Regardless of your profession—be it a barrister, barber, or bank manager—every gentleman should have a collection of suits for occasions requiring a certain level of formality. We’re here to help.

To assist you in making the best choices, we’ve curated a list of three essential suits every man should have in his wardrobe.

The Navy Suit

The navy suit is a timeless, reliable, and effortlessly stylish choice, as compared to the versatility of the little black dress in the world of clothing. Ideal for a wide range of formal or smart-casual events, it can be dressed up for a family wedding or down for a relaxed party look. To maximize its versatility, opt for a textured fabric like birdseye; it maintains a smart appearance without being overly formal. This allows you to wear the jacket and trousers separately with other pieces in your wardrobe.

Tips for Styling Navy Suits:

• A white formal shirt is a classic pairing for a navy suit, while a pale blue shirt can offer a fresh alternative.
• Black, brown, or tan shoes all complement a navy suit perfectly.
• For formal occasions such as weddings or important meetings, pair it with a shirt and tie.
• On weekends, dress it down with a crew neck jumper and loafers.

The Dinner Suit

Unless you frequently win awards or are a member of the royal family, invitations requiring black tie attire are rare. However, when such an invitation does arrive, you’ll want to ensure you look your absolute best. To achieve this, a rented, poorly fitting tuxedo will not do the trick. Instead, owning a tailored black dinner suit with striking satin lapels is essential.

Tips for Styling a Dinner Suit:

• Opt to buy rather than rent, as a tailored dinner suit is always the superior choice.
• Invest in a white dress shirt with a Marcella bib front, classic collar, and double cuffs.
• When wearing a dinner suit, opt for black shoes, but not the ones you typically wear to work. Patent Derby shoes are the ideal choice.
• Your bow tie should be black (never white), made from silk, and should be hand-tied.

The Grey Suit

The grey suit, almost as versatile as navy but arguably more elegant, is a true staple in tailoring. Practical, stylish, and sophisticated, it’s a great choice for the office yet just as appropriate for a wedding or post-work gatherings. If you wear suits frequently, consider investing in two: a light grey for summer and a charcoal version for winter.

Tips for Styling Grey Suits:

• Grey suits can be paired with a variety of shirt colors, including white, pale blue, and pink.
• Add a touch of flair to a grey suit with a patterned shirt; check designs are particularly effective.
• Black, dark brown, or burgundy shoes can be paired with a grey suit, though black is best for light grey suits.
• For added formality, consider a three-piece suit.

Main image: GQ India