The Dress Up

Sixth Form Smart

For many starting sixth form this September with a dress code of ‘smart, business wear’ this means stepping up your wardrobe. It can feel a bit overwhelming, suddenly you’re swapping hoodies and trainers for tailored blazers and polished shoes. But the good news is, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. With just a few basics, you can look sharp, feel confident, and still keep your personal style.

MODERN FIT GREY SUIT

The Three Essential Suit Colours

If you’re only going to invest in one or two suits for sixth form, stick with the classics. They’re versatile, timeless, and easy to style.

Black

A black suit is best for more formal occasions, interviews, evenings. It looks sharp yet classic and pairs easily with a crisp white shirt. However, watch out as it can sometimes feel too formal for everyday wear. Balance it with lighter shirts or patterned ties to avoid looking like you’re off to a wedding every morning!

FORD BLACK SUIT

Grey

The classic grey can be an easy everyday sixth form wear. It’s a flexible shade as light grey feels more casual, and charcoal is more formal. Grey also pairs well with almost any shirt or tie colour, making it one of the most versatile of all suits. You can easily mix it up with different shirts and ties to keep your look fresh throughout the week.

FORD GREY SUIT

Navy

Navy is by far the all-rounder. Navy suits have a slightly softer and more modern feel compared to black, which makes them easier to dress up or down. They're especially great with earthy tones like browns and rusts, or more contemporary options like silver or blush. Whether you’re pairing it with a shirt and tie or layering with a jumper, navy always looks sharp without trying too hard.

FORD NAVY SUIT

To waistcoat or to not waistcoat.

Do you have to wear the waistcoat? Not at all. While a three-piece suit (jacket, trousers, and waistcoat) looks sharp, it’s not always the most practical for sixth form. Wearing just the jacket and trousers gives you a cleaner, more casual look that’s easier to wear every day.

Think of the waistcoat as an optional upgrade. You don’t need it daily, but it’s nice to have when you want that extra level of sharpness.

Final Tips

- Start with one navy or grey suit, it’s best to build on a capsule wardrobe.

- Invest in a few different shirts and ties to mix up your look.

- Don’t stress about wearing the full three-piece every day. Jacket and trousers are more than enough.

At the end of the day, your sixth form suit is about finding the balance between looking professional and feeling comfortable. Stick with the basics, and you’ll have a wardrobe that works for everything sixth form throws your way.

SHOP ALL SIXTH FORM SUITS