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Style tips - Wear Your Suits as Separates: How to Do It Right

Welcome to the era of versatile fashion. Wearing your suits as separates is not only practical but also an excellent way to bring more life and creativity to your wardrobe. It’s a trend that has gained popularity in recent years and can be an exciting way to mix and match different styles and fabrics.

As a bespoke tailor with 20+ years of experience, we are excited to share some tips and insights on how to wear your suits as separates.

Tip #1: Choose Your Base Wisely
When it comes to selecting your base for suit separates, it is essential to choose a versatile and neutral colour. The most popular and safe choice is navy blue, but dark grey, charcoal, or beige are also excellent choices. A well-fitted suit jacket or pair of trousers in a neutral colour can act as a foundation for countless outfit combinations.

Tip #2: Mix and Match Textures
One of the easiest ways to mix and match suit separates is to play with textures. A subtle contrast of different fabrics can add an element of sophistication and elegance to your look. For instance, pairing a matte twill jacket with corduroy trousers can add depth and visual interest to your outfit, whilst pairing a wool jacket with a cotton trouser for a more relaxed but still put-together look.

Why this outfit works…

Karl has started with a neutral base, pairing the navy trousers of the original suit with a grey checked jacket from another suit.

There is great contrast in fabric textures, between the matte cavalry twill of the trousers to the soft flannel of the jacket.

The colour palette is limited to only 4 colours across his entire finished outfit;

How this styling works...

Chloe has combined her strong, block-colour jacket beautifully with the lighter check trouser. 

By using simple colour palettes she has enabled the bold jacket to stand out against a patterned trouser.

The warm tone within the base trousers is picked out by the complementary jacket.  

Tip #3: Experiment with Colours
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours when wearing suit separates. Consider earthy tones, pastels, or even bold colours like emerald green or electric blue. Just remember to limit the number of colours in your outfit to avoid overwhelming the look. For instance, you can pair a beige jacket with navy blue trousers or a grey jacket with light pink trousers for a chic and trendy look.

Tip #4: Accessorise Your Outfit
Accessories can add the final touch to your suit separates outfit. Consider adding a statement belt, patterned tie or a statement necklace to elevate your look. Alternatively, a colourful scarf or pocket square can add a pop of colour and interest to a more neutral suit. The right accessories can tie your outfit together and make it stand out from the crowd.

Completing the look…

Navy and burgundy are real complementary classics.

Karl has excelled here in making the burgundy jacket the focal point of this outfit.

To balance the look, he's accessorised with matching burgundy loafers.

The navy trousers from the original suit, tie in with the blue shirt and tie, to frame the jacket perfectly.

Tip #5: Stick to Similar Cuts or Play with Proportions
When pairing different suit separates, your style and approach to fashion will lead the way in creating your perfect outfit. You may want to ensure that both pieces have a similar cut. A well-tailored and fitted jacket and trousers can create a cohesive and streamlined look that flatters your figure.

Alternatively, playing with proportions can help to make your outfit feel more modern and fun. For example, pair your suit trousers with an oversized sweater or jacket for a more relaxed look, or wear your suit jacket with a mini skirt for a more playful vibe.

Tip #6: Integrate wardrobe favourites
Don't be afraid to mix and match your suit pieces with different items in your wardrobe.

For example, pair your suit trousers with a silk blouse or cashmere sweater, or wear your suit jacket over jeans or a full skirt for a more casual, contemporary look. A brightly coloured suit jacket paired with black trousers can look incredibly chic, while a colourful suit trouser paired with a simple white shirt can feel fresh and modern.

A plain success…

Wearing two solid neutrals with one another is probably the safest way to experiment with the “separates” trend.

The cut of both suits are similar, which ensures that each piece looks natural next to the other, even though the fabric is different.

Karl has worn a dark grey suit jacket with the original navy trousers. If these trousers were any darker, it wouldn’t have worked because the contrast would have been too low.

In conclusion, wearing your suits as separates is a fun and practical way to bring more versatility to your wardrobe. With these tips, we hope that you can confidently mix and match different suit separates to create a stylish and sophisticated look.

Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment with your style. Don't be afraid to try new things and find what works for you!

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