Styling the Modern Three-Piece Suit

In times where elegance and sophistication are required, a well-dressed man knows to turn to a timeless three-piece suit. A symbol of style and confidence, the three-piece suit is quintessentially the epitome of sophistication. Three-piece suits have seen a surge in popularity recently, making a strong comeback as the go-to piece. As men blend modern trends with classic elegance, we’ve seen more and more men adding three-piece suits to their baskets. Whether for a formal event, work, or just to upscale casual days, mastering its styling is key. In this guide, we show you how to style a three-piece suit like a pro. 

Understanding the Modern Three-Piece Suit

Definition and Evolution of the Three-Piece Suit

The three-piece suit is steeped in tradition dating back to the 19th century. Originally worn by aristocrats and businessmen, it was a symbol of power and refinement. Over the centuries, designers have reinvented the three-piece suit. Today's versions include slimmer fits, modern fabrics and bold prints. More than ever before, men are choosing to wear these suits away from the boardroom and instead adopting the formality into other areas of their lives. It's no longer just formal wear; it's a modern style choice. 

Key Features of a Three-Piece Suit

The modern take on a three-piece suit has come a long way since its original roots. Fabric choices are more versatile, from linen to wool mix to elastane blends. The latter, in particular, has resulted from changes in modern society that have created a need for men to wear a more flexible and comfortable fit. Fit has also been a huge focus with designers introducing more slim, tailored cuts that fit more comfortably with today's modern way of dressing. Details like narrower lapels, flat front trousers, double-breasted styles and distinctive buttons give today's three-piece suit a modern edge. 

The Suit's Role in Menswear Style

A three-piece suit is no longer just for formal occasions. This versatile style is fast becoming an essential wardrobe staple. The key to getting the most out of a three-piece suit is to be confident with the styling. It can be dressed up with a tie or worn more casually with an open collar. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the individual pieces. Switch the waistcoat for a waistcoat from another three-piece suit you own. Wear the blazer with chinos for casual smart days at the office. Or even just simply wear the trousers with a shirt when it’s too hot to think about wearing the full schbang! 

Choosing the Right Three-Piece Suit for Your Style

Fit and Proportions

The fit you opt for ultimately is a personal preference. In recent years, the fit of suits has become wider and looser, but slim tailored fits are still reigning supreme as most men align with this cut of suit. The shoulders of a suit should sit perfectly in line with the natural curve of your shoulder. Trousers should hug your waist comfortably and fall so the hem sits just below the ankle bone and skims the top of your shoe. If you find you’re in between sizes, it’s better to size up and have your suit tailored to fit your body. 

Fabric and Colour Selection

During the warmer summer months, light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton blends work best. Wool mix remains the go-to for colder months. When choosing colours, opt for classic timeless tones like navy, black, tan and grey as they never go out of style and seamlessly style with other colours. Don’t overlook more unique colours, especially for special occasions. Pastels like pinks, blues and greens add a fresh touch to traditional suits. Pick versatile colours that can be adapted to work for a myriad of different occasions. 

Styling Tips for a Contemporary Yet Classic Look

Layering and Shirt Choices

When it comes to your shirt choice, a crisp well well-ironed dress shirt in white or sky blue will always look stylish. For days when casual smart is on the agenda, switch the shirt for a lightweight polo shirt. For patterns, it all depends on the suit. If the suit is plain with no print, you can be a little bolder with your print choice. If the suit features a print, then it’s best to play it safe and opt for a classic, subtle stripe shirt.

Accessories and Footwear

Footwear is known to make or break an outfit. Choosing the right footwear is key to finishing the look. Classic choices like oxfords, brogues or loafers are always a good starting point. For a more casual look, try styling with some suede boat shoes in a neutral navy or black. Accessories are the finishing touch to an outfit and shouldn't be overlooked. A simple tie with a tie bar and leather belt is sometimes all you need. These small details help to pull together a look and create a cohesive finish. 

Modern Styling Tricks

Don’t be shy when it comes to mixing patterns and textures - think pinstripes with a textured shirt like flannel. Mix and match your blazer and trousers. Style a dark blazer like our Bromley Olive Blazer with lighter trousers such as our HM5 Stone Trousers. Pocket squares are excellent for adding a touch of personality; look for those with unique prints.

Tips and Tricks for Versatile Styling

Day-to-Night Transitions

For evening events, swap your tie for a more stylish option; bow ties are great for formal events. Switch to darker colours in rich fabrics for a refined, sophisticated look. A simple change in accessories, like a watch change or adding a pocket square, will transform your look.

Formal Events vs. Casual Elegance

For very formal events, stick to traditional suits in classic colours like black or navy. For more smart casual occasions, try suits in more playful prints or in softer shades like pink or green. Styling your suit with casual shoes like suede loafers and keeping the accessories to a minimum offers a more ladi back yet polished look. 

Real-World Examples and Inspiration

Look at style icons like David Beckham or Ryan Gosling. They often wear three-piece suits in modern ways, mixing classic cuts with fashionable accessories. The reason why celebrities often get it right is because they have a team of stylists and curators spending hours researching and planning to ensure they look impeccable, so it makes sense to look to these celebrities for inspiration and take away small styling hints and tips. Look at the colour combos they opt for, the accessories they include in a look, and the style of shirt. All very small, minimal details, but helpful when you are looking for some inspiration.

Discover the men’s three-piece suits with Marc Darcy

We hope you found this article helpful. Next time you’re reaching out for a three-piece suit – take the information above and wear your suit in total confidence, the Marc Darcy way.

At Marc Darcy, we take great pride in offering the finest men's clothing, from suits to accessories. Check out our selection of suits right now if you're in the market for one. For a wide variety of Evening Suits, Wedding Suits, and Suits That Stretch.

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