A drop in temperature means it’s time for a Washington, D.C. professional wardrobe update. It’s time to trade linen for wool. Light summer hues are replaced with bold jewel tones and rich neutrals. Every year brings unique styles that incorporate timeless aesthetics. We explore various ways to embrace trends in our seasonal attire while maintaining a classic appeal. A combination of fashion and practicality is essential for the consummate professional.

Suits

Suits ensure a professional appearance (especially custom suits). Once fall comes around, we breathe a sigh of relief and say goodbye to the struggle of staying cool wearing suits in hot weather. A suit is always a safe bet in the office, but the right fit is essential. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Jacket Fit

• Length: Suit jackets can be any length but avoid jackets that end at the widest part of the body, such as the stomach, hips, or bust.

• Sleeve Length: Jacket sleeves should end at the wristbone to expose the shirt sleeve.

• Silhouette: Some like them skin tight, some like them relaxed, but no matter your preference, having a jacket that complements your body’s natural shape is essential.

A suit jacket should fit like a second skin, harmonizing with the natural lines of your body. Key areas to focus on include the shoulders, which should lie flat and align perfectly with your own, the chest area, which should allow for comfortable movement without gaping or pulling, and sleeves that end just above the base of your thumb for an ideal length. While off-the-rack suits provide a convenient starting point, tailoring is essential to achieve a truly personalized fit. A skilled tailor can adjust these critical areas, ensuring the jacket complements your unique physique. Additionally, opting for a custom suit jacket offers the ultimate fit, crafted to your exact measurements and style preferences, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking perfection in their wardrobe.

Pants

• Straight or Slim Cut: Slim or straight cut pants should fall to the top of the shoe heel providing a crease at the front of the trouser.

• Straight-Legged: Straight-legged pants can be a bit longer, covering the heel of the shoe and providing a more prominent crease.

• Wide-Legged or Boot Cut: These pants styles should fall a 1/2 to 1/4 inch from the floor depending on shoe heel height.

Suit pants should fit seamlessly, accentuating your silhouette while providing maximum comfort and mobility. Key areas to focus on include the waist, which should sit snugly without causing discomfort or requiring a belt to hold the pants up, the seat, which should contour naturally without pulling or sagging, and the length, which should allow the pants to break slightly at the shoes. Off-the-rack suit pants offer a good foundation, but just as with the suit jacket, tailoring is crucial to refine these areas for a more flattering fit. A skilled tailor can adjust the waistline, seat, and hem to suit your body shape, ensuring the pants drape elegantly. For those seeking impeccable fit and style, custom suit pants are an ideal choice, designed precisely to your measurements and preferences.

Skirts

• Pencil Skirts: A pencil skirt should fit snugly at the waist and hips, hugging the wearer’s curves to accentuate the figure and create a sleek silhouette. The ideal length usually falls at or just below the knee

• A-Line Skirts: An A-line skirt should fit comfortably at the waist, offering a secure yet non-restrictive feel. The skirt should gently flare out from the waist, creating a balanced and flattering silhouette that suits a variety of body types. This graceful flare allows for ease of movement while maintaining a stylish appearance.

• Full-Length Skirts: A full-length skirt should fit comfortably at the waist, offering a secure yet relaxed feel that allows for ease of movement. The skirt should drape elegantly to the floor, creating a flowing and graceful appearance that enhances the wearer's silhouette.

Skirts should fit gracefully, enhancing the body's natural curves while ensuring comfort and ease of movement. For pencil skirts, the focus is on a snug fit at the waist and hips, accentuating the figure, with a length that ideally falls at or just below the knee for a sophisticated look. A-line skirts, on the other hand, should fit comfortably at the waist while flaring out gently to create a balanced silhouette, offering a versatile style that flatters various body types. Off-the-rack skirts provide a convenient option, yet tailoring is essential to achieve a flawless fit. A skilled tailor can adjust the waist, refine the hip contour, and alter the length to suit your unique shape. For those aiming for perfection, custom skirts offer the ultimate in personalized style, tailored precisely to your measurements and design preferences

Materials and Colors

Fall means switching up materials and colors. It is a transitional season so you may still wear your summer wardrobe on certain days. However, the overall trend will move towards darker colors and warmer fabrics.

Popular fall materials include the following:

• Wool: Wool is known for its warmth and durability. Worsted wool offers a consistent refined appearance. Merino wool is a soft, luxurious option.

• Cashmere: Cashmere is sourced from the Cashmere goat which boasts a velvety underbelly. Nothing tops cashmere’s elegance.

• Tweed: Tweed is a popular cold-weather material that withstands harsh conditions and offers moisture resistance. A herringbone tweed suit is the epitome of fashion.

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous with colors. In the fall, many retreat to dark neutrals like gray, black, and navy blue. These are safe choices and recommended wardrobe staples, but emerald greens, eggplant purples, and royal blues can brighten the office mood on a dreary fall day. You can also branch out with interesting patterns like plaids and pinstripes.

Tips for Accessorizing

Once you have the suit down, it’s time to bring the look together with the perfect shirt, tie, and shoes.

The Shirt

Shirts generally feature a lighter color than suits. However, you can also work on a monochromatic look by matching a black suit with a black shirt or a navy suit with a navy shirt. A lighter tie will break up the color block appearance.

Collared shirts are classic and there are several styles to choose from. Spread collars provide a formal appearance, while point and sports collars are more casual. You may also wear a tee shirt, jersey, or even a sweater under a suit for casual business meetings.

The Tie

Your tie brings your look together. It typically matches the suit. For example, you may wear a navy blue suit with a matching tie and a light blue shirt. You can also wear a print tie with navy in it.

Ties with bold patterns are trending, so consider integrating them into your fall looks. Neckties are a classic, but bow ties are the height of vintage fashion.

The Shoes

Fall is a time to invest in a good pair of dress shoes. Shoes don’t have to be an exact match for your suit. You can bring in different colors to add interest. If the shoes are a neutral color, they will go well with almost anything.

You may opt for a dress boot if your feet get cold when temperatures drop. Boots are a good option for both men and women as they are comfortable and support an upscale appearance. Consider weather-proofing your shoes to prepare for storms.

FAQs

What are the four types of dress code for the workplace?

Dress codes are typically categorized as business professional, business casual, smart casual, or casual. Your employer may tell you which code applies in your office. If not, you can ask them. Research to ensure you are appropriately dressed to start a new job.

What is not appropriate for work?

Avoid anything revealing, see-through, or too tight. Your clothes should be neat, clean, and suited to your professional image.

How to look more presentable at work?

Ensure you look professional by following proper grooming techniques. Iron your clothes and lay them out the night before. Be especially mindful of your appearance on client-facing days.

Capitol Hill Clothiers Will Help You Prepare Your Washington, D.C. Professional Fall Wardrobe

Style choices are subjective, but you can’t go wrong with a well-fitted suit. Capitol Hill Clothiers will help you get the best custom suits for your Washington, D.C. professional wardrobe. Book a consultation. We will help you find the styles and fabrics that fit your occasion and lifestyle.