’t wear a black shirt with a navy suit

 

[JettStyle]

Don’t wear a black shirt with a navy suit

Not with Navy Blue. With Medium blue it can work well. The devil is in the details (shine and texture). Black and blue can certainly work, but not black and navy.

 

[breakaway01]

Have seen some examples and I must say that I am also not a fan of blue suit plus black shirt. Please share any photos where you think this works.