How to Mix and Match a Suit: The Esquire Menswear Guide to Suit Separates

The Rules Have Changed

Wearing a suit used to mean one thing: matching jacket, trousers, and waistcoat, all from the same box. That era is over. Across weddings, proms, race days, and formal events, the men who turn heads are the ones who've built their look from separates — combining colourways within a collection to create something that feels personal, considered, and entirely their own. At Esquire Menswear we've stocked suit separates from Paul Andrew, Marc Darcy, and House of Cavani for exactly this reason. Here's how to make it work.

Start With One Statement Piece

Pick the piece that does the most work — usually the jacket or the waistcoat — and build around it. If you're going to a summer wedding and want something fresh, a Beige Paul Andrew blazer paired with a contrasting trouser in Navy or Charcoal gives you a modern, relaxed look without losing the formality. If you want to stand out at prom, a bold coloured Marc Darcy jacket with a tonal trouser keeps it sharp without going over the top.

Understand Tonal Dressing

The easiest win in mix and match tailoring is tonal dressing — staying within the same colour family but varying shade and texture. A lighter Grey blazer with darker Grey trousers. Champagne and Cream. Slate and Silver. The pieces feel connected without being identical. House of Cavani and Paul Andrew both work particularly well for this, with collections that are designed with tonal pairing in mind.

Use the Waistcoat as the Accent

If you're wearing a three-piece and want to add personality, let the waistcoat do the work. Wear a matching jacket and trouser as the base, then bring in a waistcoat in a contrasting colourway from the same collection. It's subtle enough to stay smart, bold enough to make it yours.

Come In and Try It

Mix and match is one of those things that's best experienced in person. Seeing the pieces together on the rail - and trying them on - makes decisions easy. Our team at both Nottingham Victoria Centre and Merry Hill know the collections inside out and will help you find the right combination for your occasion. No appointment needed. Come in, try the separates, and build your look.

The Brands We Stock for Mix & Match

• Paul Andrew - elegant, versatile, multiple colourways across blazers, waistcoats, and trousers
• Marc Darcy - one of the UK's most popular tailoring brands; sharp cuts and a wide colour range
• House of Cavani - contemporary tailoring with real edge; ideal for making a statement

Find us at Esquire Menswear, Nottingham Victoria Centre and Merry Hill.