Must-Own Suits for Every Man
Suits being one of the priciest items in all of men’s fashion, it’s hard to expect that you’ll expect more than a few. With the kaleidoscope of dress codes and ‘looks’ that are in use right now, however, it seems you need to own an increasing number of clothes – which includes suits. For most events and situations, though, you realistically need just these three styles. It’s formal fashion at its barest and most essential.
The Gray Suit
Everyone says the black suit is the highest and most formal variety, but the gray kind can amply compete with its more somber siblings. Whether you’re interviewing for a seat on the executive board or going out to dinner someplace ritzy, a gray suit gives you all the sophistication you need, and then some.
Perhaps the most delicate balancing act you have to manage with the gray suit is keeping it from becoming too formal and stuffy. It’s entirely possible, and you’re likely to end up looking like you borrowed something from granddad. Avoid this by getting a cut that’s as slim as possible for your body, and then keeping down the shoulder pads. This creates a more modern and contoured silhouette to keep you both stylish and streamlined.
Adding color to the ensemble is a bit more of a style challenge, but is even more effective at adding freshness and youth to the gray suit. Try for a bold or bright necktie (pastel pink works very well with gray), a shirt with a pop of color or a pocket square with print on it.
The Navy Suit
No longer just a preppy color, navy has recently earned a reputation as a go-between – and go-to – color for events where you want to look sophisticated but not done-up. If attitudes could be assigned to different colors, navy would be regal and refined without being all uptight about it. That’s the kind of vibe a navy suit will convey for you.
Also called midnight blue by some brands, you’ll want to get a suit that’s more midnight than blue – but not to the point that you can’t pick out the latter color. The darker shade lets you wear the suit to dressier occasions with the right shirt and necktie. Because it’s not exactly a strictly formal color, though, the suit is easy to dress down by swapping the pressed trousers out for a more laid-back pair of pants in denim, corduroy or cotton.
The Khaki Suit
Men’s fashion in the Western World is fairly weather-sensitive; if you wear a style piece in the wrong season, you’re sure to feel at least a bit of discomfort in the process. Spring and summer might be opportunities for style, but it’s not exactly prime time to wear dark colors like gray and navy. In those months, a khaki suit is more appropriate – and comfy.
There are several reasons why you’d want to invest in something like a khaki suit. First, you’ll find that the right fabrics (read: linen and similar blends) keep you cool even under the sun. Second, the lighter color is much more appropriate for the bright season. Third, with the right pieces – a crisp shirt and a dark colored necktie, say – it’s a quick and very comfortable way of setting yourself apart in a gray and black crowd.
Suits – good suits, that is – don’t come cheap, with prices almost hitting four figures in many cases. You’re better off investing in three spectacular suits that you can mix and style around instead of buying a whole closet full of cheap duds.
Other Suggested Readings by TheTieKing:
Mens Summer Suit Guide
A Detailed Look at Different Mens Suit Cuts
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