For generations, the suit has been considered the everyday man’s armor – something you pull on when you want to look and feel you’re very best.

But for those men who are exploring the world of formalwear for the first time, where should you start? And what styles should you be looking to invest your hard-earned cash in? After all, a good suit is one of the most expensive clothing purchases you will make, so you want to get your money’s worth.

Timeless, refined and sophisticated, the five suits below are what we consider to be modern-day essentials – transcending seasonal trends, they will never go out of fashion.

The Navy Two-Piece

A navy blue two-piece is arguably the only suit a man would ever need, with its rich and versatile tone enabling it to adapt to any scenario – be it a job interview, high-end restaurant or wedding reception.

The key with this style (aside from it fitting perfect) is to opt for a classic single-breasted, notch lapel jacket and always look to combine with brown footwear and accessories over black.

Outside of the office, your navy blazer can do double time, combining with jeans, chinos or tailored trousers to produce a wealth of smart-casual looks.

The Black Two-Piece

Although the black suit often gets a bad rap, a well-tailored version will always look sophisticated and chic, not to mention slimming.

However, when it comes to styling, keep it simple – too much color or pattern can cheapen the aesthetic. A classic white dress shirt and black silk tie is a winning combination, especially when finished with a smart pair of black lace-ups or Chelsea boots.

This should be considered your go-to evening option; a full black suit is often too stark to wear in the daytime (it looks its best under artificial light), but you can take the edge off by splitting it into separates and pairing the jacket with slim grey trousers.