I've always loved the look of a well-tailored suit, but for a long time, I only associated them with formal events and stuffy business meetings. I wanted to find a way to wear suits more often, but without feeling overdressed. So, I embarked on a quest to figure out how to wear a suit casually, and I'm excited to share what I've learned!
Initially, I felt a bit lost. Buttoning the top button of a suit jacket as if I were wearing a tie felt too formal for everyday wear. I saw some inspiration online, but a lot of it seemed difficult for the average person to pull off. Patterned suits and overly bold choices often looked great on models, but I wasn't sure how to translate that into my own wardrobe.
One of my biggest concerns was finding the right balance. I wanted to look put-together, but not like I was trying too hard. I worried about feeling out of place in casual settings. I often found myself in situations where a suit was acceptable, but not necessarily required for business. It was a social puzzle I needed to solve!
I started experimenting with different approaches, drawing inspiration from various sources. Here's what I discovered:
One of the first things I tried was pairing sneakers with a suit. I know, it's a bit controversial! Some people feel that the formality clash is too jarring. I initially had reservations too, but I found that with the right sneakers, it can actually work. A clean, minimalist sneaker can add a touch of effortless cool to a suit. However, I learned that some sneakers, like classic Chuck Taylors, might be harder to pull off in this context. I personally prefer a sleek white sneaker.
Another key element is what you wear under the suit jacket. A dress shirt is the obvious choice for formal occasions, but for a casual look, a t-shirt can be a great option. The key is to choose a high-quality t-shirt in a neutral color like white, gray, or black. Avoid graphic tees or anything too distracting. I found that a well-fitting t-shirt can instantly dress down a suit and make it feel more relaxed.
No matter how you style it, the fit of your suit is crucial. A poorly fitting suit will always look awkward, regardless of how casually you try to wear it. Make sure your suit is tailored to your body. The jacket should fit well in the shoulders and chest, and the pants should be the right length. I even experimented with having the pants slightly cropped for a more modern, casual look.
Don't be afraid to wear the jacket and pants separately! A suit jacket can be paired with jeans or chinos for a more casual outfit. Similarly, suit pants can be worn with a sweater or t-shirt. This is a great way to get more mileage out of your suit and create a variety of different looks.
Accessories can also play a big role in dressing down a suit. Consider swapping out a traditional tie for a knit tie or even skipping the tie altogether. A pocket square can add a touch of personality, but avoid anything too flashy. Simple jewelry, like a watch or a bracelet, can also enhance the overall look.
After much experimentation, I've developed a few go-to casual suit combinations that I absolutely love: