6 Modern Suit Trends That Can Make You Look Cool Without Spending Too Much

Buying a suit is kind of like getting life insurance—it might feel like a big investment upfront, but in the long run, it’s totally worth it. Think about it: a well-fitted suit can save you in almost any fashion emergency, whether it’s a last-minute wedding invite, a big job interview, or a fancy night out. In a way, it is a form of life insurance—at least for your style!

Get ready for a game-changing read! We’ve gathered some top-notch advice from fashion experts to help you master the art of looking effortlessly cool in a suit. Whether you’re dressing for a big event or just want to keep your style sharp and modern, we’ve got you covered.

Roll with it.

If you’re looking to sharpen up your wardrobe for those unpredictable autumn months, layering is your best friend. Try wearing a lightweight roll neck under your suit jacket—it’s a simple yet stylish way to stay polished while adapting to the changing temperatures.

Go for temperature-regulating fabrics like merino wool in a subtle shade that complements your suit. It’ll keep you comfortable without overheating, and trust us, you won’t need a waistcoat—less is more when it comes to effortless autumn style!

Add some layering to your sporty look, too.

At first glance, mixing sportswear with tailoring might seem as mismatched as Danny Dyer at the Henley Regatta. But thanks to trendsetters like Burberry and Prada, this unlikely pairing has blossomed into a full-blown love affair—think Romeo and Juliet, but with fewer family feuds and more street-style cred.

That said, just like any great romance, things can go south fast if you don’t play by the rules. Get it right, and you’ll nail that effortless blend of sharp and casual. Get it wrong, and, well… let’s just say Shakespeare knew a thing or two about fashion tragedies too.

The key to pulling off this look? Mastering the art of layering. Try slipping a well-fitted track jacket—ideally from a brand that won’t have you mistaken for a football hooligan—under your blazer for a fresh, modern spin on autumn workwear. It’s a smart yet laid-back way to stay warm and stylish as the temperatures drop.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Swap the track jacket for a plain sweatshirt or a sleek zip-neck sweater. And we do mean plain—no flashy logos or bold graphics. As cool as your new Fila sweat might be, it won’t do your sharp Savile Row tailoring any favors. Keep it clean, keep it classic, and you’ll ace the sporty-meets-sophisticated look.

T-Shirt and Suit, a perfect combo if worn wisely.

Once the go-to look for spice boys tearing up every dodgy provincial nightclub, the suit-and-T-shirt combo has made a serious comeback. It’s now a legit menswear move—when done right. But tread carefully, because one wrong step, and you’re rocking a deep V-neck and boxy pinstripes like it’s 2007 all over again.

The golden rule? Keep it classic. A simple crew neck in a solid color that complements your suit is your best bet—think crisp white with navy, soft gray with black, and so on. Fit is everything here. Even if your suit is tailored to perfection, a baggy T-shirt will add bulk where you don’t want it, throwing off that all-important silhouette.

Moral of the story? Keep it sleek, keep it fitted, and for the love of style—no deep Vs.

Pairing your suit with the right boots can take your look from meh to effortlessly cool in no time.

Let’s get one thing straight—a suit with boots isn’t just for indie rock frontmen. In fact, it’s a style move that dates back to a much cooler era of rock ‘n’ roll fashion.

Tap into your inner mod—the undisputed king of cool in 1963—by pairing a slim-cut suit with classic Chelsea boots. Sleek, stylish, and effortlessly sharp, they’re the perfect match, especially when teamed with a roll neck, skinny tie, or other retro-inspired pieces. It’s a look that’s stood the test of time for a reason—because it just works.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, take your style even further back with a pair of Victorian-style lace-up boots. These timeless boots are perfect for grounding classic tailoring with a sharp, refined edge.

They add an old-school sophistication that’s perfect for elevating your suit, giving it a touch of vintage flair that stands out in all the right ways. Whether you're going for a more formal vibe or just want to make a unique statement, these boots are a game-changer.

Black-on-black-on-black, wear it with chic.

Despite the fact that all-black looks just won’t quit, a black shirt or tee paired with a black suit still makes some guys hesitate—mostly out of fear of looking like they’re about to make a shady deal in a mob movie.

But we're here to set the record straight and fully support this bold combo. Trust us, when done right, an all-black suit-and-tee look is sleek, sophisticated, and totally cool.

The key here (aside from making sure the fit is on point) is matching your layers exactly. If your tee or shirt is even slightly a different shade of black than your suit, it’ll create a noticeable contrast, and suddenly, your outfit looks faded or mismatched.

Stick to the same shade, and you’ll have a sharp, head-to-toe look that oozes effortless style.

A check suit has the ability to turbo-charge your formal wardrobe.

A check suit can totally elevate your formal wardrobe, giving it that extra edge (and seriously, who wouldn’t want that?). But here’s the catch—while patterned suits are bold and attention-grabbing, they can also be tricky to pull off without looking like you’ve stepped out of a ’90s sitcom.

Getting it right requires balance. You want the check to be striking but not overwhelming, and you’ll need to be careful with the rest of your outfit to make sure the suit remains the star of the show. When done right, though, a check suit is a game-changer, injecting a fresh vibe into your usual formal looks.

If you’re not quite ready to dive into bold patterns, don’t worry—there are plenty of subtle checks out there that will keep you looking sharp without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to rock those noticeable squares, the trick is to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

Swap out the usual shirt and tie for something more laid-back—like a neutral crew neck T-shirt or a Henley top. This gives your check suit a more relaxed, minimal vibe, making it perfect for occasions like weddings that don’t have a strict dress code. The key is letting the suit do all the talking while keeping everything else chill.

And here are 10 styling tips to boost your gentlemanly charm.