Classic muted suit colors are classic for a reason: they never go out of style and look good on just about anyone. However, some events are a great opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and rock bold contrasting colors. When styled the right way, bold colors paired together look like a fashionable choice, not a shocking mistake.

Bright blue and red

A navy suit and a maroon tie is a somewhat classic color combination, especially when the tones are muted. Go bolder with richer, brighter colors: swap out your navy suit for an ultramarine or indigo blue suit. Give your sensible maroon tie a rest and pair it with a blood orange or scarlet red tie instead. Wear it with a crisp white shirt, or a plaid shirt in complementary colors if you’re feeling extra daring. Finish off your look with a patterned pocket square that complements your tie, like a ruby stripeor reddish-orange paisley.

Rich violet and gold

A violet tie can be a subtle pop of color against a lighter shirt and suit. Ramp up your look by pairing rich violet with an equally bright pop of yellow-orange. You can do this by wearing a patterned purple bowtie that has hints of gold in its design, which will complement a gold pocket square. Or, pair a purple gingham or graph check shirt with a sleek gold tie. Layer it all underneath a light grey suit.

Teal and tangerine

Are you ready to really get noticed? A teal and tangerine outfit looks warm and vibrant, perfect for warmer weather. If you want to play up a navy suit with these bold colors, try a tangerine pocket square with a teal and orange check shirt. Swap your navy suit pants for khaki chinos to look less formal and more relaxed. Need a warm weather look for your tan suit? Pair a pale blue shirt with a patterned teal tie and a complementary tangerine pocket square.

Brown and green

Brown suits might seem old-fashioned, but they’re a classic–and you can easily update them with splashes of green. A brown tweed suit with a patterned emerald tieand silk emerald pocket square creates a bold jewel-toned look for cooler weather. Emerald green picks up subtle colors in a tweed pattern. This color combo can easily be updated for warm weather, too. Wear a rich brown blazer with olive chinos and a pale dress shirt. Top off your look with a forest green tie and patterned pocket square.

Rock your look with confidence

Be confident: it’s the most important thing to remember when trying out new color combinations. Figuring out a new style can take a little trial-and-error. When you have suits in neutral colors in your wardrobe, you can have fun experimenting with ties, shirts and pocket squares.

Need to add some basic versatile suits to your wardrobe? Jim’s Formal Wear has you covered with our online selection of navy, grey, blue, and black suits and tuxedos.