The Ultimate End-of-Summer Suit Guide

As summer comes to an end, your wardrobe needs to shift in line with the change in weather. This time of year is packed with social events. Whether it’s a late-season wedding, a day at the races or a bank holiday getaway, picking the right suit is key to looking sharp and feeling confident. 

In this guide, we aim to help you choose the perfect end-of-summer suit. From colour to fit, we cover it all to provide you with actionable advice and top-tier style tips. Get ready to make a lasting impression.

Colour Palettes: Transitioning from Bright Summer to Muted Tones

The Enduring Appeal of Neutrals: Navy, Grey, and Tan

Navy and grey suits reign supreme as the top colour suits of choice, thanks to their incredible versatility. Tan and beige suits also work well for late summer events, offering a lighter look than the typical autumn colours. These neutral shades give you a solid base to build your outfit around. Top Tip: As we roll into Autumn, switch your waistcoat for a style in a deeper autumnal shade like olive, rust or burgundy.  

A navy suit is one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. Style with a crisp white shirt and colourful tie for a late summer wedding. A light grey suit looks great with a pastel shirt for a less formal event. Tan suits shine with shades of blue or green.

Embracing Pastels and Earthy Tones

Pastels are more versatile than you might first think. Consider softer pastels like mint green, light blue or dusky pink for a seasonally fitting choice. Style with a fine knit jumper in a neutral beige or khaki. 

Earthy tones such as warm tans, rich olives, and deep rusts are excellent choices for late summer occasions, evoking the natural beauty of the season. To seamlessly transition your wardrobe into the upcoming autumn months, consider pairing these hues with classic navy pieces or timeless neutral styles like beige, cream, or soft grey.

When to Avoid Bold Colours and Loud Patterns

As the summer comes to an end, you might want to tone down bright colours or busy patterns. These can sometimes feel out of place during the seasonal transition. Instead, opt for timeless colours and fabrics, try mixing a classic tweed two-piece suit like our Ted Tan Suit with a light linen shirt. This combination highlights elegance and sophistication, perfectly embodying the end-of-summer vibe.

Styling for Specific End-of-Summer Occasions

Wedding Guest Attire: Balancing Celebration and Seasonality

End-of-summer weddings are extremely popular; the suit you choose depends on the wedding theme and dress code. An outdoor wedding might call for a lighter, rustic suit like heritage-style tweed. Whilst a semi-formal city wedding might call for a more structured suit, like a classic tuxedo suit. Top Tip: Always consider the venue and time of day.

For an outdoor wedding, a light blue linen-blend suit with a soft collar shirt works well. Add a colourful pocket square for a festive touch. For an evening event, a navy or charcoal grey suit is always a safe bet. Pair it with a white shirt and a silk tie.

Race Day Ready: Equestrian Event Dress Codes

Different race days have their own specific dress code rules, so it’s always wise to check the dress code. Normally, on race days, it’s safe to say attendees are generally expected to dress formal to semi-formal. 

A day at the races is a great opportunity to show a little personality and have fun with your outfit choice. 

A checked or striped suit can be perfect for race day. Think about a light grey suit with a subtle windowpane check. Add a colourful waistcoat and a classic tie. Suede loafers or polished leather shoes complete the look.

Garden Parties and Outdoor Gatherings

Garden parties call for comfort and a relaxed feel. Lycra blend suits are a great option thanks to their flexibility. For a look that’s polished and fashion forward, opt to mix and match your blazer and trousers. Our Bromley Blazer matched with our HM5 Trousers is a perfect choice for late summer soirees. 

Opt for loafers or smart trainers for footwear. A woven belt and a casual watch fit the relaxed mood. A light patterned pocket square adds a touch of flair.

The Importance of Fit and Tailoring

Even the best suit fabric or colour will look wrong if it doesn't fit well. Tailoring is truly worth the money.

Understanding Your Body Shape and Suit Fit

A suit should fit like a glove, but an off-the-rack suit won’t always fit you perfectly since everyone has a different body shape. The shoulders of the blazer should align with the natural curve of your shoulders. The blazer should button comfortably without straining or pulling. Trousers should fit well at the waist and should just skim the tops of your shoes. When trying on suits, pay attention to these details. Most men will likely need to tailor at least a few areas of their suits, usually the length of the trouser legs.

The Transformative Power of Tailoring

Simple alterations can make a huge difference and will pay dividends in the future. Getting the length of your blazer sleeve just right is key. The sleeve should end at the wrist bone, allowing for a little of your shirt to poke below. A tailor can make any alterations, even taking in the waist of your blazer. This gives a much sharper outline. 

Accessorising to Complete Your Look

The right accessories tie your whole look together. They add those important finishing touches.

Shirt and Tie Pairings

Your shirt and tie choices are vital to completing your look. Pick a shirt that complements your suit. White is often the most popular choice, whilst pastel shades like pink or baby blue are often popular too. For ties, think about the material, pattern and how you knot it. A tie should subtly enhance your look and not detract from it. A pocket square is an opportunity to add a dash of personality. 

For a classic look, pair a navy suit with a white shirt, a subtle patterned silk tie, and a crisp white linen pocket square. For a more relaxed feel, a light blue shirt with an open collar and a knitted silk tie works well.

Footwear Finesse: From Loafers to Oxfords

It’s often thought that shoes can make or break your outfit. Suede shoes are great for summer. As the season ends, you might want to move towards more robust styles like leather oxfords or brogues.

Imagine a tan tweed suit paired with dark brown suede loafers. This combination screams effortless summer style.

The Finishing Touches: Belts, Socks, and Timepieces

Coordinate your belt with your shoes. This small detail makes a big difference. Choose socks that match your trousers or add a pop of subtle colour. Your watch should also fit the overall formality. A dressier watch for formal events, a simpler one for casual gatherings.

Conclusion

You now have the knowledge to pick the perfect end-of-summer suit. Remember to choose the right fabric for comfort and style. Think about how colours can transition from bright summer to muted autumn tones. Always dress for the specific occasion. Never forget the power of a perfect fit and good tailoring. Finally, choose your accessories with care.

Embrace the last days of summer with confidence. Your well-chosen suit is an investment. It ensures you look impeccable at any special occasion.