Inspiration Incoming: How to Accessorise a Suit
Forget the basics. Here’s how the style set are styling suits this summer
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Inspiration Incoming: How to Accessorise a Suit
Forget the basics. Here’s how the style set are styling suits this summer
By: George ElliotMost of us have grown up wearing suits in some way or another. From those early school uniform years, prom and job interviews to weddings and the two-pieces you might wear for your nine-to-five today, you’d be hard pressed to find a man's wardrobe that doesn't have at least one inside. But as you’re here, looking for new ways to wear and accessorise suits, there’s a good chance you’ve recently fallen into a bit of a styling rut, maybe even tired of tailoring altogether. Thankfully for you, Liberty comes bearing gifts in the form of these beyond basic styling tips and tricks, to give your suits a new lease of life. Here’s how to wear one with…
A Noteworthy Necklace
Switching-up your suit game often means breaking some rules along the way, so defy tradition by wearing your suit with no shirt at all. Instead, wear only a low-cut vest beneath and a necklace clasped around your neck. A look currently favoured by the likes of Austin Butler and Orlando Bloom, first know that double breasted suits work well as the high neckline will frame the neck, but if you prefer single-breasted, try an oversized jacket. For impact, sticking to a monochrome colour palette is also advised, so contrast a black suit with a white vest or a pale linen suit with a top that’s darker. And lastly, the all-important jewellery.. You’re looking for something with impact here, so grab a chunky chain, eye-catching pendant or string of pearls and you’re away.
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A Perfect Shirt and Tie Pairing
Granted, wearing a suit with a shirt and tie isn't exactly groundbreaking, but wearing them the right way will mark you out as a suiting connoisseur. First off, some quick ground rules: novelty ties are a no-no; always ensure that your tie covers your shirt’s top button, only wear ties that are thinner than the width of your jacket lapels; and lastly, your tie should never fall past your trouser's waistband. Now to the styling. Knowing where to begin is the trickiest part, but deciding on your outfit’s prime focus first will allow everything else to fall smoothly into place. For example, match busy ties with pared-back suits before adding an even simpler shirt into the mix, one that’ll, well, tie everything together. In essence, you want to work your way from boldest to plainest, the latter always being a shirt.
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A Standout Shirt
A statement shirt that’s tastefully bold will instantly elevate even the plainest of suits. This time, it’s the shirt that’s the focal point, so reverse the roles and make your suit the tonal supporting act. To get you on your way, take Liberty’s Healing Floral Hemp Casual Shirt, £165 as an example. Complement its red, blue and yellow floral print with a muted suit in a burgundy, pastel blue or a sandy hue. More of a minimalist? Not a problem: simply dial up the texture with one made from denim instead, to give your suit a 70s, western edge. Opt for one in an earthy shade, with the shirt unbuttoned midway and with a white vest underneath for added depth and balance.
Read more: Off the Cuff: the Best Shirts for Men
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A Cuban Collar Shirt
The scorching temperatures at this time of year can throw a spanner in the works for suit wearers, but there’s a way to wear one without getting a sweat on. First and foremost, stow away any woollen and heavyweight suits until next season and replace them with some crafted from light and breathable fabrics, like linen. A handy trick: hold up a suit jacket and if you can see light coming through its weave, it’s a keeper. Next, look to the shirt type that’s set to define the season: the short sleeve Cuban-collar. Often boxier in fit and made from breezy fabrics, they’re the kind that’ll help keep you cool in every sense. But as their name suggests, it’s the shirt’s sharp, broad and lapel-like collar that’ll make any summer suit of yours look infinitely better. Simply wear it up and over your suit jacket.
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A T-shirt and Printed Scarf
If you want to wear a suit and hit the smart-casual sweet spot, knowing how to style one with a t-shirt underneath is of vital importance. A crisp white t-shirt is a firm favourite, but fortune favours the bold here, so keep a look out for those that are in complementary tones and also come decked in cult label logos or interesting textures like HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE’s Pleated Top, £235. Then comes the finishing touch: a silk scarf. Just like picking out a patterned tie, the scarf you choose needs to accentuate your suit’s palette, and as long as it has a colour in common, there’s technically no limit. The same goes for size, so experiment with both neckerchiefs and longer, flowing styles will bring you plenty of style kudos.
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