'Suit', 'match' and 'goes with'

Shop assistants in boutiques always say a piece matches, suits me or goes with something else. What do they mean?



As you probably guessed, these terms are used to talk about clothes and they are really useful.

This means an item of clothing looks good with another.

e.g. This hat will match your green shoes!
e.g. Do these sunglasses match my cap?


If one thing goes with another, they look good together!

e.g. This hat will go well with your green shoes!
e.g. Do these sunglasses go with my cap?


It is used when a style of clothes makes someone look more attractive.

e.g. This T-shirt suits you.
e.g. I don't think these sneakers suit me.


So, in a fashion context, 'match' and 'go with' are used to talk about if two piece of clothing look good together. 'Suit' is used about how a piece of clothing look on you.