Glen Plaids for Spring and Summer
Glen plaid is a classic suit pattern that alternates large and small checks. It’s also known as a “Prince of Wales” check, after the flamboyant British regent that first popularized it. Its trademark checks typically appear in two different shades of grey, giving it a more conservative appearance that’s a natural companion to the fall and winter seasons.
However, there is a simple way to acclimate it to the warmer months. Adding a lightly colored pattern to the mix, such as a rose-pink or tan windowpane, creates an instant brightness guaranteed to pop at May graduations, August weddings, and everything in between.
Bright windowpane + gray glen plaid might seem daunting at first, but you only need to follow a few rules of thumb to turn them into summertime successes.
Keep the tie solid. Dots, stripes, and other patterns may create too much visual action. A solid pattern will offer the greatest contrast to your suit’s pattern, allowing both suit and tie to stand out on their own.
Select a reserved pocket square. Just like the tie, you’ll want something so simple that it will harmonize with the pattern, not clash with it. Solids are a safe bet, but for a little extra action you can employ a solid pocket “tipped” with an alternate color.
Because of their rich pattern, each suit jacket is great for solo wear as a standalone sport coat. Similar to the above, keep the rest of the outfit restrained: go with a shirt and pair of paints in solid colors.
To enhance contrast, wear a darker pair of pants with the more lightly colored pattern: for instance, black chinos and a rose glen plaid.
While a tie and pocket square can certainly be worn with these casual looks, you can still make quite a statement without them: that’s what patterns are for.
