Odd jacket and trousers
Odd jacket and trousers
A high-quality men's suit is a 'must have' in a man's wardrobe. It may seem that it's better to avoid black, but stylists convince that this colour is far more universal than navy blue or grey suits. Maybe it really is easier to create an interesting suit in those colours, but the use still stays quite narrow.
A suit for every day is useful to people working in a corporation, on manager positions or professionals working in banks and finance. It's required everywhere, where a strict dress code applies.
While thinking about the above, a question arises – how to dress up every day and not loose elegance and a stylish look? Instead of a suit, in all more or less formal outfits, you can choose an odd set, which may take different forms. The classic one usually consists of three elements: a blazer, trousers and a long sleeve shirt.
Colourful chino trousers and suit trousers for every day
If it comes to trousers in such sets, the best option is to choose chino trousers. They look decent, provide comfort and are made from cotton. Moreover, you can pick a model with a crease. Chino trousers, next to classic suit trousers are a symbol of elegance.
The most popular odd sets are based on chino trousers in neutral colours, like navy blue, brown, beige and the shades of grey. It doesn't mean that other colours are forbidden. Especially claret, green, khaki, white, yellow or even orange are worth being taken into consideration.
Just like in suit trousers, it's best keeping to the golden rule saying that men's trousers can not be too long and the trouser leg can not uncontrollably fold. Another alternative is choosing plain and patternless men's trousers. Remember that check and stripes significantly narrow the blazer selection to the set.
Men's blazers in odd sets
It's obviously a good thing to keep a few blazers in the wardobe. Grey and navy blue models are the 'must have'. They work great together with jeans or chino trousers in various colours. If the suit jacket is not too formal, you can easily use it in an odd set. Elegant suit jackets with narrow lapels and made from glossy fabrics rather won't work. Double-breasted blazers or the models with open lapels are a nice base for completing an original set.
Don't forget about paying attention to informal details. Men's blazers with contrasting narrow patched pockets and lapels work perfectly in odd sets. Regardless of the level of formality, the perfect men's blazer should be well-fitted. It can't fold on the back or have too short sleeves. It also has to be perfectly-fitted in the shoulders.
Men's blazer and chino trousers – best sets
When you match a blazer with trousers, you have to be aware of the fact that the odd set needs to be contrasted. There is a rule that, the bigger contrast, the better effect. It doesn't have to be limited to the colours, you can also contrast fabrics (plait and thickness).
The proven set is a navy blue blazer matched with grey or beige trousers. You can feel free to choose more expressive colours, like claret, yellow or khaki. In summer, the greatest match is white chino trousers + a pastel men's blazer, e.g. sky blue.
Another fine proposition is a thick checked blazer. The trousers colour can correspond either to the main blazer colour, or to the colour of the check.
Not only long sleeve
Gentlemen claim that only long sleeve shirts with a tie are applicable in odd sets. In less formal outfits, you can choose trendy men's casual, plain, striped or checked shirts. When it comes to collars, it's best to go for a cutaway, classic or a button down one. The colour selection depends on the remaining elements of the styling. A long sleeve shirt in an odd set can be white, sky blue, in a Vichy check, but in some compositions you can use a red, green or even navy blue and black one that together with a lighter blazer provide a slendering effect.
In order to make odd sets less formal, you can replace a classic shirt with a denim one, a jumper, a polo shirt or a T-shirt. In this case you have to place a bet on neutral colours and choose plain, patternless cuts without prints. Especially V-neck T-shirts and jumpers are worth considering.
Belts, moccasins and suspenders – proper accessories for odd sets
Among odd set accessories, leather belts and trendy patterned pocket squares in the breast pocket are nicely welcome, as well as moccasins or ankle boots instead of typical low shoes. In the least formal sets you can even go for white plain plimsolls. Also, a very original option can be wearing suspenders. Your elegant briefcase may be replaced by a stylish backpack with leather inserts or a men's bag.
