You Don't Have To Start With a Navy Suit, But It's Easier To

Every great wardrobe needs a solid foundation, but how should it look like?

Author: Mateusz Tryjanowski

The internet is full of tips, guides and Top 5s that keep on saying you need to start your suit collection buying navy one first. You own it? Great, now it is time to buy a grey one! Then charcoal, next navy with patch pockets or peak lapels, maybe double-breasted - but be careful, only one variation at a time! Oh, your wardrobe already consists of eight boring suits but lacks any useful sportcoat? Definitely start with a navy blazer. Or maybe three, each different in style and fabric. Preferably get one for every season, in every shade of navy…

No, it does not have to look like that. Obviously, these guidances might be useful, they are not downright wrong - but they work under certain conditions. First, it is a good piece of advice if you work in a professional environment with a strict business formal dress code, what is becoming less and less common these days (think Goldman Sachs). Second, you have to be in dire need of them.

The thing we are trying to say is that if you already have your own idea how the perfect wardrobe should look like, go for it - and just politely ignore those who try to tell you that you are wrong. You are the one who knows best what clothes suit your personality and lifestyle.

But in every other case, if you are feelinq unsecured and do not know what to get first, which purchases are wise and which are not, what can be a true investment piece and what is just an impulsive buy - maybe it’s good to listen to words of wisdom from those who know a thing or two about menswear. You should not regret it - usually the most recommended pieces are those which can be dressed in many different ways.

Let’s take the navy suit as an example. Although it does not sound even as half exciting as a, let’s say gun club tweed three-piece does, it is in fact far superior to it. Why? You can wear it for three days in a row not being accused of owning the only suit. You can swap only shirt and tie in between looks and seem completely different every time. You can wear it in the morning, in the lunchtime, in the evening and until late at night. You can wear it to a black tie optional event and look at least passable. You can be any age, have any complexion or body shape and a good navy suit will still compliment you well.

Now the classic seems like a pretty reasonable choice, doesn’t it?