If you want to maintain variety in your professional wardrobe, choosing work suits can require a bit of creativity. It is easiest to limit oneself to a plain grey or navy suit, as it is often unclear how a potential contractor might react to more extravagant attire. On the other hand, those interested in fashion – even in its classical form – love to experiment. This is where pinstripe suits come to the rescue, ensuring you maintain a professional atmosphere during any meeting.
The Wolf of Wall Street Suit
It is not only in high-level executive positions that one should think about consciously building an image and creating authority through appearance. These attributes are desirable in any job that requires client contact. Professionalism is evidenced not only by knowledge and competence but also by the attire we treat as our “uniform.” While no one forbids attending meetings in a wrinkled T-shirt and jeans, it is undeniable that the impression made will be far from spectacular. While expertise always wins in the end, the conversation must happen first – and it would be a shame to lose the race before it starts due to an inappropriate appearance.
The powersuit was heavily popularized by films related to the world of high finance: The Wolf of Wall Street and American Psycho. Thanks to their history, pinstripe suits are strongly associated with business, power, and authority. This is a style frequently chosen in corporate environments, which is why it is crucial to pay attention not only to the fabric but also to the cut. Only then will it evoke the desired impression.
Navy Pinstripe Suit in Loro Piana Wool
The first suit we are presenting is a set tailored from wool and cashmere by the renowned Italian manufacturer, Loro Piana. It features a two-color pinstripe where white takes center stage, while the second color acts as a subtle accent, giving the pattern a three-dimensional effect. Chalk stripes look beautiful on flannel; thanks to the raised texture, they do not contrast as sharply as they would on smooth, glossy fabrics.
The jacket features a double-breasted cut. We opted for wide lapels and two Milanese buttonholes (asola milanese) hand-stitched for a refined finish. The trousers are designed to be worn with braces, featuring a higher rise and a wider waistband. However, the jacket does not have heavily padded shoulders. Elements such as a distinct waist suppression, narrower sleeves, and tapered trouser legs modernize the silhouette. Through this approach, we achieved a suit that meets today’s standards while still referencing the classic powersuit.
It is worth noting the Garza Grossa grenadine tie in a color that complements the pinstripe. This choice makes the second color of the pattern stand out much more effectively in close-ups. Loro Piana has a unique gift for creating fabrics that are simultaneously simple and complex, allowing them to be worn in numerous ways and utilized for various stylings.
Brown Shoes for Work
In the business world, it is sometimes said that the color of your shoes can jeopardize a lucrative contract. When dealing with very conservative clients, this is a factor worth considering. However, a business suit can hold its own even with chocolate-brown shoes, especially today, as dress code rules have significantly relaxed. Since this photo session took place at Lake Como, we allowed ourselves this “extravagance” – but if you are unsure of the day’s agenda, black shoes remain the safer option.
An alternative to brown smooth leather is brown suede, which worked perfectly with our second set. However, suede tassel loafers are considered much less formal, making them suitable only for workplaces where the dress code is more relaxed and allows for greater freedom.
Is a Powersuit Suitable as a Daily Work Suit?
It all depends on personality. To look your best in a pinstripe suit at work, you must feel comfortable in it; authority should be built on the confidence that a bold fabric pattern can reinforce. While a navy suit is the easiest to wear, pinstripes also look fantastic on other colors, ranging from grey to – more daringly – bottle green or even brown. Such garments have a completely different spectrum of use, but with the right temperament, each can work wonders.
Zobacz sesję zdjęciową: brązowy garnitur w prążki.
As mentioned above, while appearance isn’t always the only key element, there is no denying that in certain circles, you simply need to look good. Remember that while some choose to neglect their appearance, that is their loss – one that you can use to effectively build an advantage during various negotiations.
Navy Pinstripe Suit and a Brown Turtleneck
During our trip, we prepared a second session featuring a different pinstripe suit. This time, we utilized a matte, open-weave wool with a brown pattern. We wanted to showcase this garment in a less business-oriented light, replacing the shirt and tie with a cashmere turtleneck.
The jacket cut in this instance is single-breasted, though we maintained the wide peak lapels. It is worth remembering that according to traditional rules, a double-breasted jacket must have peak lapels, whereas a single-breasted one can feature either peak or notch lapels. Peak lapels are considered more formal.
Patch Pockets on a Pinstripe Suit
Both jackets feature patch pockets. This is a detail borrowed from relaxed Italian tailoring, where formal suits have been made with patch pockets for years to break up a “too elegant” image. This element should be approached much like brown shoes – if your workplace allows for a bit of casual flair, this pocket style is ideal.
Should You Tuck a Wool Turtleneck into Trousers?
We encounter this question often, and there is no single answer. It all depends on the turtleneck itself. If it is very long – as many modern turtlenecks are – it is more flattering for the silhouette to tuck it into the trousers to preserve proportions. A shorter turtleneck can be left untucked and still look excellent. Another good method is to fold the hem inward; if the ribbing is strong enough, the turtleneck will stay in place.
We decided to tuck the turtleneck into the trousers because we wanted to showcase the wider waistband and the braces. While wearing braces over a turtleneck requires some maintenance (as the wool may need regular de-pilling), it is a stylish trick that adds unique character to the look.
Bespoke Pinstripe Suits – Poznań and Warsaw
Sometimes, a single glance can decide the outcome of a negotiation. Is it worth leaving that to chance? In our ateliers, we have tailored thousands of business suits. We have extensive experience in selecting the right fabrics and cuts, as well as building complete looks – from shoes and suits to shirts and details like ties and pocket squares. We encourage you to book an appointment at one of our showrooms.
