Suiting Up: The New Rules of Fine Tailoring

Want to look the part? Inject your style with a dose of suiting IQ inspired by USA Network’s hit series Suits. Look sharp with these bespoke words of wisdom for finding the right suit for him or her.

Smart Details

For Him: Skip showy plaids and overcompensating pinstripes for streamlined details that communicate confidence and efficient use of style.

For Her: Round out menswear-inspired looks with stylish brooches and feminine accents for a softer edge.

Fashion-Forward Fit

For Him: Assure the fit around your shoulders is snug and not slouchy. (Trying one size down is an easy trick.)

For Her: Balance X and Y style notes with feminine tailoring on traditionally masculine looks. For a whimsical play on trousers, try mid-thigh-length wool shorts worn with a tailored blouse.

Sleeve Tricks

For Him: Opt for slim-fitting sleeves that expose about a quarter-inch to a half-inch of your shirt cuff. If they’re baggy, you can even have a tailor taper them for a more polished fit.

For Her: Show you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some serious work done, but add a chunky cuff bracelet for a fashion-forward spin on a power look.

Modern Designs

For Him: Follow this easy rule for getting on-trend lapels: Go slim, but not super-skinny — about two inches at the widest point is a good standard.

For Her: Update a standard workaday gray or black suit with some playful irreverence: Accessorize with a boys-club-style necktie, suspenders, or a colorful pocket square.

Expert Tailoring

For Him: Accentuate your shoulders with contoured cuts and avoid bulky lines even if you have a fuller build. A form-fitting suit makes you look more trim than a baggy one.

For Her: Perfectly tailored suit jackets can be challenging to find off the rack. For an alternative, figure-flattering option, try a fitted, razorback vest that cuts a dynamic silhouette.

Toe the Line

For Him: Opt for slim-fit, flat-front pants that just graze the top of your shoe line without bunching around the ankles. Found the perfect fit but the pants are a bit too long? Have a tailor take up the hem; sometimes a ten-dollar alteration makes all the difference.

For Her: Add some edge with statement heels instead of flats, and choose a bag with solid hardware to complement a suited-up look.

Suits returns January 17 with new episodes Thursdays at 10/9c on USA Network.