How to Wear a Suit with Flair – Ultimate Guide

Stepping out in a well-tailored suit is a surefire way to exude confidence, sophistication, and timeless style. However, wearing a suit is more than just donning a jacket and pants; it's an art form that requires attention to detail, an understanding of fashion principles, and a dash of personal flair. 

Let's explore how we can take your men's suits game from good to pro-level in the world of tailored clothing.

Basic Guidance When Wearing a Suit

We give you the style you need to be bold and make you look good for EVERY occasion. Following some basic guidelines when wearing a suit can make all the difference. 

Suit Fit is Paramount

A perfect suit is a well-fitted suit. The jacket should hug your shoulders, slightly taper at the waist, and end below your buttocks. The jacket sleeves should show about half an inch of your dress shirt cuff. 

Pants should be snug around your waist without needing a belt, and the hem should touch the top of your dress shoes, with a slight break in the front. Tailoring your suit is always a wise investment, as it will ensure a perfect fit and elevate your overall look.

Buttoning Rules

How you button your suit and dress shirt plays a crucial role in showcasing your attention to detail and sartorial prowess. Always keep the top button fastened for a polished appearance in dress shirts. For two-button suit jackets, follow the classic rule: button the top button while leaving the bottom undone. 

In the case of a three-button suit, button the middle and, optionally, the top. However, always leave the bottom button undone. Lastly, never remove the stitching; avoid using your jacket pockets to maintain a clean and polished look.

Matching Suit and Dress Shirt

Pairing the right dress shirt with your suit is essential for a cohesive and stylish look. Begin by selecting a shirt that complements your suit color. For example, opt for a crisp white or light blue shirt for a more conservative appearance. 

If you're feeling adventurous, consider subtle patterns or pastel colors that coordinate well with your suit. Additionally, ensure the shirt collar type matches your suit lapels and tie style. A well-matched suit and dress shirt will elevate your ensemble and showcase your keen sense of fashion.

Different Suit Styles for Different Occasions

Select a suit style based on the event you're attending. Wear a classic navy or charcoal two-button notch lapel suit for business meetings and interviews. For black-tie affairs, a tuxedo is the standard choice. 

Choose a single-breasted, one-button jacket with a peak lapel or shawl collar paired with a black bow tie and patent leather dress shoes for a refined and sophisticated appearance. While a more casual suit, blazer, and slacks combo works for less formal occasions.

Confidence is Needed

A suit may be expertly tailored and custom-made to fit like a glove, but it's ultimately up to you to bring it to life. So, stand tall, stride purposefully, and embrace the confidence from wearing such a refined ensemble. A well-fitted suit sets the stage, but your attitude takes it to new heights.

Even a modestly priced suit with, with a well-groomed haircut, healthy skin and an overall polished appearance can radiate an aura of luxury and sophistication

Suit Color Combinations

The color wheel is the bedrock for all color combinations, paving the way for discovering diverse styles and concepts. In essence, the color wheel is split into two distinct sections: warm colors and cool colors. Warm colors exude vibrancy and warmth, while cool colors radiate a sense of calm and coolness.

With the color wheel as our guide, we can craft exquisite combinations that harmonize seamlessly. Below, we've outlined the precise patterns and schemes you can employ to achieve the perfect match, ensuring you look impeccable for every occasion.

Navy and Charcoal Suits are Head to Head

Wear your navy suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a burgundy tie for a timeless look. Complete the ensemble with brown dress shoes and a matching belt. This outfit is perfect for interviews, business meetings, and weddings, balancing confidence and elegance.

Or, combine your dark charcoal suit with a light blue dress shirt and a sophisticated, patterned tie in shades of gray or silver. Finally, wear black dress shoes and a coordinating belt to polish off your look. This outfit exudes authority and maturity, making it suitable for formal events, presentations, or networking occasions.

Black Suit for Formal Settings

Black suits are special in formal attire, reserved for the most distinguished occasions, such as black-tie events and funerals. They convey a sense of solemnity, respect, and sophistication.

Wear your black suit with a pristine white dress shirt and a classic black tie to create an impeccable formal look. Complete the ensemble with black dress shoes, a black leather belt, and a subtle silver tie bar.

Blue and Grey for More Casual Occasions

Lighter shades of blue and grey suits provide a fresh and stylish alternative for casual occasions, such as weddings, semi-formal events, or date nights. These colors allow you to express your personality and add a touch of flair to your ensemble.

For a modern and vibrant look, wear a light blue suit with a patterned dress shirt in a complementary hue, such as a subtle floral or geometric print. Add a playful yet sophisticated tie in a coordinating color. Finish the outfit with brown leather loafers and a matching belt. This combination is perfect for daytime events or summer soirées.

On the other hand, create a refined yet relaxed ensemble by combining your light grey suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a textured, pastel-colored tie. Opt for golden brown or tan suede brogues and a coordinating belt to complete the look. This outfit is ideal for outdoor weddings, cocktail parties, or dinner dates, exuding effortless elegance and charm.

Experiment with Flamboyant Suit Colors

Once you've rocked those classic suit colors and feel pretty confident in your style, why not shake things up? Step outside your comfort zone and play with some bolder suit colors. 

After all, fashion is all about expressing yourself, right? So, experiment with some eye-catching bold hues like burgundy, brown, or forest green.

Wear a burgundy suit with a black dress shirt and a black tie for a daring and sophisticated look. Choose black dress shoes and a matching belt to anchor the bold color. Add a pocket square with a hint of burgundy to tie the ensemble together. This striking outfit is perfect for holiday parties, art events, or any occasion where you want to make a memorable impression.

Also, brown suits offer a unique combination of warmth and elegance. Opt for a rich chocolate brown suit and pair it with a light blue dress shirt and a patterned tie featuring shades of blue and brown. Complete the look with dark brown derbies and a matching belt. This outfit exudes a sense of refinement and individuality, suitable for various social gatherings and daytime events.

Suits & Accessories

Accessorizing your suit is crucial but focus on the rules and coordination to ensure a polished appearance.

Dress Shoes

Dress shoes are crucial in completing a polished suit ensemble, and your chosen color can significantly impact your overall look. Black shoes are the go-to choice for most formal events, such as black-tie affairs, funerals, and business settings. They offer a classic and refined appearance, pairing seamlessly with suits in darker shades like black, navy, and charcoal.

For everyday use or casual occasions, dark brown dress shoes provide a versatile and stylish alternative. In addition, brown shoes are excellent for weddings, date nights, or semi-formal gatherings.

Dress Watches

If you wear a leather dress watch, ensure the strap color matches your shoes and belt. A classic, understated timepiece is always a safe choice.

Ties & Tie Bars

Only wear a tie with a dress shirt; ensure the color and pattern complement your shirt and suit. For a sophisticated look, choose contrasting ties and pocket squares. Ensure the tie bar length does not extend beyond the tie width, and match the tie width to your lapel width.

Cufflinks & Pocket Squares

Cufflinks and pocket squares add a touch of elegance to your ensemble. Metals should match, so if you wear gold cufflinks, opt for a gold tie bar. Choose a pocket square color that complements your tie, but avoid exact matches.

Belts

A formal belt is typically thin and matches the color of your dress shoes. Also, your belt buckle is understated and coordinates with your other metal accessories.

Dressy Socks

Socks should be long enough to cover any visible parts of your leg when sitting. Match them to your suit, or opt for a subtle pattern for added interest.

Wear a Suit Casually

Feel free to tone down your full suit for a more relaxed look. For instance, pair your suit with sneakers for a contemporary vibe, or swap your dress shirt for a high-quality t-shirt. Mixing and matching case separates can also create a more relaxed appearance.

Remember, confidence is key - rock your casual suit look with composure and self-assurance.