Dark Side of the Suit

Although there are 50 shades of gray (give or take), only a few shades of it – of any color really – are as versatile as charcoal gray.  After the ‘90s, this tint has really become the new and improved black suit. And, of course, it should be one of the primary suits you need to have in your closet. It also happens to be one of the few colors you can wear in a head-to-toe look and look like a total stud.

This look is dominated by the charcoal suit and it really sets the tone for the rest of the outfit. There’s no shortage of options when shopping for this must-have, but this Moods of Norway version provides a really flattering look to go along with the quality wool fabric. Once you pair it with a dark gray dress shirt – like this one from Sandro – you start going down the path of a Rockstar at the Grammy’s (which, in almost every case, is a good thing). This long sleeve option is actually a thicker flannel material, so it’s that much more functional for the upcoming seasons. Plus, it’ll go flawlessly with this alloy-tinted tie from Austin Reed and a similarly colored belt from Buckle (it just makes sense to get a belt from there). Add the final accessory touch by throwing a nice timepiece on your wrist like this one from Victorinox. 

The crème de la crème is this distinctively sexy pair of dark gray leather boots from Bottega Veneta. Yes, they are quite pricey but think of it more as an investment. You can dress them up with a suit like we have here, or you can go total off-duty with these and throw on jeans and a t-shirt. Either way, you’ll want to wear these wherever you go, and the swag will be heard with every step. It’s like having your own theme song whenever you enter the room, except better.

In keeping with the paycheck purchases, you can’t think about graphite bags without dreaming up Louis Vuitton’s Damier pattern bag. If you’re an avid traveler or frequent the boardroom with a bag, then it’ll definitely pay off in the long run and you’ll always have that airport swag no matter what else you have on. Speaking of what you have on, looking the part is exponentially better if you’re also smelling the part. That’s where Prada’s L'Homme Prada cologne comes into play. It’s distinctively masculine without being overpowering, which can pretty much be said about charcoal gray itself. For once, it’s okay to go to the dark side.