How to Make The Most of Your Suit | One Suit Styled Formal to Casual

In my recent video 'Burgundy Suit Five Ways' I gave some suit styling tips on how to dress a suit up formerly and down casually. A purple or burgundy suit might not be the go-to colour for office wear. Whilst purple is becoming more mainstream, voted colour of the year in 2018 by Pantone, it's still too ostentatious for regular 9-5. 

However, it's ideal for a date night, maybe a special event or if you're attending a wedding as a guest. 

The suit I've chosen is an Austin Reed London which you can procure from their made to measure service. They now do fittings door to door. I've also done a recent review of that service on blog which you can read about here. 

In this video, I've styled a burgundy suit from Austin Reed London 5 different ways. I've tried to show how you can style the suit smart as well as casually. How you can wear the burgundy blazer with a pair of black jeans, so it's all about making the most out of your suit...not just for smart occasions but also going out for a night out.

LOOK 1:

The smartest version. I've used my Hawkins & Shepherd blue and white cutaway collar shirt to give the look some lift. However, the key element here is the wine red college stripe silk tie Hammond & Co. by Patrick Grant. I think this tie is an absolute bargain at £22, considering how much you pay for silk ties elsewhere. (Turnbull and Asser charge 5 times that much). 

The college look has a preppy vibe, but also gives off a subliminal 'man that knows something about something' aura. This look would be great for a race day event. Maybe a dinner at the members club. Purple is a colour associated with wealth and this styling looks like you belong in Home House baby. 

LOOK 2:

If you're not wanting to go super-smart, conscious that you might be overdressed, then simply notch it down a few with this look. I've dispensed with the shirt and tie but kept the look and the tones clean with a black roll neck jumper from Marks & Spencer. 

Again a very accessible price at just under £40. Available also in Navy and Plum. But the black offers contrast and will be perfect for those nippy Autumn morning commutes. 

It's also a great business casual outfit. I've worn this to a couple of client meetings and it puts everyone at ease. 

LOOK 3:

How about this bobby dazzler. This is a great date night look. I've opted for one of my own Hawkins & Shepherd button down shirts without a tie. It's fitted and feels great. It's a great way to bring a casual element to a smart look without looking like I've just clocked off. 

LOOKS 4 & 5:

Now we're getting into the last of the casual stylings. I consider this look a perfect 'meet and greet' style. Maybe a look you'd wear to the cinema, perhaps even down to the pub. I've swapped out the trousers for some ASOS black jeans and introduced some M&S white trainers. 

This is a good strong look for you gentleman who don't feel comfortable wearing suits, but want to start dressing with a smarter, with a bit more intent. 

You can check out all the links to the products I've worn in the bio in the video. If you like this video please give it a thumbs up and subscribe, it will encourage me to do more.