Suit up like Barack Obama

The leader of the free world teaches us a thing or two about corporate style.

As the nation is feverishly consuming coverage about every aspect of President Barack Obama's visit to Australia, some are noticing what style spotters have long known – we also have a lot to learn from him when it comes to wearing a suit.

While the fashion world waits with bated breath to see what First Lady Michelle Obama wears to any event, the President himself has quietly launched his own style offensive.

Today, resplendent in a form-fitting suit over a crisp white shirt and simple blue tie, he looked every inch the charismatic leader and could clearly teach our own pollies the power of a good tailor.

“For someone in such a high profile position, Obama's choice of suit will be critiqued and analysed so his decisions are very important,” said Wendy Mak, owner and head stylist of Smitten With Style. “A poor fitting or out-of-style suit could project lack of attention to detail, conservatism, traditionalism, or poor judgment. A sleek, well cut, modern suit with a perfect fit says that he is classic but contemporary, forward thinking, and inspires confidence and trust.”

And he's but one of the prominent public figures we can turn to for inspiration when it comes to corporate and casual suiting. A perennial favourite is George Clooney, the actor garnering almost as much attention for his red-carpet wear as his blockbuster films. He favours a classic cut with open-necked shirt. Robert Pattinson is also a good style idol, albeit for the younger set, opting for fitted, coloured suits that show guys how to stand out in a sea of black and navy-blue.

On the music front, Justin Timberlake borrows from his Southern roots and is often seen stepping out in a three-piece suit complete with pocket square. Over in the sports arena, Roger Federer looks the part on and off the tennis court by keeping it cool with earth colours, charcoal hues and choosing to forgo the tie on almost every occasion. When it comes to the fashion realm, Tom Ford practises what he preaches by sporting a chic, minimal look that he's helped to further popularise.

But though the smartly dressed President and his well-groomed brethren are a good starting point from which to draw inspiration, we've consulted the experts about the everyday dos and don'ts when it comes to looking good in a suit.

Tips for ties, squares and clips
Though skinny ties are on their way out, with most upmarket designers preferring a medium width, you can still individualise your look with a tie clip or pocket square.

“Less is really more when it comes to accessories,” advised Mak. “One trend that could add a bit of interest to your suit is the addition of a pocket square in your breast pocket. Not a massive pocket scarf shoved in to the pocket, but a neatly folded small square tucked in to the pocket and gives a hint of contrast – a casually debonair look.”

Buttons, buttons everywhere
Everyone has their own take on the button debate, but let Australia's resident expert tell you when and why to button up. “If you're wearing a three-button jacket you do up the centre button. The top button you can do up if you want to, the bottom button never,” said John H. Cutler of Sydney's John H. Cutler Bespoke. “Same for a two button, the top and never the bottom. The reason why is because a jacket front isn't cut perpendicular, it's cut away and when you do that bottom button up you're pulling against the fall of the jacket.”

Which breast is best?

Though double-breasted suits may conjure up images of portly barristers and shady used car salesmen, worn right they can lend you an air of old-school charm. Though single-breast will suit almost everyone.

“Five years ago I would have vehemently said no to double-breasted suits. Now, with the renaissance of the '50s and '60s thanks to Mad Men, the double breasted look of the post-war era is back,” adds Mak. “You can't go past a single breasted suit though – it's never gone out of style and lends itself to both casual sports coats and formal suiting.”

What not to wear
A sure-fire way to undercut yourself is to dress your look down. From wraparound sunglasses to novelty cufflinks and cartoon ties, a true gentleman prefers to keep things simple. Ask yourself: Would Obama compliment his navy suit with a Tweety Bird tie?

“A suit is about formality,” advised Cutler. “You don't wear it with something casual like a Hawaiian shirt or thongs. You should dress in accordance with the formality of the occasion.”

First timers
When scouting for your very first suit you might be tempted to go for what's in fashion at the time. That's fine if you have the budget to buy a new one every year, but if you want it to last a bit longer it's best to go with a classic cut and colour.

“The most important thing is that the suit fulfils the purpose that you buy it for. If it's the only one you've got it's got to covers different functions,” said Cutler. “If something is plain in colour you can make it look different by accessorising it.”

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