Before you walk out of the interview with that new job, before you walk out of the party with her phone number, chances are, you’re going to be suiting up. It’s an invested ritual which can cue some of your sharpest moments. Here’s how to rock the threads in professional style according to some of the best.
Live by the Fundamentals
Via Rick Campanelli, co-host of Entertainment Tonight Canada
Rick Campanelli has spent the last seven years donning some of the flyest outfits on television for Entertainment Tonight Canada, whether in-studio or on the red carpet. If you’re starting to build your suit repertoire or just looking to add another to the closet, he admits, you can never go wrong with the fundamental colours of navy, grey, and black.
“Those are great basics that you can really bring alive with colourful shirts and pocket squares,” says Campanelli, who’s number one pick is his navy blue Cinque suit. The celebrity shmoozer reveals that his command of style wasn’t achieved without some good’ole trial and error though. “I made the mistake of buying a mustard color suit when I first started at ET Canada. I gave it away after two shows.”
DailyXY tip: Know the purpose of the suit. Office? Funeral? Wedding? Greys and blacks are nice, but navy’s your all-purpose winner.
Pictured below: the Essential Black Suit ($379), the Essential Grey Suit ($379), and the Essential Navy Suit ($379), via Indochino.
Pick Your Style
Via David Thunmarker, CEO of Tiger of Sweden
Let’s be honest, as CEO of Tiger of Sweden, David Thunmarker’s international roots and big vision mind-set makes him a master at knowing how to achieve today’s most popular style for men. Suit trends come and go, but according to Thunmarker, if you’re going out to buy a suit these days, consider this rule; if your suit isn’t fitted, then it doesn’t fit at all.
“It’s about showing the silhouette and highlighting the body’s features,” says Thunmarker. The “fitted” cut is a slim style compared to more traditional cuts. With its glove-like feeling, it yields sophistication for the urban professional. “You can have the most expensive fabric in the world, but that won’t mean anything if you don’t have a good fit.”
DailyXY tip: Most points of the suit can be tailored or altered, but make sure that the shoulders fit properly in the beginning.
Pictured below: N. Bates Navy Suit, Tiger of Sweden ($699), Hugo Boss Black, James/Sharp fit, Harry Rosen ($998 to $1295), Ralph Lauren Black Label, Anthony fit, Harry Rosen ($1695 to $2195).
Find Your Signature Detail
Via Michael Peters, Western Canada managing director of Harry Rosen
Sometimes the right suit is only as good as your accessories. Think tie bars, cuff links and pocket squares. Michael Peters from Harry Rosen says they’re key to putting the outfit together and providing some originality. The guy should know. As Western Canada managing director, Peters always has a finger on the pulse of “looking dapper.”
“It defines your character,” says Peters. “Find something and stick to it, make it a part of your personality. That sets people apart from those who don’t put as much time and energy into it.” And remember, the detail can be anything. Peters uses old beaded copper cufflinks that his father gave him from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Boom. Signature.
DailyXY tip: Go for the shorter tie clip. It works better on both skinny and wide ties.
Pictured below: Burberry Brit check cufflinks, Harry Rosen ($175), Shiny Metal Tie Clip, Le Chateau ($22), White Cotton Pocket Square, Banana Republic ($24.50).
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Jeremy Singer is a freelance writer and reporter from Toronto. He has a journalism degree from Ryerson University, and enjoys covering all aspects of men’s lifestyle and pop culture. He hopes to one day try on an $8,000 suit but not buy it, because he’s afraid of commitment. Feel free to contact him on Twitter.
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Image courtesy of Indochino.
