VIDEO: How To Make A Suit Look Modern

A trouser suit used to be the preserve of bankers and the uniform of board rooms. But no more. Modern suiting is all about deconstructing those traditional associations and transforming the conventional two-piece?into something informal and relaxed.

To begin with, try adding turn-ups to your trousers for a more laid-back and urban feel. Then wear with a pair of trainers for an injection of athleisure-style cool. In the video below, I’ve paired a pinstripe suit with gingham trainers as I love the juxtaposition of masculine pinstripes with girlish gingham.

Something really casual such as a sweatshirt or T-shirt works well beneath a modern trouser suit. Again, it creates a strong contrast: smart tailoring is not usually worn with weekend-style separates. The pairing subtly subverts our expectations. Finally, I chose a slogan sweatshirt in a vibrant shade of yellow as it adds personality to the whole look – there’s nothing generic or uniform-like about this outfit.

Pinstripe blazer, €325; pinstripe trousers, €195; sweatshirt, €125; gingham trainers, €155: all Claudie Pierlot at Brown Thomas.

Video by Gumbo Films

Fashion director assisted by Niamh O’Donoghue