The majority of gentlemen consider the separates to be an advanced fashion choice, relegated to the street-style elite and Pitti peacocks. Yet, we'll let you in on a little secret: it's not quite as difficult as they'd have you believe. The key is in knowing when to wear them and which color combinations work well and which do not. After you've determined this, your outfit selections will significantly expand. So allow us to educate you on the essentials.

What Are Individuals?

Separates are tailoring pieces, such as blazers and trousers, that do not originate from the same suit. Combining colors is a more relaxed alternative to wearing a two-piece suit without veering into a sports jacket and jeans zone.

Yet, it can be rather more complicated than that. For instance, trousers are not always required to be tailored. In most circumstances, suit trousers might be substituted for chinos and still be considered separates. It's all about the overall appearance, and color coordination plays a significant role in that.

When Should Separates Be Worn?

Whenever the dress code is ambiguous, it would be prudent to wear separates. They are always an excellent choice for weddings, business casual, and cocktail dresses. As long as you do not work in a corporate office and the invitation does not specify a black tie, you should be fine. And when in doubt, consult the host.

How to Remove Suit Separates

Suit separates, when executed properly, are the ideal vehicle for demonstrating your sartorial expertise. Done poorly, you'll look like you got dressed in the dark. To ensure you always get the most out of mix-and-match menswear, you must follow these criteria.

Think about Texture

Clearly, color is really significant when it comes to separates. That is why they are called separate, correct? Nevertheless, there is an additional factor to consider if you want to elevate your casual tailoring skills to godlike levels.

The texture is frequently neglected, but it can have a significant impact with a little forethought. The secret is in picking complementary fabrics, with seasonality being the most important consideration.

In general, summer and winter textiles do not pair well with one another, so pay attention to the temperature and mix your textures accordingly. It implies voile cloth and moleskin are out, while corduroy and thick cotton twill or pique cotton and linen are in.

Ignore Formalities

It is easy to believe that separates must be formal when discussing dress trousers, jackets, and Derbies. This is contrary to reality.

Suit separates are, at their essence, casual. Smart? Sure. But would you wear them to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace? Most likely not. So, it is recommended to avoid structured tailoring in favor of more casual items. Anything that is blatantly part of a matching two- or three-piece ensemble is a major no-no.

Instead, choose coats with natural shoulders and unconventional fabric choices. Moreover, remember to exercise your footwear freedom. When wearing a formal suit, you may be limited to leather Oxfords or Derbies, but when wearing separates, you have a great deal of flexibility.

Create Contrast

It may sound obvious, but it bears repeating: generating contrast is the key to achieving the perfect blazer and pant pairings. Colors should complement one another but not be too similar in tone. If you get this wrong, you risk seeming as if you attempted to match and failed.

Obviously, tonal splits can work, but it is essential that the color of the top and bottom be dissimilar enough to maintain a sense of contrast.

In addition, it's a good idea to employ a color scheme to tie your ensemble together. This can be accomplished with the help of accessories or patterns. For instance, olive trousers could be paired with a patterned jacket with olive as the foundation color. It is a subtle yet powerful technique for achieving visual unity.