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Harvey Specter’s casual clothing is a rare sight.
After all, the show is called Suits.
But one of Harvey’s best quotes is ‘people respond to how we’re dressed’.
So, it is only right for him to also pay attention to his clothing when he is not in uniform.
In this article, I will dive into Harvey Specter’s casual style, why it works, and how you can bring it into your wardrobe.
Casual Harvey Specter Style Overview
Harvey Specter’s casual clothing mirrors the character, and captures his badass, classic and timeless look.
It typically includes simple pieces such as Harrington jackets, Henley shirts, button down oxfords, chinos and merino knitwear.
This minimalist casual style stays true to the reasons he chooses to dress well: to be presentable, functional, and gain respect.
If you want to emulate casual Harvey Specter, keep it simple, and focus on the fit of your clothing.
Memorable Outfits
Outfit 1 – Navy Harrington Jacket, Grey T-Shirt and Grey Dress Trousers
This outfit is worn towards the end of the first season.
Navy Harrington
It is strongly suggested that Harvey is a Steve McQueen fan.
So, it is no surprise that you can find one of Steve McQueen’s most iconic pieces, a Harrington jacket, in Harvey’s casual rotation.
‘Nice Mustang, Harvey. I see you’re still trying to be Steve McQueen.’
‘Not trying. Being.’
Season 3 Episode 2 – I Want You to Want Me
The Harrington is a hugely versatile jacket, and in my opinion, can be worn year-round.
It is badass without being flashy, and not at all difficult to get your hands on.
In fact, the Harrington that I swear by was purchased from e-bay for less than £10.
Grey T-Shirt & Dress Trousers
The grey t-shirt is again a classic, and combines really well with the Harrington, as will most things.
However, the medium grey dress trousers are an unorthodox match for a grey t-shirt and Harrington, but perhaps occurred as a result of a rushed clothes change.
Although it is not a bad look, there are certainly more appropriate trousers to match with the lower formality of the t-shirt and Harrington.
For example, Harvey could have changed into a pair of dark chinos.
What to Take From This
- Invest in a good quality Harrington jacket.
- Try the Harrington + T-shirt combo.
- For a safe outfit, ensure your outfit is all in the same formality level.
Outfit 2 – Navy V-Neck Jumper, White Dress Shirt and Tan Chinos
This outfit is worn in a flashback episode when Harvey is visiting his father’s grave.
With a disgruntled Specter, comes a disgruntled and messy outfit.
Navy V-Neck Jumper & White Dress Shirt
This is a great smart-casual combination that you should emulate.
However, reflecting the nature of the episode, the shirt is untucked, and shows from under his jumper.
His shirt collar also flies freely, unrestrained.
To combat these messy faux pas, I would recommend that Harvey switch out the shirt he was wearing for one with a button-down collar.
The buttons will ensure that the collar stays within the jumper’s V frame, and will not only keep it all neat and tidy, but will also create a flattering structure that frames the face.
Err, also, he should tuck his shirt in.
Tan Chinos
Harvey pairs the aforementioned with tan chinos.
Again, tan chinos are very versatile and will go with almost anything in your wardrobe.
Although safe and can look incredible, here Harvey could try swapping them out for a pair of navy chinos.
It is a slightly more uncommon combination, but still looks awesome.
Medium Blue Rain Coat
This outfit is topped off by an unusual medium blue raincoat.
This is not something that I would expect to come from Harvey – perhaps it has some sentimental value.
There is nothing wrong with the principle of the item, but I feel that it doesn’t look quite right, given his aesthetic.
A different rain mac, perhaps in a darker navy, would fit in much better with his style.
What to Take From This
- The tan chino, navy v-neck and white shirt is a easy, classic and smart combination that every man can pull off.
- Bring in a rain mac to layer over a casual base to add visual interest (and keep you dry!)
Outfit 3 – Dark Brown Leather Jacket and Grey Linen Shirt
Harvey wears this combination when he turns up to Zoe Lawford’s house, and reminds me of the ‘enjoying death’ outfit from Daniel Craig’s Skyfall.
Like that outfit, this radiates a rugged awesomeness.
The leather jacket isn’t so refined that it out dresses the concretely less formal linen shirt.
This allows them to work so well together.
What to Take From This
- The best outfit combinations are usually when the pieces work together to achieve a certain aesthetic.
Outfit 4 – Chambray Shirt and Light Wash Denim
Worn in another flashback scene, this time playing baseball with his father, Harvey brings out a daring double medium blue combination.
On top he wears a medium-dark chambray shirt with rolled sleeves, and on the bottom a definite medium wash pair of denim.
He masters this combination as, like you should when you wear multiple pieces of denim, he has differentiated the colour of the top of bottom halves.
This adds visual interest, and stops you from looking like a medium wash 2×4 lego brick.
What to Take From This
- To pull off ‘double denim’, wear a different shade on the top and bottom.
- Two-tonal blue outfits work well.
Outfit 5 – Black Shirt and Dark Wash Jeans
Gabriel Macht is a blonde chap.
But, depending on the hair products used, sometimes switches colour to a darker shade of brown.
It really shows how many haircuts Harvey Specter has had over the show.
He takes advantage of this, and in this outfit wears a sleek, black shirt.
Black shirts work particularly well for those who have dark features, such as dark hair or dark skin.
This is because the shirt is not polarising on your completion, and acts within your natural colour pallet.
What to Take From This
- Learn to dress for your skin tone and hair colours.
Individual Pieces
Harvey Specter’s casual style also revolves around some key recurring pieces:
Shawl Collar Cardigan
Harvey’s love of Steve McQueen doesn’t end at Harrington jackets.
He also emulates McQueen’s other signature piece, the shawl collar cardigan.
Wearing a navy piece on a few occasions, this item of knitwear elevates the look of a rather basic outfit, provided it has a good fit.
This is exactly how Harvey uses it, to enhance his otherwise boring t-shirt and jeans combination.
The Thin Cardigan
Harvey has been seen to wear thin, presumably merino wool, cardigans.
They serve the same purpose as the shawl collar cardigan and enhance an otherwise boring ensemble.
But due to their finer nature, they are more formal than their chunky cousin.
For this reason, I would reserve them to be used as a mid-layer with tailoring, between a dress shirt and suit jacket.
The Henley Shirt
Harvey Specter’s most common casual staple is the Henley shirt.
Sporting a variety of colours through the show, Henley shirts work well for Gabriel Macht due to his well maintained physique.
Serving as a less common version of the t-shirt, the Henley rewards those with great physiques because of its often form fitting nature. This allows wearers to highlight their good lifestyle habits (or lucky genetics).
He has worn Henley shirts both as a base and layering piece, on top of a t-shirt.
Conclusion – Harvey Specter’s Casual Clothing
Even though Harvey Specter’s casual clothing isn’t a common sight, he still pays attention to it, and does it right.
This article has included some of his best outfits and staple items, so now you can bring some of casual Harvey Specter style into your rotation, and kick ass 24/7.
