Dressing down a suit might feel like driving a 1000 hp SUV through the streets, in a low gear. Reason? How to quiet a beast and keep a low-profile against the grain. Likewise, how to dilute formality of a smart garment which is designed to enhance every inch of your personality. And that too, without inhibiting the dresser.
The character of a suit is already beyond normal. Sharp cut, timeless silhouette and a la mode detailing make it an all-rounder.
But not every situation calls for an ideal suit and tie combination, and a pair of black oxfords. Relaxed occasions demand soft jackets with t shirts or casual button down, alongside a pair of horsebit loafers or suede chukka boots. No ties, obviously.
Well, it is easier said than done. Most men, in the process of dressing down their suits, will drop the ball, only to look sloppy.
However, if you are the kind of person who is always on the ball, there is a plan to bring down the dressiness of a suit. Stick to these tactics, there is no way you can’t look a pro.
No Dressy Pieces
How do you quickly diminish the power of a suit? Just remove the smart elements from it and combine casual pieces. The absence of a dress shirt can greatly transform the overall feel of a suit. These shirts essentially exhibit light colours, wide collar, fitting shape and crisp cuffs.
Casual shirts such as- Cuban collared, standing collar and button downs are informal in nature and take away the strictness of a suit.
Substitute Dress Shoes
Laced up leather shoes are difficult to play down. An alternative way of making a suit appear informal is to wear it with semi-formal or casual shoes. The trick is to choose a shoe style that features casual cuts- predominantly slip-ons- loafers, monk straps, espadrilles, desert boots, suedes shoes, boat shoes or leather sneakers.
Furthermore, addition of embellishments- metal decorations, buckles or straps attenuates formality. These shoes, when combined with tailoring emit non-formal vibes, and engage the attention of the audience making them appreciate you.
Coloured Shirts
Dressing down in suits has never been so easy as with colourful shirts. It brings both fun and charisma into dressing. Think pink, purple and brown. Green and maroon. Fancier the colour the more casual a shirt is. But they are not office-appropriate unless yours explicitly states. So, be careful not to mix up two streams.
Business Casual
Smart casual has made the life easier by affording flexible wardrobe options. It is not mandatory at many places to wear dark suits and choking ties at the office or wedding. New norms have relaxed traditional sartorial rules. Therefore, with less stress on business formal, men are at their disposal to wear a few combinations of jackets, office-specific shirts and trousers that don’t defy the laws of style and decorum.
Suit With Sneakers
Sneakers with tailoring have refashioned men’s trends. A footwear style that is thought to stay out of tailoring, has long been making a bold fashion statement. If you have been skittish about trying these cute little shoes with suits, well, it’s time to make a foray and stir hearts.
Suitable for Friday’s or casual parties, or to come across as a fashion plate. Whatever the reason, going this route opens new opportunities to showcase flair.
Just be sure not to go overboard and keep things cool and spot on.
Separates
Separates are the trump card for dressing a suit down. Juxtaposing individual pieces that complement together and create outfits that outperform. There is a separate collection of coordinates that not only harmonize excellently but act as a substitute for a full suit. Separates allow a sharp dresser to gear down without losing performance.
For the most part, items that belong to this dress codes are stand alone articles- blazers and trousers. Take, a pair of navy jacket and khaki, or tie up grey blazer and black trousers. Tie is optional and comes into role when the occasion calls for it- a wedding ensemble or an interview outfit.
Suit With Loafers
This is a failsafe tactic to level down a suit. Not only it gives you the freedom of planning attire in short time but with a dash of personality. Suits belong to higher end of the spectrum, while loafer shoes belong to semi-formal zone. Mixing these two can pose some challenges, but if you are armed with the know-how of putting these two together, there is a handsome reward.
Start with a suit colour that’s quick to dress down. Imagine navy, light grey, khaki or green. These cherrypicked shades go wonderfully well across a wide spectrum of events. Choose green and khaki for, especially summers or fun situations.
Navy and grey are fitting options for office and business scenarios.
As for the loafers go for a dark shade in brown and grey, or pure black. In terms of design, modern cuts and embellishments- such as kilted loafers with their elegant fringes on vamp make a splash. Or else, pick the horsebit loafers for their ornamentation.
No Sock
Mostly formal shoes call for socks. On the other hands, other styles offer a hassle-free choice and can go sans socks. Socks level up the style by bridging the gap between shoes and outfit. The rule for socks is that you always want to match them with the trousers not the shoes.
So, if you are omitting socks, it will alter the character of the trousers or the overall attire by injecting casual air. Loafers are the most adaptable and comfortable slip-on to display sockless fashion.
Wear Jacket Unbuttoned
Buttoning is an important step to make a suit work at the maximum throttle. Unbuttoning, evidently, will work do the opposite of former. By wearing the jacket open, you can significantly play it down. It will start radiating the informal side of it and work as a casual jacket. However, if you are joined by some dressed up chums, it only takes a while to button it up.
Untucked Shirt
Tucking shirt highlights waist, defines the middle portion by marking the end of top and start of trousers. It also reveals the details of the pants and helps you freely slide hands into pockets.
Untuck and it will completely change the look and feel of your suit. Best recommendation- wear a polo or a fitting shirt with short length to give impression of an intentional outfit.
