Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has…
Suit Up, But, Make It Spring Ready
Hooray for warmer temps! Even though winter wasn’t extremely harsh, welcoming the warmth of the sun is an annual event that couldn’t come at a better time. It’s the time of the year when you switch up the heavyweight fabrics for something a bit more breathable and start to show a little skin (if that’s what you’re into).
So to kick off this transitional season, I teamed up with fellow stylish Philly gent Brian Chan of @BChanism to show you how to style two suits, two ways to prepare for spring weather.
All Business & A Little Play
On Sabir – Wool Linen Houndstooth Suit – Suitsupply | Denim Shirt – Michael Bastian | Navy Knit Tie – R.Culturi | Brown Suede Single Monkstrap Shoes – J.Fitzpatrick | Datejust 1603 Watch – Rolex via Watchbox
Suiting up is still uncomfortable for many guys because they’re use to poly blend suits that don’t breathe, are boxy and often oversized. To get straight to the point, this blog post will focus on fabric selection, layering and overall styling.
Material
Temperatures fluctuate like crazy during the spring. In the morning it’s 48 degrees and by 1pm it might be 75 degrees. Ideally you’ll want a suit thats warm enough to start the day, but, is light and breathable enough to not turn into a sweatbox by days end.
- In this feature I’m wearing a wool/silk/linen blend suit w/ a charcoal grey herringbone pattern. This is my preferred transitional suit fabric blend because the wool keeps me warm (while adding shape) and the linen is quite breathable. With the added silk, the jacket has a sexy drape to the shoulders and body.
- Brian is wearing a cotton blend suited and what I love most about cotton blends is that they hold their shape very well. When they’re blended with a silk, depending on the color and weave, the fabric can have a luxe sheen
Layering
One of the best ways to tackle spring transition weather is to master the art of layering. For starters, Brian’s take on the three-piece suit is a prime example of how to show off your sartorial chops.
A contrasting waist coat paired with a suit adds depth with color/texture and warmth in the chilly parts of the day. In Brian’s second look, you’ll see that he adds a silk scarf for flair and it plays double-duty as a layering accessory.
On Brian: Brown Suit – Lardini | Waist Coat – Suitsupply | Snuff Suede Belgian Loafers – 3DM Lifestyle
Casually Yours
On Sabir – Wool Linen Houndstooth Suit – Suitsupply | Black Knit Pique Polo Shirt – Billy Reid | Layton 90’s Kiltie Weejuns – GH Bass | Tank Watch – Seiko
Casual suit, for spring… is actually groundbreaking for the suiting traditionalists. Just the sight of a guy wearing a loafer or sneakers with a tailored suit would drive a suit purist up a wall, even inciting looks of hate. Let’s be honest, it’s 2020 and clothing shouldn’t be taken that seriously.
As you’ve seen over the years, suits are trending in a direction of wearability outside of the office, so there are more opportunities to add casual pieces like denim band collar shirts, silk scarves and chunky soled loafers to complete your look.
Style tips
- For The Office: opt for a collared shirt and a loafer if you’re casually suiting. That being said, if you’re office is more laid back, you could get away with sneakers and a band collar shirt
- Fit: casual doesn’t mean baggy or “comfortable”. Solid tailoring is what separates a great outfit from a novice look. Slim the sleeve, jacket body and tapered your pants from the knee down. Don’t be afraid to go with a no break hem too (it’s okay)
On Brian: Brown Suit – Lardini | White Sneakers – Kurt Geiger | Band Collar Shirt – Basic Rights | Scarf – HM
Photography by Saeed Ferguson
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Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has a deep passion for menswear and all things manly. Selected as one of the "5 Best Dressed Men In America" by Esquire Magazine in 2010 & as #GQFall 2013 Best Dressed Man. As of 2014, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ Magazine & GQ Report. Outside of that partnership, Sabir serves as an independent brand consultant as well. Reach me directly at SABIR@MENSSTYLEPRO.COM