A 3-piece suit takes the elegance of a traditional jacket and trouser combination and elevates it with a fitted waistcoat. Though many of us will likely have one in the back of our closet, you might be wondering what occasions call for you to don your trusty 3-piece suit. If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place – read on to find out more.
How to style a 3-piece suit
Before we start, let’s first take a look at some of the golden rules of wearing a 3-piece suit:
- Leave the bottom button of your waistcoat undone to stop it being too restrictive.
- Avoid wearing a best where possible as this can disrupt the shape created by the suit.
- Unbutton the suit jacket for a more laid back vibe, and to show off the waistcoat.
- Stick to dark neutrals for more formal occasions, but feel free to experiment with patterns, textures, and colours when the occasion permits.
When to wear a 3-piece suit
It goes without saying that a 3-piece suit is not something you will want to wear everyday. That said, it can be a fantastic choice for more formal occasions, and for events where you are looking to dress to impress.
Here are just a few times when a man might benefit immensely from wearing a 3-piece suit.
Weddings
Whether you are the groom, best man, father of the bride, or just there to support the happy couple, 3-piece tailored men’s suits are an excellent option.
For summer weddings, opt for a lighter grey suit or charcoal. Or, why not mix and match the colour of your waistcoat? A cream waistcoat with a navy suit is a particularly eye-catching pairing.
3-piece suits can be accessorised with a skinny or thick tie, a bow tie, cravat, and more, depending on how formal the dress code for the wedding in question is.
Important meetings
We have all been told that you need to dress well for stakeholder meetings and interviews, but did you know that there is a psychological reason for this?
There have been many scientific and psychological studies into how the way that we dress impacts the way that others perceive us and even the way that we perform. An article from Inc explains that dressing well can make you seem more trustworthy and reliable, as well as helping you to think outside the box.
Thus, wearing a sharp and sophisticated 3-piece suit to your next important meeting might be just the thing you need to help you get your desired outcome.
Races
Some racecourses, race days, or enclosures will have a specific dress code. Traditionally, for men, this will be a smart outfit with smart shoes – in other words, a suit. This will likely be decided by the weather, but when the temperature allows it a 3-piece suit is an excellent decision.
For a more modern twist, experiment with different colours, patterns, and textures, and style with a pair of contrasting shoes. For example, a tweed navy suit with white shirt and brown shoes, topped off with a pair of sunglasses, is a great outfit for the races.
And there you have it – a few examples of when a man might benefit from wearing a 3-piece suit, plus some tips on how to style it.
Love Lilla xx