The navy blazer is one of the most essential garments in a man’s wardrobe, recommended by most stylists and fashion experts for one very simple reason – it is incredibly versatile and easily paired with a variety of clothing items. However, if you’re not yet well-versed in the nuances of style, the navy blazer can become yet another challenge – how to wear it and on what occasions does it fit? That’s precisely why I’ve prepared 10 simple yet stylish combinations that you can wear for various occasions – from casual to smart casual.
1. The classic
Let’s start with the most popular combination – a navy blazer paired with dark gray trousers. In the world of classic style, this pairing is often referred to as the “menswear uniform.” Since both the blazer and trousers are dark, neutral shades, the key detail of this outfit becomes the tie. I recommend choosing a patterned tie, as a solid-colored one might look too plain, making the entire outfit overly conservative and dull. Add a patterned pocket square to the blazer, and you’ll have a stylish classic ensemble that serves as an excellent alternative to a full suit.
2. The bold classic
If the first outfit feels a bit too basic or uninspiring, it’s easy to make it more vibrant and unique by tweaking a few key elements while staying true to the concept of a navy blazer paired with gray trousers. Opt for lighter gray trousers, swap the classic white shirt for a bold one with blue stripes, and trade the tie for a deep red grenadine style. Finish the look with a bright yellow silk pocket square, and you’ll create a polished yet standout outfit that’s anything but boring.
3. Shades of blue and brown
Shades of brown and blue complement each other exceptionally well, making them perfect for creating a stylish combination, especially suited for autumn. The key idea of this outfit is dark tones. Both the blazer and trousers feature deep, rich colors, making this ensemble ideal for evening occasions. While the shirt is slightly lighter to add contrast, all other elements remain dark, creating a minimalist and sophisticated look. A subtle touch of flair is added with a pocket square featuring a blend of brown and blue patterns.
4. Corduroy and brogues
Continuing with the theme of blue and brown tones, this time we pair the navy blazer with lighter brown corduroy trousers, creating a striking contrast between the upper and lower halves of the outfit. This ensemble is also perfect for the autumn season and stands out beautifully, with the corduroy trousers taking center stage. Their lighter shade and texture add a playful yet sophisticated touch to the look, while a patterned silk pocket square subtly ties the upper and lower elements together.
5. Flannel trousers and loafers
If classic, simple combinations feel a bit too dull for your taste, why not try this bold ensemble? Here, we pair light brown flannel trousers with dark brown tassel loafers. At first glance, it might seem like these pieces contradict each other—flannel trousers are winter staples, while loafers are typically associated with summer. However, from a style perspective, they work surprisingly well together. So why not give this combination a try on dry, cooler days when the temperature isn’t at its lowest?
6. Casual shades of blue
Of course, a navy blazer isn’t limited to pairing with suit trousers or chinos—it can also be styled with jeans. One of the most popular combinations is with dark blue jeans. This simple, everyday outfit works well year-round. However, this particular version is better suited for the colder months, as it incorporates a warm navy sweater layered underneath the blazer, creating a sleek monochromatic look. A touch of personality is added with burgundy socks, and the ensemble is finished off with classic dark brown brogues, which always pair perfectly with jeans.
7. Elegant summer
From the colder seasons, we transition into summer with this warm-weather ensemble that pairs a navy blazer with off-white chino trousers. This is one of the most popular summer combinations, perfect for any occasion—from a romantic stroll through city streets to a tasting dinner at a fine restaurant. The standout feature of this outfit is the mahogany-colored penny loafers, which will look even more cohesive if you tie the look together with a pocket square in a similar shade tucked into your pocket.
8. Earthy tones
Earthy tones—greens and browns—also pair beautifully with a navy blazer, making them a great choice if you want your outfits to feel more colorful and interesting. One of the most popular and consistently stylish combinations is with green chino trousers. Pair these with blue denim shirts (don’t forget to leave the top two buttons undone), add a vibrant, patterned pocket square to your blazer, and you’ll have a sharp smart-casual outfit perfect for any summer occasion.
9. Stripes and jeans
Another great summer combination is pairing blue jeans with a navy blazer. This relaxed ensemble is perfect when you want to look stylish without being overly dressed up. The key highlight of this outfit is the shirt with bold blue stripes, striking a perfect balance between classic and casual style. Complete the look with dark mahogany loafers and a silk pocket square featuring blue and red tones to add a touch of sophistication.
10. Casual summer
And last but certainly not least for the summer season—a navy blazer paired with a white short-sleeve T-shirt and slightly distressed blue jeans. This ensemble is perfect for those moments when a casual outfit needs a touch of refinement. While this look might be too laid-back for the Opera and Ballet Theatre, it’s an excellent choice for a date night or Sunday brunch.
With these 10 easy-to-follow outfit combinations, the navy blazer transforms from an intimidating wardrobe piece into a reliable choice for looking sharp. By incorporating it into everything from laid-back looks to polished ensembles, you’ll quickly discover just how versatile and valuable this garment can be. No matter the occasion, the navy blazer is your ticket to dressing with confidence and style.
