In the second installment of the "How to Wear a Suit" series, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Category Specialist Kazuki Iwami explains the theme of impression, focusing on the combination of colors and patterns. In reality, in business settings, you're more likely to wear basic colors like navy, gray, and brown than colorful clothes and suits. However, the way you combine colors and patterns can change the impression you give to others and even boost your own motivation, making the way you incorporate colors and patterns very important for a businessman.

Now, Iwami, who also holds a color analyst qualification, will explain the impressions that colors and patterns give, and the key points of business styling for each impression.

For businessmen, the key is to dress in a way that allows them to be seen, rather than just "showing" themselves.

A person wearing a navy suit neatly can give off an impression of calmness and intelligence, while someone wearing a red or orange tie can give off an impression of being cheerful and talkative. Even if the person is wearing the same clothes, the impression they give to others changes depending on the color and pattern.

My job involves assisting customers and introducing them to products, so when I'm working, I wear navy or brown suits that give a calm impression rather than a strong one, hoping to help customers feel at ease and enjoy their shopping experience. For shirts to go with my suits, I mainly choose basic colors like white or light blue, but when I want to make a stronger impression, I incorporate warm colors into my tie to make a stronger appeal.

In terms of suit color, I also make sure to choose my suit based on the customer's age and the occasion. For example, I recommend a formal navy suit when assisting customers who are older than me, a calm gray suit, and a brown suit when I want to add a touch of casualness.

Understanding the impressions that colors convey can help you create effective presentations in business settings.

The theory that colors can change a person's impression originated in the United States about 100 years ago and was introduced to Japan about 30-40 years ago. However, in the last decade or so, the idea that "colors change people's impressions" has been re-evaluated. Here, we will explain the impressions of six representative colors that color analysts use as a basis when diagnosing personal colors.

The impression that a suit pattern gives, and tips for combining it with shirts and ties.

1. Plain

Impression: Formal image. Plain suits are suitable for business settings and ceremonies (weddings, funerals, etc.) and have a strong formal feel. They are easy to match with any shirt, whether plain, striped, or checked, and if the suit is plain, even if the tie has a pattern that matches the shirt, it won't look too busy, so they can be matched with a wide range of styles. Also, even within plain suits, there are different materials such as breathable fresco fabric and flannel, so it is recommended to enjoy styling by incorporating different materials according to the season and occasion.

2. Stripes

Impression: Calm, composed, stylish
Stripes are a masculine and stylish pattern that evokes the image of a British gentleman. "Banker stripes," a dark navy pinstripe pattern favored by those in trustworthy professions such as finance, convey a calm and reliable impression. For shirts, solid colors are recommended; if you choose a pattern, a subtle shadow stripe is best. It's best to avoid prominent stripes and checks. For ties, solid colors, stripes, and checks are acceptable with solid-colored shirts, but if you choose a patterned shirt, a solid-colored tie is the first choice.

3. Check

Impression: Stylish, sophisticated, casual
After mastering solid colors and stripes, checks are a good next step. While checks generally give a more casual impression, patterns like "Glen check" can also create a sophisticated image. However, an all-check suit can look a bit flashy, so only solid-colored shirts are recommended. Striped or checked shirts will give a much heavier impression. For ties, solid colors, stripes, and checks are all fine if your shirt is solid. If you choose a patterned shirt, opt for a solid-colored tie.

Point-by-point explanation! 5 different look styles

1. If you want to create a fresh and clean impression...

For example, what kind of outfit comes to mind when you're going to introduce yourself to a client for the first time? If you want to project a clean and professional image, a "tone-on-tone" combination, layering shades of navy blue, is a safe bet. It creates a neat and tidy overall look, making it a great choice for newcomers.

2. If you want to project an image of reliability and competence...

While a navy suit conveys cleanliness, a gray suit is perfect for projecting the image of a reliable boss. A gray suit, which feels more subdued than navy, pairs best with a white shirt. It's a simple combination, but it creates an outfit that conveys trustworthiness.

3. If you want to give off a passionate and energetic impression...

A solid, dark navy suit provides a sense of composure, while a statement striped shirt and a passionate red tie complete the look. This is a great example of how to convey a strong message that will persuade or convince others; a forceful image is a combination that you should intentionally master.

4. If you want to project an impression of calmness and dignity...

Brown is a color that becomes more familiar with age, and incorporating brown into your suit gives you an impression of gravitas. Pairing a white shirt with a khaki tie, which goes well with brown, creates an overall sophisticated look. Conversely, if you want to give off a youthful impression with a brown suit, try pairing it with a chambray shirt and an orange tie to create a trendy look that's a complete departure from sophistication.

5. If you want to create a stylish impression that reflects your individuality...

A coordinated outfit featuring bold patterns is a sophisticated, layered style best suited for fashion-forward individuals. Tips for avoiding pattern-on-pattern mismatches include avoiding stripes with stripes, choosing similar-colored checks (such as gray with gray), and skillfully layering subtle patterns. This is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

[Related Articles]
・Explained by a pro! How to wear a suit [Basic Edition] | The key is fitting the "vertical and horizontal dimensions"
Men's Attendant can help you with your fashion concerns and gift selection.