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How to Wear the Gray Suit

By Steve

If you are a businessman, you know that dressing well is an asset. Naturally, you select your clothing with utmost care. Part of this care is reflected in selecting the gray suit. You understand the dependability it provides, for the importance of your affairs makes reliability not merely a virtue but a fundamental necessity.

Gray two button single breasted coat with notch lapel and flap pockets, flat front pant with slanted side pockets cut from 100% Pure Tropical Wool by Vitale Barberis Canonico, Italy

Here’s How to Wear a Gray Suit Four Ways:

How to Wear a Gray Suit for Public Speaking

Solid white sea island cotton shirt, silver cuff links, cherry silk grenadine tie, white silk pocket square
Black classic plain cap-toe Oxford shoe, gray solid cotton socks, black premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

How to Wear a Gray Suit for a Business Dinner

Silver gray royal oxford stripe shirt, gray ancient madder silk tie, white silk pocket square
Black whole cut Oxford shoe, gray solid cotton socks, black premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

How to Wear a Gray Suit for a Second Interview

Solid light blue royal oxford shirt, navy, copper and ivory stripe tie, white silk pocket square
Dark brown Oxford shoe, gray solid cotton socks, dark brown premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

How to Wear a Gray Suit for a Staff Meeting

Light blue stripe shirt, navy, light blue and gray geometric tie, white silk pocket square
Burgundy burnished calf semi-brogue shoe, gray solid cotton socks, burgundy premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

Here’s How to Wear a Gray Suit for Business Casual:

Dressing down the Gray Suit – Pairing knits with a gray suit can give you a business casual look without abandoning the “business” of the suit. In the event you remove your jacket, a short sleeve knit would certainly be appropriate. However, if you hold a management position or any level of leadership within your company, a long sleeve knit will be met with more seriousness and will allow you to maintain your position of authority. Let’s not forget a contrasting pocket square to replace the tie that will finish your look with sophistication as well.

How to Wear a Gray Suit for Business Travel

Light gray three-button polo, gray dot silk pocket square
Black tassel loafer, gray solid cotton socks, black premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

How to Wear a Gray Suit for a Business Casual Lunch

Off-white button-less polo, light brown geometric silk pocket square
Dark brown double monk strap shoe, gray solid cotton socks, dark brown premium leather dress belt, cedar shoe trees

Advantages – Knowing how to wear a gray suit gives you the flexibility to create ensembles for business and business casual looks. Like the navy blue suit, you have the ability to infuse colors and patterns in shirts and accessories. You can also take advantage of the psychological connotation surrounding the color gray. Studies have shown that the color gray is associated with dependability and trustworthiness.

Disadvantages – The only disadvantages are for the misinformed men who hear “business casual” and take it as open season to wear a golf polo, t-shirt, printed sport shirt, sneakers, etc. The gray solid is a BUSINESS SUIT even when worn for business casual.

Alternative – The navy blue suit is only an alternative for business—not for business casual.

Dress Well & Succeed

Photo Credit: suit, shirts, knits, pocket squares – SUITSUPPLY
Photo Credit: ties – Shibumi Firenze
Photo Credit: shoes, belts – Loake
Photo Credit: cuff links – Codis Maya