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Shave off and suit up: A guide to looking dapper in Indonesia
While items like bomber jackets and sweatshirts come and go with the seasons, the appeal of the suit is eternal.
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Smart casual: While black suits are the most common, Aditya Suharmoko of A&E Tailors considers navy and grey to be more versatile in terms of styling. (Instagram/AE Tailor)
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uits have normally been associated with formal, stuffy events like boardroom meetings and funerals, but a well-tailored suit can become as fashion-forward as anything on the runway.
A black suit often becomes the main – if not only – choice for many men, either for boardroom meetings, weddings or funerals.
Some would say that black is a practical choice or makes them look slimmer, but, as Aditya Suharmoko of A&E Tailors noted, the color’s versatility is often overestimated.
“Many said that the black suit is appropriate for funerals. The thing is, it’s very much a Western trope. Not many wear black suits to funerals here in Indonesia, at least in my experience.
“In terms of mix-and-match, the black suit is a bit tricky because not many colors look good. For example, shirts are mostly white, grey, or pastels and your shoe option is also only black,” Aditya explained, noting that brown shoes are always a no-no.
Aditya said he is of the opinion that the modern-day gentleman’s suiting needs can vary according to their day jobs, but he would recommend two essential suits: one in grey and one in navy.
“These two colors are very versatile when mixing and matching, so you have four different looks as a base. Navy and grey are actually the easiest and safest options when pairing with accessories like ties,” he said.
