12 Ways to Style a Suit

THE LOOK

Style Notes

KEY PIECES

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘suit’?

Work! Right? You are probably envisioning a black suit as well?

Well, a suit is no longer something that can be worn to work only. In today’s Style Note I’ll show you how to get proper wear out of a suit by wearing the blazer and the trousers separately.

This will work for any suit, but a brighter colour will work better as it is a lot more interesting than black or grey.

STYLING IDEAS

There are a lot of potential outfit formulas, but I’ll show you the ones that will be the easiest to replicate in your current wardrobe.

Here are some easy-to-wear outfits that you can get pretty much out of any suit:

BLAZER + JEANS – any coloured jeans will work as long as they co-ordinate well with the blazer. This is a great way to get good wear out of the suit blazer outside of work. Note that if you put a black blazer with black jeans, it will create an illusion of a suit. It’s a good way to smarten up the black jeans, but is not an easy casual look. You are better off going for a different colour in the blazer or bottoms.
BLAZER + DIFFERENT TROUSERS – this is a great work combination. Instead of going for the suit trousers, play with other colours and cuts in trousers. Culottes are also an option here.
BLAZER + SKIRT – this outfit formula could work superbly for work as well as weekend. All will depend on how dressy the skirt is and what shoes you opt for. Structured skirts and heels will create a work look while relaxed skirts and trainers/ankle boots will give the overall ensemble a casual vibe.
BLAZER + SHORTS – a very on-trend option this summer! The length of the shorts can range from just below the blazer all the way down to the knee. If going for short shorts, make sure they are longer than the blazer, even if it is just the seam peeking out. Pay attention to fabrics – if the blazer is structured, stick to a dressy finish in shorts. Putting casual shorts with a dressy blazer won’t look right.
BLAZER + DRESS – this could be a great solution for both work and weekend, depending on the type of the dress. Flowy boho dresses will create a cool weekend look, while more structured dresses will work well for work.
TROUSERS + ANOTHER BLAZER – this is a very easy formula for work or weekend, the shoes and the top will set the vibe. In the example below the rollneck and the trainers make the outfit a great off-duty option.
TROUSERS + A CARDIGAN – a perfect layering option for the weekend. The cardigan takes the corporate edge of the tailored trousers and makes them more wearable for smart casual looks.
TROUSERS + DENIM JACKET combo will create a youthful laid-back smart casual look. This is an easy-to-replicate outfit that will work well for spring and summer.
TROUSERS + PARKA – this is one of the most casual combinations here and will work great for keeping your weekend looks smart yet pratical.
TROUSERS + JUMPER – could work for both work and the weekend. Will be an easy chic outfit for warm spring or can be layered on top with a coat or any other layering piece from above if needed.
TROUSERS + SWEATSHIRT – a sweatshirt will dress the trousers down and make them a great staple for the weekend.
TROUSERS + DENIM SHIRT is a great summer combo, but you can also layer on top with a jumper or a sweatshirt.