Picking Clothes That SUIT you... ULTIMATE SUIT UP GUIDE

I have a variety of suits... Solid, Pinstripe, Plaid, Polyester, Linen, Cotton, Cashmere, Herringbone, Worsted, Single Breasted, Double Breasted (What Up?)... the point is... I have a lot of suits. This has left many people with the same assumption, 'You must know a lot about suits'... well, the truth is... that's correct. 83% of people I talk to about suits often ask me how to pick the perfect suit... Here is that information... to help you stay legen... wait for it... DARY!

Picking a Jacket (Not a Blazer)
Preferably 
-Black
-Navy
-Beige
-Grey (Pinstripe)
-Olive Green
TIPS
-Adding a vest to the ensemble is optional


Picking Pants 
Must compliment or match Jacket


Picking a Dress Shirt
Can be a variety of colours based on your Jacket choice.
-Traditionally, Dress Shirts are conservative colours, such as light blue or white. Grays are also fairly safe. However, you can choose whatever shirt you feel looks good
-If you are looking to portray a more lively image, choose bright, unconventional colors. Bright greens and oranges are relatively popular... however, in accordance to Bro Code Article 47: A Bro never wears pink...

-Solid colors are considered wardrobe staples because they are easiest to match, but you might consider choosing stripes or a plaid pattern. Solid shirts are beneficial in that you can wear virtually any tie with them [solid or patterned].

TIPS

-Black Jacket works with any shirt

-White shirt will work with any tie


Picking a Tie - 

http://sevenfoldties.reflexblue.org/pickatie.php

-Match with colors next to each other

-Match with colors across from each other
-Match with same color but with a different shade or hue
MATCHING PATTERNS
-GOOD - contrast in size of pattern
-large checkered tie, small checkered shirt
-wide striped tie, thin striped shirt
-solid colored tie or solid colored shirt will go with anything
-BAD - patterns that blend with each other striped tie and checkered shirt
-stripes of same width on shirt and tie
-checkered pattern of same size on shirt and tieTIPS - some classic combinations that don't go out of style
-yellow tie and blue shirt
-red tie, white shirt, light gray suit
-Bow ties work well with a suit, but work better with Tux's... only pick a black or red bow tie...


Shoes
-Shinier materials usually indicate a dressier shoe, as do less bulky heels and soles. Choose a shoe that is the same color or darker than your pants, and if wearing a belt, match your shoes to it.

- Only 1 or 2 pairs required, however I recommend 4-5... just in case.

Socks

-Black Socks... no exceptions...

Belt

-Make sure that the color matches your suit. Do not wear shiny and wide buckles that will minimize your overall corporate appearance. 

Accessories

Watch - MUST look good, but doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. They tend to be either mechanical or quartz, very seldom are they digital. Stick with a silver chrome watch as it compliments most suit colours.

Cufflinks - Either match it to similar colours in your suit or watch or just go for a design that sparks interest. They are not to be taken seriously, but make sure they're formal nonetheless. Bear in mind, cufflinks reflects the personality and the individuality of a person.

Pocket Square - A simple place to start is to match the colour of the square to a colour within your tie . Once that’s sorted, you can start experimenting with patterns and fabrics. From paisley to checkered, they add a little character to your suit and help individualise your look. If you find it a little difficult to pick a pattern, simply pick a colour in your suit and use that as a base to compliment the rest of your accessories, but do in subtly.

Things to Stay Away From

Tweed Jackets (shudder)

Satchels - I know Indiana Jones pulled it off, but it WILL not work for you.

Novelty Accessories - Though it may seem cool to add a Top Hat and a monocle to your suit, these do NOT work with suits... well... most of the time anyway. If your ACTUALLY Suiting Up (like, wearing a suit to a party or costume) then novelty items are OK... but if your Suiting Up out of awesomeness, stay away from:

-Bowler Hats

-Top Hats

-Monocles

-Dress Gloves

-Cane

-Fake, yet comical, mustaches

Well, there you have it. The ULTIMATE Suit Up Guide. Choose wisely, have fun and SUIT UP.