SUIT YOURSELF
DON’T LET THE SUIT WEAR YOU — HERE’S HOW TO ADD YOUR OWN FLAVOUR TO FORMAL WEAR
Barney Stinson may have told us to suit up, but sometimes it’s not that simple.
In the world of male formal wear, there’s a fine line between feeling out of place in a suit and making it your own.
Tarocash head of product Victoria Chumbley-Weiss says some playful suit trends can help to personalise the mature outfit.
“A check pant is on trend in suit fashion this year, worn best when paired with a classic white shirt and a clean fine gauge knit,” Victoria says.
“In terms of shirting, stripes are coming through as the biggest trend for the year.
“In terms of patterns, prints and florals are back with a vengeance and are an easy way to add a dash of fun and colour to a sleek suit. Don’t be afraid to mix the florals with the checks and textures.”
If prints and patterns are too loud for your taste, Victoria says to focus on smaller details to add a unique touch.
“Ties and pockets squares add a splash of fun and colour to a classic suit,” she says.
“You can simply add a touch of luxury to an outfit with a silk tie and matching silk pocket square.
“For the more adventurous men, novelty motif socks are proving popular this coming season — we have everything from pineapple and toucan print socks to flamingo patterned ties.”
As for overall matching pieces, Victoria says darker tones in a slim cut are still in fashion.
“The slim suit is the go-to fit for this year, as it gives a sleek look for a more contemporary feel, best worn in classic black or dark blue,” Victoria says.
“Suiting in all black and tones of grey remain in fashion, but royal blue is the new colour coming through.
“The new blue Harry Slim 1 Button Suit (from Tarocash) is one of the hero pieces for the season in the perfect classic blue.”
If you prefer to mix and match but want to keep it co-ordinated, Victoria says choosing a jacket, shirt and pants in different colours is a great way to stand out from the crowd while looking put together.
“Tonal prints or shades of the same colour are a safe way to achieve this style,” Victoria says.
“Wearing shades of blues and burgundies are key for a tasteful modern autumn and winter look.
“Mix navy chinos with a burgundy shirt with camel or khaki outwear to nail the look.” Look 1: Victory print shirt in blue $89.99, litt check blazer in navy $199.99, quadrant pocket square in burgundy $19.99 Look 2: Arbus textured blazer in foam $199.99, Yates slim floral shirt in white $89.99, Tony Idol pant $99.99, lapel pin combo in blue $34.99
Look 3: Sandler two-button suit in silver $299.99, Webster slim dress shirt in white $89.99, Zane paisley tie in pink $29.99, essential pocket square in navy $19.99
Look 4: Tarocash black paisley tuxedo jacket $199.99, white tahiti slim stretch dress shirt $89.99, black ultimate pant $99.99, black essential bow tie $29.99