The very notion of getting dressed up in a suit almost always has a conservative feeling. Though safe, the idea of the navy suit, white shirt, striped tie paired with black wingtips, simply is unappealing for many men. Those of us who fall into this category, consider some alternatives that inject colour, texture and eye-popping style.
To dress up a conservative suit, use colour! Using tone on tone patterns in bold colours such as a pink ginham shirt with a pink striped tie or lime green with a black and green striped tie translates into instant style. Adding a matching pocket square is just unique enough to draw many compliments. Try brown lace-ups and a complementary belt with your navy or grey suit. If you are bold enough, you can do this with a black or pin-striped suit as well.
Try wearing a vest and foregoing the tie. I like to wear a black velvet vest with a french-cuffed shirt (any colour is fine) under a charcoal suit. Equally effective, is a lightweight wool v-neck over a crisp white tee shirt. In most cases, they are just casual enough to feel comfortable, yet not too casual as to warrant disapproving glances from your employer.
Avoid reds and golds for shirts and ties, as they are widely utilized by used car salesmen. While there are some great used car salesment out there, their stigma is undeniable and you do not want this to translates onto you. By the way, if you are a used car salesmen, this tip is qually appropriate!
Also avoid excessive jewellry. A man with more jewellry than his female counterparts comes off untrustworthy. And, though I'm fond of leather, I have yet to see an effective use of a leather blazer.
Start wearing sport jackets and trousers, instead of full suits, where an evening out can weather a little informality. I like a grey pair of pinstrip pants with a black velvet jacket, white shirt and white tie for cocktail parties. It is both attractive and different and really sets you apart from the others.
As for shoes, I often like my shoes to stand out apart from the rest of my wardrobe. They should also look in pristine condition and have an appropriate profile for the outfit, but apart from that, you can really do some neat things with your footwear. Black suede loafers without ornamentation, look great in the evening. Elongated calve height boots with a sleak silhouette can work equally well with jeans or a more traditional suit. Generally speaking, the "clunkier" or thicker the sole of the shoe, the more casual it is intended to be. This, for me, is a non-negotiable rule. You are trying to refine your look, not frump it up.
Good luck restyling your wardrobe with these thoughts in mind!!
