Look sharp in 2020 - Upgrade your style with these suits
A new year is a chance to start fresh, pivot, to review what doesn’t work for you anymore, and what you want more of. Clothes are top of the list when it comes to projecting the change you want to see.
Whether you work in an office where suits are part of the dress code, or you only wear suits for occasions like dinner dates, every man should have at least one suit in his wardrobe.
A good suit can make a world of difference to how you feel in your skin, how you show up in your life and your career. Basically, the suit you wear speaks to you and for you. So choosing one (or several) is a big decision, but we’re going to give you a helping hand.
There’s never a better time to turn a should into a must than the start of the year, so without further ado, here are the suits you should have in your wardrobe this year.
Two-button single-breasted suit
If you only have one suit in your wardrobe, consider the classic two-button. Its versatility will see you fit in on any occasion, from a day at the office, to an interview, meetings, dinner dates or a night at the theatre if that’s more your thing.
Mid-weight navy fabric is a very sensible option. Navy is the colour you absolutely must-have in your wardrobe if you want to ooze confidence and trust. And if you’re going for more than one suits in this style, pick grey next. Easy to mix and match and just as versatile.
The double-breasted suit
Tom Ford swears by it. James Bond dons it. It says confidence, style, statement.
What’s so special about the double-breasted blazer? It’s the most flattering of all the styles, slimming your middle, and emphasizing your chest and shoulders. Traditionally, the double-breasted suits have eight buttons, but you can choose your own adventure and go for four or six if you prefer. At its best when worn buttoned up, though you can easily wear it undone too.
You will no doubt be making a sartorial declaration with a double-breasted suit, while still looking like you mean business. Just look at Daniel Craig on the red carpet. This is not to say you should save the double-breasted blazer only for special occasions. It’s perfectly suitable for a day at the office, running a board meeting, or, yes, dining and wining too.
The most important thing to consider here is to find one that fits you to absolute perfection, and feels like a second skin. Go bespoke if you want the real deal.
Choose a darker colour, or perhaps a check or stripe, if you’d like to push the style boundaries a little further yet.
The patterned suit
There’s more than one way to make a sartorial statement with your suit - the fabric pattern is another one of them. A bold pattern is a great way to infuse your personality in your suits, a sure way to upgrade your style.
The number one rule when choosing a pattern is this: choose the one you love. That will show in how confident and comfortable you are wearing it. It could be subtle or it could be bold, just make sure it’s to your liking, and not just making it to the top of the trends.
Made-for-you suits are the best place to choose a pattern that is uniquely you. Ready-made pattern choices can be limited and uninspiring.
As for options, you have a few: herringbone, pinstripe, windowpane, or tartans. Getting a patterned suit in your wardrobe says to the world you know your suits and you are not afraid to stand out. For an extra bit of bold, clash the pattern with a paisley pocket square or some contrast lining.
The summer suit
Celebrate (and breeze through) the hotter, sunnier days and occasions that have you outdoors, bracing the heat.
The sharkskin suit
No sharks are injured during the making of sharkskin suits. The analogy is rather used to describe the smooth supple texture of the fabric. It’s a classic wool fibre, woven in such a way that two tones become apparent. The weave also gives the fabric a slight sheen and a smoothness that feels great on.
One extra benefit: wrinkle-free.
Wear this one as you would any other suit, and definitely take it out for those special occasions, and picture yourself as a MadMen executive closing big sales.