When did business suits get so boring?
Every meeting I go to seems to be with the same guy in the same black suit, with the same pale blue shirt and the same non-offensive tie – usually navy and very shiny! Don’t even get me started on the shoes!
Let’s change that shall we?
When I started this blog 5 years ago it was all about ending casual Fridays and taking back the suit – Well, I mean, that was the dream at least! Now, don’t get me wrong, men’s fashion has come a long way and men are definitely putting some ‘pride’ on before they leave the house – No…’pride’ is not the new Calvin Klein cologne. But, it’s not really moving forward very quickly is it? Besides the influx of menswear influencers on Instagram #Dapper #MensStyle #MenswearBlogger (Everyone’s a f*#kin blogger these days). The real men out on the street sure are taking there sweet time stepping up.
I’ve been getting a lot of mails about “Starting a new job and wanting to look the part” lately so decided I would put together this quick post on putting the business back into your suit. Your business suit of course…come on people it’s a play on words!
I’ve decided to take a basic ‘business look’ (dark suit, blue shirt, red tie) and give it a few tweaks to make it more contemporary. Let’s start with the suit. Unless you’re going to a funeral, don’t buy a black suit. Men seem to be obsessed with black suits and I’m not sure why, they’re just so damn boring. At the very least go for a dark navy and make sure it has something that sets it apart like a pattern or texture – preferably both. I decided on this Navy windowpane suit with a textured fabric – Windowpane is the new black so if you’re looking for a new suit, I would definitely go windowpane. This one is off the rack from River Island and won’t cost you more than $250 (so really no excuses).
The pale blue shirt, seems to be the uniform of the white collar man. Does everyone see the irony here? I don’t know if we can change this ( I don’t know if we’re ready), but we can certainly make it better. Again, a little pattern goes a long way, so get something with a stripe or a check. This shirt is actually white with a fine blue check giving the illusion of a pale blue shirt but with the benefit of texture and contrast. Be brave and get a cutaway collar or even a club collar to give your shirt a more modern look, or retro modern look as it were.
Now let’s talk ties. Look at your tie. Is it all nice and shiny? Turn it around. Does it say microfibre on the back or fine silk? Burn it. That’s right, burn it! There are so many more options out there for great ties that we’ve gotta lie those shiny ones down to rest. In fact, you can wear your black suit to the funeral! Heyyyy Yhooo! My recommendation may surprise you, but I’m gonna suggest going for a tie with texture. That’s right, wool, linen, cotton and even raw silk are all good options. I recently bought (yes, I actually bought them, this isn’t sponsored) a heap of ties from The Tie Bar, at $20 a tie you cant go wrong – They even ship to South Africa so basically they’ll ship anywhere. Again not sponsored, I’m just a fan of good cheap ties. Try and keep the pattern on your tie subtle but interesting, it shouldn’t fight with everything else in your look. This burgundy tie has a slight polka dot which contrasts well with the suit and shirt. One last thing, stop with the skinny ties guys, it’s not the 80’s anymore, it’s not even the 80’s revival anymore.
Last but not least, shoes. I mean, shoes is a blog post on its own but we don’t have the time. If it has a square toe, let it go. Ooooo…that’s a new slogan. “If it has a square toe let it go”. Don’t be afraid of shoes without laces, I promise they won’t fall off your feet. Go for a tasselled loafer or even a double monk strap and it will change your look completely. I’m wearing a pair of dark burgundy loafers to pick on the colour in the tie and pocket square. No, I haven’t forgotten about the pocket square, but I don’t want to be pushy. It’s not something you need to have and it’s not always necessary if you have something that compliments (not matches) your shirt and tie, then go for it.
That’s pretty much it. I guarantee that if you walk into your next meeting looking like that, you’ll get the deal…or that intern from marketing but either way you’ll have a great day.
Now go out and spread the word, everyone!!! If you know someone who you think should read this post, please pass it on! I’ve linked to all the items in this outfit above – where I couldnt find the exact item (like shirts and shoes) I’ve linked to something very similar.
If you need help on getting your pattern mixing right, you can read my tips and tricks here.
Okay. Stay fancy.
So excited reading this. I always look forward to your post
Thank you Rod! What a compliment! Always great knowing someone is looking forward to a post!
That Windowpane is amazing Sergio 👌👌👌
Thank you Dany, like I said “windowpane is the new black”
Man you are amazing Really! First of all you’r style is pure talent, the way you wear it and the way you take a shot is amazing. I have to learn from you, I have a lot to learn and you are that man. It’s been a pleasure to talk with you, and engage with You! You are a pure legend and influencer
Wow, what a compliment MenWithStreet, always happy to inspire! I hope I continue to do so!
Just love reading your blog posts Sergio! A true gentleman and a style icon 🙌🏾 Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you for all the kind words Ibrar. Really appreciate the feedback!
Really find it so inspiinsp and helpful 🙂
Always happy to inspire Milad
Great post! I notice this at my job too great to change it up sometimes
Yep, it’s a common problem Aidan, worldwide. Let’s hope we can change it!!
You Are looking better in every blog! 🔝👍
Thank you Manuel…you dont want to see what I looked like at the start! YIKES!!!
Love your style! Keep it up!!
Thank you Eric. Really appreciate that!
Such an amazing blog! Love it and can’t wait to read more 😊
Thank you Dominik, appreciate your feedback.
Love reading all your posts! Your very inspiring! Also loving the darker hair!
Thank you Myles, so appreciate your feedback.
Looks so great bro
Thank you Dejan, glad you like it!
Yes! I’m happy you wrote this – they have indeed become very boring. Especially in N.America. I definitely appreciate your style and the way you make a suit exciting and on trend. Keep it up!
Thank you so much Elena!! It seems to be a global problem, not just North America. Men want to dress better they sometimes just don’t know where to start!
Your style is always impeccable
Thanks JW. What a kind compliment!
Great blog! So true, so many boring suits! Not saying you need to be wearing something loud but at lesst give your suit a little life !
My point exactly Danny. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but maybe give it some shiny rims!
This was pretty informative!
I’m definitely going to put this to use
Love to hear that Mark! Go out there and change the game!!
You never come up short bro, always killing the suit game !
What a compliment East! Really appreciate it!
Your fashion and style is top man! If I have to dress up, I would definitely use your tips. 💯
Will always be here if you need anymore tips Jomer!
didn’t know suits this nice existed
Especially at that price right Nicholas? Treat your self brother!
Man that window pane suit is so modern and clean! Perfect to break up office monotony🙌🏾
Like this blog post my friend! Keep going man 🙏🏻
Thank you Sonny
So spot on man! As you know I work with suits on a daily basis and im so tierd of selling that darkblue/black suits…
I hear you Johan! Maybe stop selling those suits! Help me change the game!!!
Awesome suit man love the blue a lot
Thanks Mohammed, glad you like it!
I wish you could tell this to all my clients who pay for my bespoke services and STILL want to be boring 🙄 This would be the perfect post for them to read! Love the suit, Sergio! Wonderful work as always!
Thanks for the love Alejandro, all you can do is keep pushing those clients! And maybe share this article with them!
That’s a really inspiring blog post my friend
Very sharp look! Quick question re: the suit itself – it was bought off the rack. When you buy things off the rack how much tailoring do you have done? Also, I’m a very slim dude, skinny ties look great on me when I’m just in slacks and a shirt… why no love for the skinny tie?!?! LOL
Hey Mike, thanks for the love! I must be honest with you, this suit was literally off the rack and on to my body, zero tailoring! That was the beauty of it! I only ever have pants tailored when I need to, either shortened, cuffed or slimmed a little. I never tailor jackets as it’s complicated and easy to mess up. In my view if it doesn’t fit well, I don’t buy it. When it comes to skinny ties, don’t get me wrong, I was the BIGGEST fan, but that time has come and gone. When every high street fast fashion retailer only stocks skinny ties, then you know they’re selling to the masses…and you don’t want to be part of the masses do you?
Thanks for replying man! Am slowly rebuilding a more professional wardrobe with my own style so made me curious about the tailoring. Am tall and slim but with a wide chest so finding things off the rack has proven challenging so far. Anyway, keep up the great work man!
wish to have your figure to kill this suit style!!
http://pacotse.com
Also a fan of the windowpane suit, but I’ve often noticed that with the high-street versions, there lacks a precision in the overall alignment of the pattern (so I went ahead and designed my own).
I have no doubt Mr Cavaliere that a personally designed on is far better than a high street option…but at $140 Its hard to beat the value : )
Wow Amazing post. thanks for sharing.
Not a problem Mony, glad you enjoyed it!
This look is everything brother! I love how the loafers color brings the extra flair! Team tassels 😉
Thank you Hubert! I am all about those tassles! Those loafers are my fail safe go to shoes!