SUSPENDED SUBSTANCE. A mid-century fashion essential with a new lease on life, suspenders can still add a preppy note to any outfit and are one of this spring’s must-haves
DOS
- Get Creative with prints and Patterns
Printed suspenders can work with the combination of one or two-toned shirts. For a more playful look, wear them over a printed shirt. - Pick the Right Type of Suspenders
Remember to choose the right kind of suspenders to get the right look. Wear skinnier suspenders with skinny jeans to get the all-new mod look, or go for pinstripes for a solid power-suit look. - Keep an Eye on What Lies Underneath
Always pay attention on your suspenders, even while they’re hiding behind your blazer.
DON’TS
- Treat Them Like just Another Vintage Accessory
Although suspenders have been around since the mid-20th century, they still work quite well with modern styling options. The key lies in understanding both the functional and the aesthetic purposes of this accessory. - Avoid Bold Colors
Color blocking can often hit the right chords. For example: red suspenders on a blue shirt or a blue sweatshirt. - Throw on Oversized Waistband Suspenders
Wearing oversized waistband suspenders just to hold up your pants might end up distorting your body proportion.
BRACES
Thinner clip-ons can channel a punk-rock sense, while wider styles convey a preppier vibe. Printed suspenders, such as pinstripes, can be topped off with a blue dress-shirt and cufflinks.
Brooks Brothers, Hackett London
ENSEMBLE EMPOWERMENT
Suspenders by Thomas Pink, shirt, trousers, blazer and bow tie by Ben Sherman, shoes by Tod’s
This one is a flavorful mix of dandy touches and the power-suit look. Wear your favorite suspenders with a bow tie, a button-down shirt, a neo-preppy suit and dressy shoes. Cuffed trousers can also work quite well for this kind of styling.
TODAY’S FASHIONISTO
Suspenders by Thomas Pink, sweater by Dries Van Noten – The Papilion Duo, denim trousers by Ted Baker, shoes by Tod’s
Wear the right suspenders with washed denim pants, a sweatshirt and up-to-date moccasins to get a contemporary stylish look. Or, let the straps hang on the waistband for a more effortless appearance.
STYLISH PUNK
Suspenders by Thomas Pink, shirt by Armani Exchange, trousers by Ben Sherman, sunglasses by Tom Ford – Optik Seis, shoes by Tod’s
With a healthy dose of punk-rock references, these suspenders work well paired with a checkered shirt, skinny jeans and wayfarer sunglasses. Better yet, pick skinny suspenders and add in a pair of boots or Docmarts.
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