As the weather warms up and the sun shines for longer, the promise of summer weddings is just around the corner. Whether you’re a groom or a guest, a tweed suit never goes out of style. But how do you wear it after the big day?
Tweed is too good to sit in a wardrobe until the next big occasion. When worn separately these pieces are perfect for the office, drinks or even a date.
Tweed suits are for life, not just for weddings! They can add a touch of gentlemanly class to your wardrobe all year round.
Embrace the smart-casual
We’ve all heard that phrase – but what does it mean?
After a year of home-living, our wardrobes have gone through somewhat of a dressing down and it has never been more important to master the smart-casual dress code.
The key is really simple, it’s all about balance. Mixing pieces from your tweed suit with more casual items in your wardrobe will guarantee a sophisticated but relaxed feel. Smart-casual!
Dressing down your tweed suit can be a tricky business, but it doesn’t need to be, especially once you’ve mastered the basics.
A tweed blazer with casual chinos and a well-fitting T-shirt. Tweed trousers with a cotton polo. Adding your tweed pieces to everyday items of clothing will elevate your look and add a touch of elegance, without being overbearing.
Consider pattern
First things first, remember tweed is patterned. Whilst some may love eccentricity and mixing patterns in an outfit, for others too many can be a bit…much.
Because of the pattern and mix of colours in tweed, you should be extra careful when selecting items of clothing to pair it with. Of course, practice makes perfect, but to start with go for neutral blocks of colour to pair with your tweed. A white shirt and dark coloured trousers will complement rather than compete with checkered tweed. Until you’re feeling more adventurous!
Can I wear jeans?
Of course you can!
It all depends on the type of jeans you decide to don, they can make or break your look. Stay away from rips or a heavily bleached style. Well-fitted, darker denim will balance a tweed blazer better than jeans that are too busy.
Pairing them with a checkered grey or blue tweed blazer and a casual white dress shirt is a classic ensemble that would look as good in the office as it would on a night on the tiles.
Perhaps you can add a tweed flat cap or tie to dress up your jeans and shirt combo? Tweed is the trusty, trend-setting item that can make even the most casual pair of jeans turn into a style statement.
If you feel jeans are too risqué, chinos are a solid smart-casual choice. Smarter than a pair of jeans, but not too pretentious, their range of colours and fit make it possible for them to suit any colour of tweed jacket or blazer.
The top half
If chilled-out vibes are your go-to, a well-fitting button-down shirt is the glue that holds your smart-casual wardrobe together.
Try a camp-collar shirt for a relaxed look that still means business. Undo the buttons and save the tropical prints for next year’s holiday – solid colours are perfect.
A classic polo or t-shirt has an athletic vibe, so be sure to keep everything else in the smarter category. Match it with slim-fitting tweed trousers to create a classy but casual outfit perfect for flitting from park to bar.
If the weather’s not as kind as you’d hoped for, opt for a knitted sweater or roll neck. They will give you a break from stiff collars and will keep you warm while looking inherently suave.
The final touch is a killer coat. The great thing about tweed is its durability, making it the ideal companion for those busy working days or nights out.
A tweed blazer is a sure-fire way to dress up any outfit, while a handsome wool topcoat or suede bomber will pair with tweed trousers perfectly.
What about the shoes?
As we explained in our previous blog, your style shouldn’t gradually fade as someone scans down your outfit – if anything, it should get better.
Picking the perfect shoes is vital if you’re to nail the smart-casual look.
Tweed lends itself to a huge array of shoe styles, but for a dressed down look, opt for loafers or smart boots rather than oxfords.
Some prefer a penny loafer or Gucci loafer, but we’d say the tassel loafers are perfect if you’re donning tweed suit trousers, while brogue boots are an absolute hit for a more casual weekend look.
Trainers are a perfect pairing for your smart-casual look. Smart woollen trousers and block colour trainers are the ultimate daytime style. Most trainer styles will work well - just make sure to give them a quick clean, a box-fresh feel is the ultimate smart-casual vibe.
Add (or remove) accessories
If you feel your look could do with a little sprucing up, the simple addition of a pocket square or watch is perfect.
On the other hand, if the tweed is doing enough for you, adopt a less is more approach to make your style more informal.
In a rush? Remove your tie and unbutton your collar, take off your cufflinks and roll those sleeves up for a relaxed, smart-casual style.
Why Tweedmaker?
The ultimate style staple and an all-year-round classic, tweed is an essential part of any suave-seekers’ wardrobe.
Here at Tweedmaker, we have an expansive range of classic and unique tweed suits to ‘suit’ any style. Browse our range here