6 Ways To Wear a Houndstooth Suit

With any suit you buy (or have made), you’ll want to get the most out of it you possibly can. Earlier this year, I had a new houndstooth suit made and have been exploring various ways to style it. Here are six ways to wear a houndstooth suit.

1. Three-Piece: Seasonally Dapper

| WEARING | QG Custom suit, Al Bazar shirt, Gitman Bros. tie, Briefcase c/o Maxwell Scott, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Tateossian and Cantini MC Firenze bracelets, Shoes c/o Johnston & Murphy

There is never a bad time to wear a three-piece suit, but if you’re going to do it choose a seasonal fabric to show some serious style chops. A rich wool is perfect for the fall and winter months. A remember that a three-piece suit doesn’t necessarily need to be so formal. It’s easy to dress it down if you follow some of these tips.

2. Pants Separate: Power Moves

| WEARING | Daniele Alessandrini coat, Al Bazar blazer and shirt, QG Custom pants, Brooks Brothers tie, Beams Plus scarf, Rolex watch, Tateossian and Cantini MC Firenze bracelets, Shoes c/o Coach

Styling patterned pants can be a risky proposition. But as we’ve learned, the smaller the pattern, the easier it becomes. Nevertheless, a pair houndstooth pants is a bold sartorial move so why not play it up with a little Italian flair? Double-breasted blazer. Spread collar shirt. A pair of double monks. And topped off with a silk scarf. Ciao!

3. Two-Piece: Classic Business

| WEARING | QG Custom suit, Michael Andrews Bespoke shirt, Saks Fifth Avenue tie, Vintage silk scarf, Briefcase c/o Korchmar, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Shoes c/o Paul Evans

Your go-to combination. Easy to style. Super versatile. Looks good any day at the office. Brown and burgundy were meant for each other. Coordinate – don’t match, please! – your accessories with your shoes for a look that’s polished and put together.

GO DEEPER: and learn the history of houndstooth.

4. Waistcoat Separate: Mixed Three-Piece Suit

| WEARING | J.Crew blazer, QG Custom waistcoat, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece shirt, Vintage Yves Saint Laurent pants, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Tateossian and Cantini MC Firenze bracelets, Boots c/o Jack Erwin

I’ve said it time and time again, but it’s so important that it’s worth repeating: a waistcoat is the most versatile part of any suit. And if versatility is a key concern for you – as it should be – it’s always worth the extra expense you’ll incur by upgrading from a two- to three-piece suit.

It’s an easy way to upgrade any outfit with jeans and can really shine as part of a “mixed three-piece suit,” especially in an classic and elegant pattern.

5. Jacket Separate: Business Casual

| WEARING | QG Custom blazer, Michael Andrews Bespoke shirt, PT01 pants, Brooks Brothers tie, Drake’s pocket square, Tateossian, Cantini MC Firenze and vintage bracelets, Watch c/o Uniform Wares, Suitsupply shoes

When buying a suit with the hope of being able to wear each piece as a separate, the jacket is the one piece you’ll definitely want to be able to style alone. Especially if you’re going custom, be sure to consider things like lapels and pockets.

You can never go wrong with notch lapels, but a peak lapel adds a level of style sophistication. Patch pockets are a great way to ensure you’re able to style the jacket even more casual situations.

6. Waistcoat and Pants: Unexpected Elegance

Duffle coat c/o Tommy Hilfiger, QG Custom waistcoat and pants, Turtleneck c/o Ted Baker, Tateossian and Cantini MC Firenze bracelets, Boots c/o Tawny Goods

Underrated and underutilized, the waistcoat and trouser combo is on of the hidden gems of styling suit separates. There is an ease and elegance about it that is unmatched. Keep it even more unexpected by styling a turtleneck underneath the waistcoat instead of the predictable shirt and tie.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.