How to Stand out With a Suit
When you have to wear a suit to the office every day, your wardrobe can definitely start to seem a little boring -- especially when you're surrounded by coworkers all wearing the exact same look. But while you may have to wear a suit, you can still find ways to personalize your look. With a few changes, you can look professional and stylish in any suit in your closet so you're sure to stand out from the crowd. Does this Spark an idea?
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Try a Different Color
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For both men and women, black is usually the most common suit color. If you want to stand out, choosing a suit in another shade is an easy way to go. In an extremely conservative environment, though, you'll want to stick to a neutral color like charcoal, dove gray or brown. Navy, dark olive and gray green also work well in a traditional environment and offer a softer look than the usual black. For men, a khaki or light tan suit can also be an attractive, casual look in the spring and summer. Women usually have more options when it comes to suit colors. In the fall and winter, a bold red or deep purple suit can definitely turn heads. In the summer and spring, pastels like lilac, pink or sky blue can help you stand out. Vivid shades like magenta or cobalt are also sure to get you noticed.
Go Patterned
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Even if you want to stick to a neutral color like black, gray or brown for your suit, you can still stand out from the crowd by going with a patterned style. A pinstripe pattern is subtle enough to work in a conservative setting, but it can help you stand out in a sea of solid suits. You can also opt for a classic houndstooth or herringbone. Women may have a few more patterned options to choose from – a modern floral print suit or a whimsical polka dotted suit can definitely draw attention.
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Play With Accessories
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Even if your closet is full of basic black or gray suits, you can still make a bold style statement – you just need the right accessories. For men, a tie in a bold color like red or a striking pattern like paisley can distinguish you from the rest of the bland suits. Colorful pocket squares or whimsical cuff links can also give your suit a more distinctive look. If you're going tie-less, try a colorful shirt beneath your jacket – a dark or pinstripe suit can look striking with a pastel-colored shirt.
Women may have an even easier time using accessories to jazz up a suit. Instead of a plain silk shell or button-down beneath your suit jacket, wear a camisole or tank with decorative details like beading or sequins. Wearing a scarf in a bright color or bold pattern around your neck is another option. You can also use jewelry to make your suit stand out – dangling earrings or a long pedant-style necklace can help complement your suit. Even your shoes can make a difference – if you're wearing a plain black suit, wear heels or flats in a surprising color like seafoam green or fuchsia to distinguish yourself from the crowd.
Get Fit Right
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When you're wearing a suit that fits you to a tee, you're bound to stand out even if it's in a plain black or gray color. A custom-made suit is ideal since it's cut and sewn specifically with your measurements in mind. However, custom suits can be very expensive, so they're not always a viable option. Even if you buy your suit off the rack, though, you can still ensure a perfect fit. Take your suit to a tailor and have it altered to fit your body. Consider factors like where the shoulders fall, how long the jacket sleeves are and the pants' or skirt's length, to make sure it hangs just right on your body.
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References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
