We talk about suits a lot here at EDGAR, mainly about how they must be fitted, paired with some good shoes and be accessorised by a pocket square.

But just because a suit is considered formal dress, you’d be foolish to reserve it only for weddings and big days in the office.

The key to dressing down a suit is to remember that it is two separate pieces. If it fits perfectly – and it should – then you can match either the top or the bottom with other items.

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Relax

Pairing a jacket with more relaxed clothing is a great place to start. Swapping out a tie for a neutral, slim-fit cardigan or opting for a more adventurous shirt pattern or texture are simple ways to dress down without looking sloppy.

Failing that, a simple basic T-shirt in a block neutral colour will rarely let you down.

Shoes

As any gentleman knows, footwear can make or break an outfit. To dress down, give your cobbled John Loebs a break and pull on something more casual.

A pair of Chelsea boots or a high-end set of sneakers is our recommendation. The range of trainers are so vast these days, that you’ll be able to find something that works.

Break it down

The rule of thumb is to deconstruct the look. Your suit will make you look sharp, so you don’t need to add all the trimmings. Lose the pocket square and even the belt – or if you need a belt, opt for a coloured one made from a quirky fabric.

If you’re ever in doubt, you can’t go wrong copying some of these dress down looks from David Gandy…

Image credit: davidjamesgandy.com