You may be of the conviction that the tan suit belongs strictly to the summer. However, it is suitable for more than just one season.
Although it is often considered a seasonal color, the tan suit has a place within your wardrobe throughout the year. The tan suit has appeared on multiple occasions in the James Bond saga and often represents some of the best looks a man can sport. The options with this color are endless. From Roger Moore sporting his tan gabardine suit with a white shirt to Daniel Craig putting a modern twist on it with the ever-so-useful denim shirt, the tan-colored suit offers versatility that you might not get with the classic blues and greys. For instance, cotton and linen are much more fun types of fabric in a color like this.
Now, let’s take a further look at the tan suit.
Make it Simple
The tan suit will accompany you in most situations and give you compliments along the way. Many might say it’s a summer suit or only suitable for formal events, such as weddings. The fact is that it offers a lot more versatility than this.
The way you style it can heavily affect this perception. Tone it down with a denim shirt, preferably dark blue denim for a higher contrast, or even darker shirts depending on your hair color and how much contrast you have yourself. For a more casual look, you can pair it with loafers or even clean white sneakers.
That being said, the easiest, classiest, and always dependable option should be the plain white shirt. It could also be off-white. This gives you a clean, very pleasing aesthetic look.
This outfit can be worn in most cases, perhaps except for very formal and strict firms with dress codes on this matter. For a business-casual setting, pair the tan suit with a light blue shirt and brown brogues. For a weekend brunch, switch the dress shirt for a polo shirt and add a pair dressy sneakers.
The Stylish Jacket
The tan-coloured sports jacket gives you the perfect amount of attention without being too overpowering or too much of a showstopper. Its versatile colour complements many outfits, making it a must-have in any wardrobe. Depending on your complexion, you can use a shirt or some knitwear to either match your hair colour or create a stronger contrast with the jacket’s colour.
Pair it with a crisp white shirt for a classic, clean look, or opt for a black knit sweater to add depth and dimension to your ensemble. For a more casual appearance, a coloured linen shirt works wonders. The beauty of a tan sports jacket lies in its ability to adapt to both formal and casual settings, ensuring you look put-together no matter the occasion.
How formal is a tan suit?
Split opinions on use
Some people believe that a tan suit is only appropriate for informal summer parties. Others feel its area of use far exceeds that of casual leisure. The topic actually became grounds for criticism against Obama in 2014, when he wore one to a press conference and was subsequently blasted by oppositional media outlets.
They claimed his attire didn’t match the severity of the matter discussed (ISIS and terrorism in Syria). Others thought the criticism was either unfair or blown out of proportion. Whether or not the sartiorial criticism levied against him was fair, two things can be true at the same time;
1. When the colors compliment your pallette, most well-fitting suits will look alright (being Obama can’t hurt either).
2. If you’re unsure of what’s appropriate for any given situation (say job interview or wedding) dressing a little on the darker and formal side is considered the safer bet.
That being said, bright colours like those of beige, taupe and tan trousers are some of the most versatile trousers one can have, so splitting the suit up into separate outfits is also an option (as seen on the right).
In Conclusion
The tan suit jacket, often relegated to summer wardrobes, is so because a low-contrast complexion can appear somewhat washed it on its backdrop. This means that fair-skinned blondes should have some level of tan or lively tones going if they want to get the most out of it. This flexibility extends beyond formal events; the tan suit can transition effortlessly from business-casual settings to weekend brunches, depending on the styling.
The 2014 controversy underscores the subjective nature of what constitutes the proper proper time and place for donning a tan suit. Despite some viewing it as informal and bound to the constraints of summer, the tan suit’s potential to blend into diverse contexts and climates demonstrates its underrated versatility. Whether paired with a crisp white shirt for a classic look or dressed down with loafers for a casual outing, the tan suit offers a sophisticated, adaptable option. Its ability to split into separates further enhances its functionality, making it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.
After all, as long as you don’t have a low-contrast palette, the beige and tan colorways can suit you all the way to the doorsteps of winter, both showcasing your proficiency and confidence in style and proving that it is more than just a seasonal piece.
Questions about Mens Tan Suit
Is a tan suit considered formal?
Tan and bright colours are typically considered less formal than their darker counterparts. However, they can still be considered appropriate and formal on the right occations and with the right styling. Especially summer weddings are known as excellent canvasses for the beige, tan and taupe color-palette.
When can I use a tan suit?
A tan suit is highly versatile and can be worn in multiple settings beyond just weddings. It is suitable for summer weddings, beach weddings, and casual or rustic outdoor events. Additionally, it can be worn in business-casual settings and more relaxed social gatherings. The styling can be adapted to fit the formality of the occasion, making it a near year-round wardrobe staple.
What shoes to wear with a tan suit for men?
Brown shoes are the most typical choice to pair with a tan suit, as they complement the earthy tones and add warmth to the outfit. For a more casual look, loafers or clean white sneakers can be appropriate. The shoes are generally darker than the suit, to maintain a balanced look, but as with most rules, exceptions exist.