With the festive party season just around the corner, plenty of us are starting to wonder how we can dress to impress at the office party and for festive nights out with friends.
So, for those who might have become accustomed to working from home in more casual styles, the experts at Suit Direct advise on the dos and don’ts when it comes to dressing to impress this party season.
Don’t – wear an ill-fitting suit
The key suit styles to know include regular fit, tailored fit, slim fit and skinny fit, and big and tall styles for larger men – whichever you go for, your suit’s fit can make or break your party look.
An ill-fitting suit, sagging shoulders, or a bunched-up jacket instantly cheapens your look – so how can you tell if a suit fits correctly?
Shoulders
A perfect fit will see your suit jacket lie flat on the shoulders and not be too bunched up or hanging off at the edges. A good benchmark is being able to relax your shoulders easily and comfortably.
Jacket torso
A suit jacket should close without strain and not cause creases, bunching, or sag forward when buttoned up. Equally, it should drape smartly when open and not droop down at the sides.
You should be able to slide your thumb between the button of the jacket and your stomach without it feeling too tight or loose. In terms of length, the bottom of the jacket should end where your thumb knuckle is, and you should leave the bottom button undone to allow more freedom of movement.
Arms
The sleeves of a suit should be snug but not tight and show around 1cm of the shirt cuff below – perfect if you want to show off some smart cufflinks.
Trousers
Your suit trousers should fit comfortably around the waist without falling away from your hips. They should graze the top of your shoes or even leave a small gap. Trousers that are too long will bunch up and spill over your shoe – so make sure you know your leg measurements.
Do – Measure your suit correctly
Get the perfect fit by knowing your exact suiting sizes. Measuring up for a suit can take a little bit of effort, but it’s worthwhile to ensure you look sleek and sophisticated at your next party or event. Always size up if you’re looking at a skinny-fit suit jacket and trousers, and don’t rely on old measurements – you’d be surprised how much they can change.
Measure and note down the most prominent part of the chest, the narrowest part of the waist and from the top seam of the inside leg to the trouser hem.
Then, slip on a jacket and measure from the shoulder to the cuff – around 1cm of your shirt’s cuff, ideally, should be visible. Men with larger waistlines should take this measurement where they would naturally wear their trousers – this will ensure a plus-sized gentleman can still get a comfortable fit.
Do – Try a lounge suit this season
Traditionally, the lounge suit was seen as one of the more informal suiting styles. Still, the term is now more commonly associated with the classic, versatile men’s suit worn for business or pleasure, whether an important office meeting, wedding or christening.
Lounge suits come in a wide range of styles and formats, from three-piece suits complete with a waistcoat to streamlined two-piece styles and variations in double and single-breasted designs.
Do – Wearing a darker shade of shoes with a navy suit and consider your tie colour
Navy suits are a staple in any wardrobe, especially for party season. Professional yet versatile and modern, a navy suit can be styled in various ways, and it’s the perfect formal-yet-stylish choice for festive occasions.
Some of the most popular tie colours to pair with navy include blue, green, and purple, but contrasting red or pink ties can also work well with a navy suit. Going for bolder colours or prints will give your navy a creative, stylish look, while darker shades are much more formal.
When it comes to shoes, stick to black, dark brown or other warm brown tones, like heritage-inspired tan leather, for vintage appeal.
Don’t – Clash your mix-and-match suits
Mixing and matching suiting separates is trending this season, and there are plenty of styling tips from influencers on TikTok on how to perfect this. Create bold combinations for a customised look that’ll turn heads at your next festive gathering.
When it comes to mixing and matching, the main thing to note is the colour of each suiting element; create a combination that works in harmony, complements each piece and doesn’t clash. Pair a coloured jacket with dark trousers or chinos for the perfect smart-casual look, or pair a classic tailored men’s suit jacket with a mismatched pair of coloured trousers for a fresh take on an old favourite.
The options are endless, whether you’re after a classic formal look this party season or looking to find the perfect creative combo to suit your style. The suit has evolved, and it’s now acceptable to wear tailoring your way.
If you don’t wear a suit often, it’s easy to forget some of the golden rules, so check your measurements and make sure you’ve got a perfect fit to dress to impress.
To find out more of the best suit style tips, visit suitdirect.co.uk
