Black Pants with Gray Blazer: Do They Go Together?
Few items of clothing are as essential to a man’s wardrobe as a pair of black pants or a grey blazer. These two simple items can be mixed and matched with a range of shirts, hats, and other accessories to create hundreds of different outfit options. But do they work together? Is it ok to pair a grey blazer with black pants?
A simple pair of black trousers is arguably one of the wisest style choices you can make if you’re planning to wear a grey blazer. It is however important to match the materials. If the blazer is made from a particularly heavy material, such as tweed, it will look unbalanced against a lighter linen or cotton trouser.
If you’re thinking of what to wear for an upcoming formal or semi-formal event, keep reading to discover how you can create a memorable look with two of the most essential items in any man’s closet. We’ll dive into how to pair a grey blazer with black pants, discuss shirt color options, and even throw in a couple of accessories to top off the outfit.
A Grey Blazer with Black Pants Says Formal but Stylish
When you pair a grey blazer with black pants, you’re creating an outfit that looks formal but is still stylish. The key to nailing this look is in the details. The first step is to find a shade of grey that matches the tone of the event you’re attending.
A light grey blazer paired with black pants can look more casual, making it a top contender for classy outdoor events in summer, whereas a medium-toned grey blazer creates a collegiate or scholarly appearance. And, while a lot of men overlook the power of a dark grey blazer, the extra depth of color can work as a more contemporary and updated alternative to your standard black blazer.
From there, the next step is to make sure your blazer fits you perfectly. A well-tailored blazer will instantly elevate your look and make you appear more stylish and put-together. This goes for the pants as well. Society has moved past the super-tight skinny jeans look but keep in mind that wrinkles are never flattering. Instead, opt for a straight-legged cut in a material that won’t easily crinkle.
Regardless of Color, Some Materials Will Always Clash
When it comes to black pants and grey blazers, there are some materials that will always clash. For example, a pair of black leather pants will always look out of place. The same can be said for denim. When paired with a finely tailored blazer, black denim tends to degrade the outfit and appears as if you’re substituting for a lack of dress pants.
If you want to wear denim, go for a high-quality blue jean to create a toned-down semi-casual look. In general, though, it’s best to avoid mixing materials that are too informal or casual if you want to create a formal look. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on to choosing the right shirt to wear with your black pants and grey blazer.
Pairing a Shirt – White, Colored, Patterned, or Does it Matter?
This is where things can get a little tricky. You want to find a shirt that compliments your blazer and pants but doesn’t clash with the overall look. A white dress shirt is always a safe choice and can be worn with any color blazer. If you want to add a little more personality to your outfit, consider a patterned or colored shirt.
Light blues and light greys work well with a medium grey blazer if you’re attending a formal event but if you want to keep things a little more casual, a rich gem tone such as magenta or a softer pastel such as lavender can also work nicely. On the other hand, a gingham pattern with a heavier tweed blazer can add to the professorial appeal of the look.
How to Make a Grey Blazer More Casual?
Sometimes you want to look smart but not too fancy. Your trusty grey blazer can help out in this situation. By creating an outfit using a grey blazer, white t-shirt, and a pair of quality blue jeans, you can keep your style intact while still looking down-to-earth enough to hang out with friends in a café or at the park.
We recommend wearing a pair of clean white sneakers or even some brown oxford shoes to complete the look. The contrast between your feet and the jeans will provide a nice base and elevate the overall outfit.
Pairing Black Pants and a Grey Blazer with a Fedora Hat
A fedora hat is a perfect accessory to throw on when you’re wearing a grey blazer and black pants. Not only does it protect you from the sun, but it also adds an element of style and personality to your outfit.
When choosing a fedora, make sure the color compliments your blazer. A black fedora will work with any color but if you want to add a pop of color, consider a grey or brown hat. Just be careful with the size. If you go too small, you’ll look more like a late 2000’s hipster and if you go too large, you could end up looking like Indiana Jones.
To Tie or Not to Tie?
This is a personal choice but we recommend avoiding a tie if you’re going for a more casual look. If you’re attending a formal event or job interview, however, a tie is always a good idea. When choosing a tie, make sure the color compliments your shirt, not the blazer. A patterned tie can also add a touch of personality without being too over the top.
Final Thoughts
The key to nailing the black pants and grey blazer look is in the details. Make sure your blazer fits well, choose the right shirt, and don’t forget the accessories. With a little bit of effort, you can create a stylish and memorable outfit that’s perfect for any event.
