What to Wear Instead of a Blazer? When you think of a suit, a fitted blazer typically is the first thing you think of. Blazers offer a formal, elegant style when paired with matching suit pants. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed alternative, there are several options you should consider: Sports Jackets: With a similar look to a suit blazer, sports jackets offer a more relaxed style, perfect for a business or smart casual look. Featuring a less rigid design, sports jackets come in a huge variety of colours, designs and styles to suit your look. They look great when paired with chinos, trousers or dark wash jeans. Casual Jackets: Great for layering, a casual jacket is a comfortable alternative to a suit blazer. They can be easily worn with just a shirt, or if it’s cool outside, worn over a sweater. That being said, certain jacket styles are more formal than others, so be sure to choose the right jacket for the occasion. Knitwear: Knits are a key piece in our Autumn and winter wardrobe. Crew neck sweaters, half-zip knits and V-neck jumpers are all excellent alternatives to a suit blazer. Their formal style pairs well with a long-sleeve shirt and chinos. If it is colder outside, they can also be layered under a sports or casual jacket. Vests: Great for the trans-seasonal months of Autumn and Spring, a vest is a comfortable option that pairs neatly with a long sleeve shirt. It's sleeveless design will keep your chest warm while providing convenient airflow to your arms. When the temperature drops, pair the vest with a sports jacket for a sophisticated yet relaxed look. What to Wear Instead of a Formal Shirt? A formal shirt is a must for any suit. However, if you are creating a smart casual or business casual-look, you may choose a more relaxed alternative. Here are a few of our favourite formal shirt alternatives: Linen Shirts: Perfect for summer, a linen shirt will help you stay cool while looking great. Compared to a formal shirt, a linen shirt offers a more relaxed style which can be worn tucked in or out based on your desired look. These are perfect for formal outdoor occasions in the warmer months when it’s too warm for a formal shirt and suit. Printed Shirts A printed shirt is a fun way to show off your personality. Subtle printed designs are a great alternative to a formal shirt, while bigger and bolder designs are seen as more casual. Pair your printed shirt with a complementary sports jacket and chinos for a fun and neat look. Oxford Shirts: Made from a slighter thicker fabric compared to a formal shirt an Oxford shirt is a popular smart casual option. They are often found in checks, stripes and in a large variety of colours to complement your look. Pair your Oxford shirt with chinos and a sports jacket for a smart outfit. Cotton Shirts: Comfortable cotton shirts make for a great alternative for those less formal occasions. They feature a huge range of designs, from classic one-colour designs to on-trend printed styles. Pair with shorts, chinos or jeans for a comfortable look. What to Wear Instead of Suit Trousers? Business pants are often complimentary to the blazer, however with their formal design they may not always be appropriate for a smart casual look. There is a range of different options for when you have a more relaxed dress code: Chinos: The chino blends a comfortable fit with a smart cut. They can be easily worn with a range of tops, from knitwear to shirts, while their smart casual style makes them our top alternative to suit pants- perfect to pair with a sports jacket. Darker colours such as black, grey and navy are seen as more formal, while lighter colours including sand, white and tan are more casual. Linen, Twill & Club Shorts: When it’s too warm to wear pants, more formal styles of shorts can also be worn. Crafted from similar materials to our chinos and stretch pants, our twill and club styles of shorts work nicely with a linen shirt or short sleeve shirt depending on the occasion. Likewise, our linen shorts offer warm-weather comfort and a good alternative to suit trousers. Finish your look with boat shoes to help elevate your look. Stretch Pants: Our stretch pants are made from elasticised cotton for superb comfort. They are similar in appearance to suit pants, however, their less rigid design makes them perfect for everyday wear when paired with a sports jacket or knit. When Can I Wear an Alternative Outfit to a Suit? From weddings to business meetings, there are a huge variety of occasions where you can wear an alternative to a suit. However, always consider the dress code when you’re deciding whether to wear a suit or not. If the event specifically mentions that a suit must be worn, then follow the predetermined dress code. However, if the event suggests a smart casual, business casual or informal dress code, then you wear one of our suggested suit alternatives. If you’re unsure on whether you have to wear a suit or not, it’s best to contact the event organiser before deciding on your outfit. Some events that might not require you to wear a suit for: Weddings: Weddings held in more casual settings such as in a garden, beach or winery allow for a less formal dress code. Casual Friday: Leave the suit at home and opt for a neat sports jacket, shirt and chino outfit instead. Smart casual occasions: Gatherings with friends, lunch with family or dinner at a restauran. Job interviews: While this largely depends on the business, you may not be required to wear a suit. Do your research before committing to your job interview outfit—a start-up tech business is less likely to need a suit compared to an inner-city law firm. While a collection of suits is still a must-have in any man’s wardrobe, it’s also important to have a range of suit alternatives for occasions that don’t require formal attire. Shop our full range of men’s sports jackets at GAZMAN now.