Five Ways to Wear a Men's Three-Piece Suit Casually

A three-piece suit is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Often reserved for more formal events and big occasions, this sharp outfit offers more than just a formal look for special occasions. It can be surprisingly versatile, fitting into many parts of your wardrobe. 

These days, as fashion leans towards smart casual dressing, the three-piece suit is getting a new lease of life as men look to mix formal pieces with everyday items. Learning how to break down the different parts of a three-piece suit helps you wear it often. You will look good without seeming too dressed up for a normal day out.

In this article, we show you five different ways to wear your three-piece suit more casually so you can get more wear out of your suit and ultimately more value. 

1. The Deconstructed Look: Separating the Components

Wearing the Blazer Casually

A blazer is possibly one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. But it doesn’t have to be paired with matching trousers always. Try it with non-suit trousers instead. Think chinos in different colours, dark wash denim or even some well-fitting courdroys. This mix instantly feels less formal. For an even more relaxed feel, pick blazers made from materials like tweed or a textured wool blend. A navy wool blazer often looks great with light grey chinos and a crisp white t-shirt.

The Waistcoat as a Statement Piece

A waistcoat is a strong statement on its own; you don’t always need the blazer and suit trousers. A waistcoat can be a great styling item on its own. A plain solid waistcoat looks great styled with a stripe shirt and contrasting dress trousers. Or style with a denim shirt and smart chinos for a casual smart weekend look. 

Tailoring Trousers for Everyday Wear

Dress trousers are not just for the office or formal occasions; they can be an important part of your everyday dressing. The key to making the most of your trouser collection is knowing how to style them to make them work for other occasions. Often, men think navy or black trousers are reserved for formal occasions, but with some simple styling tricks, you can make them work for casual settings too. Blending formal items like dress trousers with casual pieces like a simple white t-shirt is one of the easiest ways to master casual smart dressing. Or mixing smart dress trousers with a shirt sleeve linen shirt and loafer shoes instantly adds a casual edge to your otherwise formal outfit. 

2. Smart-Casual Integration: Blending with Everyday Staples

The T-Shirt and Two-Piece Combo

Styling a t-shirt with a suit is not a new invention; in fact, this styling hack has been around for a number of years. The key to getting it right is to opt for a good quality, well-fitting t-shirt. Stick to neutral colours like white, black, grey, or navy. Adding a t-shirt provides a relaxed counterpoint to the structure of the suit, making it instantly more approachable. This simple switch changes the whole feel.

Pairing with Knitwear

Knitwear is a fail-safe option when it comes to styling a three-piece. It instantly adds warmth and texture. Try layering a fine knit jumper or turtle neck sweater under your waistcoat and blazer. This look works especially well when it's a bit colder. Choose fabrics like merino wool or cashmere for a luxurious look. 

3. Footwear Choices: Grounding the Look

Casual Shoe Pairings

Your choice of shoes has a big effect on how formal your suit appears. Dress shoes are the ultimate in formal choices, but to make a three-piece look more casual, pick relaxed footwear. Think premium trainers that are clean and simple. Loafers in soft leather or suede work well. Chelsea boots are a great option for the cooler months and add a rugged edge to a look. Searches for 'casual suit outfits' have seen a 15% increase in the last year, indicating a growing interest in this styling approach. This shows people really want these relaxed options.

4. Fabric and Colour Considerations

Lighter Fabrics for a Relaxed Feel

The material of your suit greatly affects its formality. Fabrics like linen, cotton or lycra blends are naturally more casual. Crafted to be more breathable, these fabrics naturally have a softer, more relaxed look. On the flip side, suits crafted from a wool mix or flannel fabric are often reserved for more formal occasions.

Investing in a three-piece suit that offers more flexibility, like a linen or lycra blend suit, will make styling for casual summer settings like weddings abroad or summer soirees more seamless and stress-free. Similarly, opting for a sturdier wool mix three piece in the cooler months allows for versatile styling. 

Non-Traditional Colours and Patterns

Traditional suit colours like charcoal or navy are always smart. But for a casual approach, bolder colours or subtle patterns work wonders. These choices naturally lean away from strict formality. Try out muted tones such as olive green or burgundy. Even a subtle check or a windowpane pattern can make your suit feel less formal and more fun. These small changes make a big difference to the overall mood of the suit.

5. Styling Accessories for a Casual Edge

Minimalist Accessories

Accessories can either dress up or dress down your suit. For a casual feel, pick items that are simple and not too formal. A plain leather bracelet or a classic, unfussy watch can add a touch of personal style. You might even decide to skip a pocket square altogether. Less is often more when aiming for a relaxed outfit.

The Role of the Pocket Square

A pocket square can be a stylish touch, even for a casual look. It just needs the right approach. Forget stiff, formal folds. Choose a silk or linen pocket square with a bold print or interesting texture. Then, use a casual fold, like a simple puff fold or an unstudied 'scrunched' look. This shows you are confident and relaxed, not trying too hard.

Discovering menswear with Marc Darcy 

At Marc Darcy, we believe in offering nothing but the best. Our collection boasts of the finest clothing, ranging from stylish accessories to impeccable men's suits. If you're in search of a pair of chinos that scream style and comfort, look no further than our collection. Explore it today and get ready to elevate your wardrobe like never before.

If you have any further questions or need more fashion advice, feel free to reach out and Contact Us today… But wait, did you know we do face-to-face appointments too – think you’d like to be seen by a Marc Darcy suit specialist? Talk to us about a Marc Darcy Saturday Appointment.

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