Business suits have a strong effect on the psychology of many individuals. This happens on a daily basis. It appears that suits trigger certain ideas and images in the minds of observers and project an aura of formality that few other clothing items possess. Aside from the work day and among other events, they are worn at both weddings and funerals. These are significant occasions that mark the solemn events of death and life. This solemnity has left its impression on how we view business suits as a society.
Traditional Suit Design
Designs for business suits have not changed significantly since the early 20th century, when the recognisable ‘office suit’ became common among clerical workers. At its most basic a suit comprises of two items of clothing, namely a jacket and pair of trousers, both of which are made using the same material. There is an allowance for someone to experiment wearing suits for non-work purposes, but business suits have remained quite formal for a long time. They are, after all, meant to be worn at business functions and not necessarily express strong sentiments of fashion. Thus the choice of colours and materials have remained conservative, neutral and understated.
Formal Business Suits
People who engage in business have a general expectation for their partners in appointment to put on business suits. Wearing them sends a strong signal that you are functioning within the accepted bounds of official dress norms. They indicate professionalism, courtesy and the fact that you take your work seriously. In many ways too, society tends to peg your character on how you present yourself, among which is the aspect of dress code. A clean-shaven individual who wears a well-ironed and neat suit offers the impression of being efficient and well-organised. Business suits can give an individual feel if they are custom-made for a particular person. A charcoal or black suit complemented by a vividly coloured lining is a popular choice for professionals wanting to show off an individual flair. Well-chosen ties can also be used to personalise your business attire. Most workplaces are happy for employees to add personal touches to their suits, whilst remaining within the accepted bounds of style and professionalism.
Common Colours for Business Suits
Trying personalised accessories and experimenting with unusual colour combinations or suit cuts is one of the ways of spicing up life in the office. Although most professionals wear suits of charcoal grey, you might be able to alternate with different weaves or colour accents. Different varieties of tweed or checked materials are popular choices for business suits. The following are the most commonly used colours for professional work wear:
– Black suits are a prominent feature of which businessmen utilise for expressing their focused approach to life. They give off an elegant aura for any person dressed in them. This kind of suit is great to adorn when heading out for business deals and social gatherings. It makes one appear authoritative and professional. Putting on a black business suit has a way of expressing a routine approach to matters, however. Trying out suits of other colours, by contrast, neutralizes this aspect.
– Suits for men of a charcoal grey colour can be quite striking. A typical black suit connotes authoritativeness, professionalism and masculinity, but can also have funereal overtones Monochromatic colours, among them diverse shades of grey, soften the look whilst still conveying a high level of sophistication. You can, alternatively, put on navy blue; an effective colour that is good to alternate with black and charcoal formal suits. Adding a lighter and brighter coloured tie or suit lining to the outfit could complement your overall look.
– Sky blue is not a commonly used material suits in Western workplaces, although light blue ties add an elegant touch when worn with dark suits. Among some edgier and younger workplaces, unconventional coloured suits are becoming more common – including sky blue, white, burgundy and even pink. It is best to check carefully with your employer’s dress code before attempting to wear such a suit into work!
In many ways, suits have not evolved excessively since English tailors developed them within the 19th Century. They however remain among the most commonly worn forms of men’s clothing, especially in modern business, and are set to remain so for the foreseeable future.
