It’s time for a showdown between two of groomswear’s most-trusted hues: sleek navy and rustic brown. Who will come out on top? You decide!
Navy


Navy is a softer take on the failsafe black tuxedo and dark-blue tailoring is always a winner. Burgundy is an underrated accent tone – just look how well it chimes with Master Debonair’s Skopes Doyle check three-piece suit, above left.
Not sure where to start with your outfit? You could do worse than double up on classics. It doesn’t get more heritage than Black Watch tartan, or, for that matter, navy tweed. McCalls’ kilt outfit, above centre, is a modern iteration of the check and, paired with the contemporary jacket and waistcoat, the duo is a match made in heaven.
What do you imagine when someone says ‘tartan trews’? An Argyle-clad golfer? Your grandad at a function? Cast those visions out of your mind because trews are most definitely cool again – especially if Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers has anything to do with them. The styling in this outfit, above right, is impeccable: by keeping the upper half simple with a fresh, modern navy tweed jacket and five-button waistcoat, the Highland Mist trews are given space to shine. And the bow tie? Perfection.


Brown


Inspired by Harry Styles’ covetable 70s suits, we’re bringing brown back! We know you’ve got your reservations: doesn’t brown look too retro? Isn’t it a bit boring? Anything but. The hue is a major mood again (ain’t fashion fickle?), and very much open to interpretation. See: Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers. Side by side, the outfitter shows how different shades can be styled, whether that be in the context of a warmer palette or with cooler tones, as shown above left.
If a rich, chocolate tone isn’t up your alley, hunt down muted alternatives. Slater Menswear’s Dunlin Lomond jacket, above right, is almost in beige territory and lightens up the Campbell Weathered kilt.


Of course, brown has always been a feature of traditional tailoring – tweeds in particular – so if a full-on, abstract Gucci print à la Styles is a bold step too far, retreat into reassuring heritage checks. Master Debonair’s two-piece suit and block-colour waistcoat combination, top right, is both utterly timeless and of the moment, and will sit flawlessly alongside neutral or pale blush bridesmaid gowns, keeping the whole party chic and co-ordinated.