Written By
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
A gray suit is a power suit that wields its influence with subtlety.
“I had noticed men were much more confident in their clothes. So I sought through trouser suits, trench coats, tuxedos, and pea coats to give women the same confidence.” — Yves Saint Laurent
Without using the term “power suit,” Saint Laurent identified the essence of the power suit as a garment that both creates and exudes confidence in and from the wearer. And while the term likely brings to mind a traditional combination of a navy suit, crisp white shirt and bright red tie, there’s much more to the power suit than any single color combination, fabric or cut.
Today I want to share how the underrated gray suit deserves a prominent place in the power suit conversation. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Power Suit?
For better or worse, one’s appearance typically delivers the first impression. Because of this, the power suit is the go-to uniform for many of life’s biggest professional moments. When one wants to both feel and express confidence, capability and control, there’s nothing better than a power suit.
As with everything, the proper power suit starts with the perfect fit. Suits traditionally emanate a sense of strength through their cut, but an ill-fitting suit undermines this message. In other words, it doesn’t matter how well you may have nailed the power suit “formula” if your clothing doesn’t fit well.
The power suit is not defined by a particular color, but it must not venture beyond traditional, conservative colors. The power suit is not intended to convey individuality, creativity or fun and this sense of familiarity and tradition helps frame and compliment, rather than distract from, the wearer.
Solid, not overly intricate patterns are typically worn with the suit, shirt, tie and socks, but simple, traditional patterns such as the pinstripe suit or striped tie are power suit staples.
How Can A Gray Suit Be A Power Suit?
The Bottom Line
We need not think of gray suits as forgettable, drab, or boring. Instead, when worn with confidence as part of a well-considered wardrobe in the right setting, it can convey subtle, nuanced power in a way you may not have thought possible.
The gray power suit need not replace the navy blue power suit. I do, however, hope that you will consider adding it to the rotation for the right occasions. After all, it’s these slightest nuances and attention to detail that make men’s style so fun and interesting.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
