The Clay Suit Style Guide: How to Wear a Colorful Earth Tone Suit

Looking for a suit that doesn’t feel too buttoned-up—but still makes you look put together? You can count on a clay color suit. With its warm tone and clean lines, it's the perfect balance of laid-back and sophisticated. Incredibly versatile, you can dress it up for important meetings or keep it casual for social gatherings—it adapts to wherever your day takes you.

When to Wear and How to Style a Clay Suit

Styling Clay is about leaning into its warm tone and knowing when to keep it sharp vs. when to let it breathe. Here’s how to get the most out of the look, depending on the occasion.

For Weddings

Clay suits are ideal for wedding suits, especially for weddings with rustic, outdoor, or seasonal vibes. Whether you're part of the party or showing up as a guest, the suit makes a statement without competing with the event.

• Pair it with a white shirt and add accessories in champagne, sage green, or tweed for a polished, cohesive look.
• For summer wedding outfits or destination wedding attire, go light and breezy: no tie, open collar, loafers or dressy sandals.

Need an outfit for fall weddings? Add depth with a vest, darker accents, or a richly toned tie.

For Work & Professional Events

Looking for something less expected than a navy suit or charcoal suit? Clay adds personality without being stuff or showing off. 

• Match it with a crisp white or light blue shirt for a clean, classic presentation.
• Stick with dark brown oxfords or oxblood shoes and a subtle belt to keep it polished.
• For more relaxed or creative workplaces, try a fine knit top or collarless shirt and skip the tie.

For Casual Gatherings & Travel

Whether it’s a rooftop dinner, a weekend away, or a dressed-up day out, Clay does laid-back effortlessly.

• Throw on a soft tee, henley, or relaxed button-down and swap in clean white sneakers or tan suede loafers.
• Mix it up: Clay trousers with a chambray shirt, or the clay blazer with black jeans and boots.
• The color hides wrinkles well, making it a great travel companion.

What to Pair with Clay Suit Style

Clay suits hit that sweet spot between bold and versatile, which makes pairing it easier than you'd think. From dressed-down to buttoned-up, these shirt options bring out its best side.

Shirts & Tops to Wear with Clay Color Suits

• White: Clean, classic, and always a safe bet. It works for just about anything—weddings, workdays, you name it.
• Cream or Tan: If you’re going for a tonal, low-key look, these are great picks. They keep things light and let the suit do the talking.
• Black: Want something with a little contrast? Black adds just enough edge and feels a bit more dressed up—perfect for nights out or formal settings.
• Chambray or Light Blue: Easygoing but still put-together. These make the look feel fresh and a little more casual without losing style points.
• Soft Pink or Sage: These might not be your first thought, but they really work. Muted tones like these add a nice layer of interest without clashing.
• Patterned Neutrals: Think thin stripes or subtle prints in light tones. They add texture and detail while still keeping everything cohesive.
  

Ties & Accessories to Pair with a Clay Suit

• Champagne or Tweed: Great for weddings or dressier occasions. Tweed or champagne ties and accessories add just enough texture or shine without taking away from the suit.
• Sage, Forest Green, or Burgundy: These deeper tones add a little richness and feel especially right in the cooler months.
• Pocket Squares: Keep it simple here. A subtle pattern or a textured solid is all you need to pull the look together.
• Gold Jewelry or Minimalist Watches: Warmer metals and clean designs pair especially well with clay. Nothing too flashy—just enough to elevate the outfit.

Shoes for Clay Suits

• Brown Leather or Oxfords: You can’t go wrong with a classic dress shoe. These give a polished, timeless finish to the look.
• Tan Suede or Loafers: If you want something a little more relaxed, suede and loafers strike that nice balance between casual and sharp.
• Oxblood: A bold choice that still works within the palette. Deep and warm, it adds personality without clashing.
• White or Cream Sneakers: Want to dress it down? Clean sneakers keep it modern and make the whole outfit feel effortless.

The (Final) Case for Clay

A clay suit is a modern staple with the kind of versatility that earns its place in your closet. It’s flattering, easy to style, and full of character without being loud. Swap the shirt, change the tie, add a new pocket square or pair of shoes—and it feels brand new every time. It’s one of those rare suits you’ll keep reaching for, season after season.

At SuitShop, we know how important it is to find the right suit for the right moment. From olive green suits to tweed suits, our collection offers styles that bring personality and warmth to wedding-day suit style. Use our Fit Finder to get a your perfect size for a tailored look without the guesswork. Whether you're styling a tweed suit for the groom, putting together a women’s suit outfit, or shopping for a guest look, we make it easy to find high-quality pieces that feel just right. Let SuitShop be your go-to for great style, great fit, and suits made for every kind of celebration.