Tips for styling a suit to be against the grain/alternative
This is the suit I've picked out for some upcoming weddings; just wondering if anyone would be able to share any thoughts on styling it to be abit alternative/more personal so to speak. I'm not really sure how best to describe my day to day style; hipster is probably the closest I can come up with 🙂
22 Replies
Words are subjective, give us photos of something similar or the kind of vibe you want to give off
Imo a patterned suit like that already has enough personality though, things can end up standing out too much very easily and since I know nothing about you, I’m assuming you don’t want to be known for being edgy and alternative at weddings
I'm struggling to find anything, which probably isn't the best sign!
I think my main question is could it be worn with DM boots, or is that a stretch too far?
I take your point with the suit, and I think that was the biggest draw to it for me that it had some personality.
If it's relevant I'm bald with a large beard, so between that and the pattern on the suit perhaps that is enough for my edgyness quota aha
Paisley tie comes to mind. Also try a patterned dress shirt (try small check). But not together, as it would be too much.
You can probably wear docs with a suit , as long as the trousers actually fit about the boot, BUT you best make sure they're polished up right
Standard advice is one bold element. The suit and shirt are pretty standard, get standard shoes, your pink tie is pretty bold.
Formality is less about personal choices and more about respecting the occasion. Obviously there's more to it but how do I put this. You don't need to look like a robot, but standing out in a formal event is better done through fit and quality than eye catching details. And it's not your event so you have to consider where the line is for what's adequately respectful
Like, you probably wouldn't show up to a wedding in a neon green and orange-stripe suit right? Too out there. So somewhere between a plain navy suit with all conservative details, and a neon green one worn with a light-up toe and flip flops, there is a gray line. Where that line is depends on the event - hosts, venue, type of event, the other goers, etc - but it exists, right?
I'm not saying doc martens makes you a clown and over the line, just want you to ask yourself how necessary it is for the event and the bride and groom that you stand out beyond the single accepted bold element (a tie in this case). Because it is after all their event, mostly, right?
Paisley tie sounds like a good shout, this is the one I picked up as a 'incase I don't find anything else'
I think an interesting cap or statement jewelry could round out the look without adding too much.
Thanks for reply dude, I think I might sit them out for this one, but good to know providing they're prepped right should work!
All of your points are very valid, and greatfully received! I think I'll take your advice and stick to ensuring fit and quality is there as a priority. I shall look into a Paisley tie and pocket square though as even as bold as the ones I've picked out are, there's other patterns I'm seeing online which I prefer. Thank you for your help and advice!
That's an interesting idea! I'm thinking about picking up a pocket watch, not sure if that would come under jewellery
I was thinking of a pocket watch as well, ahaha. Not exactly jewelry, but definitely an accessory.
https://fineanddandyshop.com/collections/pins/products/copy-of-button-stick-pin
Lapel pins can be nice or a tie bar
Something like this set perhaps?
Or these
I would recommend not having a matching pocket square and tie. A white square would look great with the pinks in the ties
Good advice, had not realised that matching was not a good idea, especially given they sell them as matching sets! Thank you
This tie, white pocket square and silver accessories (lapel pin, cufflinks, and pocket watch)?
sounds slick
Definitely no matched sets
Looks fine. A pocket watch is, uh, a bit studied.
Cufflinks require a french cuff shirt. Is your shirt french cuff?
Do you mean not very original by studied?
The shirt has a double cuff, will that be okay?
Sorry, duel cuff
What is a dual cuff? Double cuffs usually mean french cuffs. Never heard the term dual cuff.
They have both options, buttons and an opening for cufflinks
Studied = a little tryhard.
Okay, convertible cuffs. Got it
Cufflinks, sounds fine then.
Okay cool, thank you for you help and advice!