So I’m a firm believer in getting out of your comfort zone. That’s really the only way you’re going to grow from a style standpoint (or I guess any standpoint, really). A great way to accomplish this is by picking up a statement suit like the windowpane number pictured here. Now many of you may be thinking, “but Neil, how can I justify the cost of one? I mean, how often can I really wear a statement suit anyway?” Well, guys, at first blush that’s certainly a valid concern. Often overlooked, however, is the fact that a statement suit blazer and trousers can easily be split up to wear in a variety of simple yet interesting ways. To illustrate my point, I used one suit to put together three looks for three different settings.
Before getting into each look, I want to address price point. If you're considering a statement suit, I'd recommend against starting with a $3500 Gucci piece. Instead, try a SuitSupply one for around $500. Your wallet will thank you for it. If that's too steep, don't worry, I got you. SuitSupply has amazing online-only sales once or twice a year. If you do your diligence in-store beforehand, you'll start to learn which cuts and sizes fit you the best. Then whenever the sales events come around, you'll be prepared to quickly pull the trigger on a suit that you know will fit you. I should note sales are generally final so make sure to do that diligence. I actually bought this SuitSupply number on sale for $225. I REPEAT...$225!@#! Now, on to the looks...
Look I - Monday through Thursday
Here we have a straightforward, full suit and tie look for you to wear to the office during the week. When you're rocking a suit as bold as this one, tone down the shirt and tie. Here I went with a plain white shirt with a semi spread collar and a light-ish blue tie.
And for shoes I went with some classic Santoni double monks, hands down my favorite pair of dress shoes.
Look II - Casual Friday
We started the week off with a full suit and tie. When Friday rolls around, switch out the trousers for some washed jeans, lose the tie, and unbutton a couple of shirt buttons. Just like that, you have a casual Friday look that's incredibly easy to pull off. Note that the look seems far more advanced than it actually is. Why? Because a statement blazer really ups the ante.
Depending on your office dress code, lose the socks, roll up your jeans and switch out the double monks for some chiller driving loafers like the absurdly gorgeous cognac-colored ones pictured here. If you're nervous about going sans socks then stick with the kicks game from Look I, it works just as well.
Look III - The Weekend
Aaaand finally, here's a weekend look for you starring the statement suit trousers. Replace the blazer and dress shirt with a crisp, plain white tee. Tuck that bad boy in and roll up the sleeves as finishing touches to an interesting, elevated casual look. I didn't take a picture of shoes for this look unfortunately but sneakers or loafers without socks work great.
The moral of the story? Don't fear the statement suit. It's your friend, in more ways than one.