Valet. > The Mix > {09.02.08} A Day for Gray - J.Crew Two-button Charcoal Suit Jacket, Year-round Suit Pant

{09.02.08} Ask Valet.

Make a $500 Suit Look Like It Cost You $5,000

Talk to your tailor. Have him nip the waist, take in the sleeves and convert non-working buttons into functional ones.

Finish the look. Add a simple, pressed white pocket square. $25 for seven, at Brooks Brothers.

Walk tall. You're in a suit, damn it.

Jacket, $350, pants, $165, shirt, $70, knit tie, $50, all available at J.Crew.

A Day
for Gray

I own two three-button suits, one black and one tan, which I have worn to several weddings this year. I'd like to purchase an affordable suit for my son's christening at the end of September and was wondering if a two button blue or grey would be appropriate for the occasion.
- Jason, Toronto

A black suit and a tan suit, eh? Those are great additions to have, but the two staples of a man's sartorial arsenal are exactly what you're looking for. We'd suggest starting with a classic two-button suit in a medium charcoal shade. It's obviously dressy, but has a casual ease—especially when paired with a knit tie and some suede shoes. With a narrow notch lapel and snug shoulders, this year-round wool suit is slimming without being a 'skinny suit.'