Three suits will cover a working year. The trick is that they should not be three versions of the same suit, and the shoes are not an afterthought.
Beige, for the room you already run
Beige is the quiet one. It reads as considered rather than loud, and it works best on someone who does not need the suit to announce anything on their behalf. It is the closest thing tailoring has to a whisper.
Put suede loafers with it, in light brown or tan. The texture contrast is the whole point: suede against a smooth cloth softens the outfit in a way a polished leather shoe cannot, and it keeps the look relaxed without making it casual.
Green, for somewhere with taste
Green is sharper and slightly rebellious, and how well it lands depends entirely on where you work. In a creative studio, a business casual office or a corporate environment that likes to think of itself as forward, it is the best suit in the room. In a conservative one it will be read as a statement, so know which you are in.
Chelsea boots are the right shoe here. They are more streamlined than a lace up and they give the outfit a modern line from the ankle down.
Navy, for everything else
A deep navy is the jack of all trades and there is no point pretending otherwise. Paired with a striped dress shirt and double monk strap shoes it becomes authoritative without being stiff, which is the balance most people are actually looking for when they ask for a work suit.
Double monks are sleeker than traditional lace ups and slightly rakish, and they stay office appropriate. Dark brown or black leather for a formal room. Tan or oxblood if you would rather people noticed.
Every THEODORE garment is cut to your own measurements. Book an appointment at the studio, at a touring fitting, or over video.