A well-fitted, stylish shirt is the foundation of any polished suit look. When it comes to dressing professionally, the shirt you choose can make or break your entire ensemble. Today we will learn how to style all types of shirts under a suit Plain, Printed, Checks and stripes. Here are some tips to ensure you style the perfect shirt under your suit:
Styling a Plain Shirt for men under your suit.
Styling a plain shirt under a suit can elevate your look, whether for a formal occasion or a more relaxed setting. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to style a plain shirt under a suit, taking into account various factors like the occasion, fit, color, and accessories:
Choosing the Right Shirt
- Fit is Key:
- Well-Fitted: Ensure the shirt is well-fitted, neither too tight nor too loose. It should complement your body shape without restricting movement.
- Shoulders: The shoulders should fit perfectly, without any excess fabric or sagging.
- Sleeves: The sleeves should end at your wrist bone, allowing for a slight break at the cuff when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
- Color Selection:
- Neutral Tones: Stick with classic colors like white, light blue, or pastel shades for formal settings. These colors are versatile and professional.
- Darker Shades: For semi-formal or less formal occasions, consider darker shades like navy, dark blue, or even a deep burgundy for a touch of sophistication.
- Cuff Style:
- Button Cuffs: Ideal for most occasions, providing a simple and clean look.
- French Cuffs: More formal, often seen with cufflinks for added style.
Suiting Up
- Suit Fit:
- Ensure the suit fits well, with the jacket not too tight or too loose. It should allow for comfortable movement without bunching.
- The trousers should sit at the natural waist and have a slight break at the shoe.
- Suit Color:
- Neutral Suits: Gray, navy, or black suits are versatile and pair well with most shirt colors.
- Patterned Suits: If wearing a patterned suit, opt for a plain shirt to avoid clashing patterns.
Adding Accessories
- Tie or No Tie:
- Formal: A tie is essential for formal settings. Match the tie color to complement the shirt and suit.
- Casual: For a more relaxed look, you can leave the shirt untucked and wear the suit without a tie.
- Jewelry and Accessories:
- Cufflinks: Add a touch of sophistication with cufflinks if the shirt has French cuffs.
- Watches: A classic watch complements the look, adding a touch of personal style.
- Shoes:
- Oxford or Derbies: Choose shoes that match the formality of the occasion. Oxfords are more formal, while Derbies are slightly less so but still stylish.
Styling a Printed Shirt for men under your suit
Carrying a printed shirt under a suit can be a stylish way to add a touch of personality and flair to your outfit. Here’s a guide on how to do it right:
- Choose the Right Print
- Subtle Prints: Opt for smaller, less obtrusive prints. Geometric patterns, florals, or abstract designs in muted tones can work well.
- Color Scheme: Ensure the colors in the print complement the suit and tie. Avoid clashing colors or overly bright prints that might detract from the suit's sophistication.
- Balance with Solid Colors
- Pair your printed shirt with a solid-colored suit and tie. This balance will provide a polished look. A navy suit, for instance, can be a good choice as it is versatile and will tone down the shirt's print.
- Accessories
- Tie: If you decide to wear a tie, keep it simple. Solid colors or subtle patterns are best. A tie in a color found in the shirt's print can tie the outfit together.
- Pocket Square: A pocket square can be a fun addition. Choose one that complements the print or the tie.
- Confidence
- Wearing a printed shirt under a suit can be bold. Own your look with confidence. The attitude you carry can make or break an outfit.
Styling a Checks Shirt for men under your suit
Pairing a checked shirt under a suit can elevate your style, making a bold yet sophisticated statement. Here are some tips on how to achieve this look effectively:
- Choose the Right Checked Shirt
- Color Contrast: Opt for a checked shirt that contrasts well with your suit. If your suit is dark, go for a lighter shirt with checks; if your suit is light, choose a darker checked shirt.
- Pattern Size: Large checks can make a bold statement, while small checks are more subtle and can blend better with your suit.
- Material: Opt for a material that complements the season. Cotton is versatile for most seasons, while wool can be perfect for winter.
- Select a Complementary Suit
- Solid Suit: A solid-colored suit works best with a checked shirt. Navy, grey, or black are classic choices that will contrast nicely with most checked shirts.
- Fit: Make sure the suit fits well. A tailored suit will enhance the overall look, making it appear more polished.
- Choose the Right Tie
- Bold Ties: When wearing a checked shirt, your tie can be the statement piece. Choose a tie with bold colors or patterns that complement but do not clash with the shirt.
- Simple Ties: Alternatively, a simple tie in a solid color can be a more conservative choice that allows the shirt and suit to be the focal points.
- Add Accessories
- Pocket Square: Match or contrast your pocket square with your tie for an extra touch of style.
- Shoes and Belt: Ensure your shoes and belt are in a matching color and complement the overall outfit.
- Consider the Occasion
- Casual: For a more relaxed look, you can wear the checked shirt open with a plain t-shirt underneath.
- Formal: For formal events, pair the checked shirt with a well-tailored suit and a bow tie or a classic necktie.
Styling a Stripes Shirt for men under your suit
Styling a striped shirt under a suit can add a touch of sophistication and personality to your outfit, but it's important to do it right to maintain a polished appearance. Here are some tips to guide you on how to style a striped shirt under your suit:
- Contrast the Stripes
- Key Point: Avoid matching the stripes of your shirt with those of your suit. Instead, opt for contrast.
- Example: If your suit is a pinstripe, choose a shirt with broader stripes or a different pattern entirely, like a microstripe.
- White Collar Trick
- Key Point: A shirt with a white collar can help separate the shirt from the suit, making the look cleaner.
- Example: A shirt with thin stripes and a white collar can still look formal under a suit.
- Solid Ties for Balance
- Key Point: Balance out the stripes with a solid color tie.
- Example: If your shirt has blue stripes, a red tie can create a bold contrast.
- Mix Patterns Wisely
- Key Point: If you're wearing a striped shirt under a patterned suit, ensure the patterns are of different scales.
- Example: A small check suit with a larger striped shirt can create an interesting and sophisticated look.
Example Outfit:
- Suit: Navy Blue
- Shirt: Light Blue Checked
- Tie: Solid Red or a Red Plaid
- Pocket Square: Red with a small white polka dot pattern
- Shoes: Black Leather Oxfords
- Accessories: Silver or Rose Gold Cufflinks, Leather Belt to match the shoes
Additional Tips:
- Always ensure your shirt is well-ironed and your suit is clean and wrinkle-free.
- Pay attention to the collar of your shirt; a spread or button-down collar can work well with a suit.
By following these tips, you can confidently wear any shirt under your suit and create a stylish, well-coordinated ensemble. Remember, the key is to balance the patterns and add touches of contrast and texture to elevate your look.