Black jacket and and black jeans?

Any thoughts on this combination? I am thinking about teaching in it. The top half of the ensemble would look like the attached.

The idea here is that black is sophisticated, deep, and strong. At the same time, the department is generally quite casual. And I often ride my bike. Black jeans don't show bike grease stains or get damaged.

Other combinations? Khakis? Dark blue jeans? Any other suggestions for conveying what I want to convey? I often like to wear bow ties as well.

I wouldn't ever wear a tie with jeans. You might get away with a bootlace tie in Texas or Australia or somewhere, but a normal tie with jeans jarrs too much for me.

The picture you posted looks like the top half of a suit, which if worn with jeans would clash.
Your best bet may be to cycle in in jeans and carry a change of trousers.

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jack

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Any thoughts on this combination? I am thinking about teaching in it. The top half of the ensemble would look like the attached.

The idea here is that black is sophisticated, deep, and strong. At the same time, the department is generally quite casual. And I often ride my bike. Black jeans don't show bike grease stains or get damaged.

Other combinations? Khakis? Dark blue jeans? Any other suggestions for conveying what I want to convey? I often like to wear bow ties as well.

Hardly a tie with jeans even for teaching where standards can be low in some institutions. Where are you proposing to inflict this ensemble?

If your jacket is unstructured to give a more casual look, then maybe. Generally I'm not a fan of the tie with a jacket and jeans look.

Black is all those things you mention plus formal. Too much black, if you're going for a supportive teacher look may be a little off-putting. I also agree with Tangfastic that the cut of the jacket would have to match the style of the pant (ie. formal with formal casual with casual). The spread on the collar of your shirt is also pretty wide for the knot in the pic and would be a better match with a full or half Windsor knot. If the jeans are a classic cut and are very new (ie. not faded), I think you can get away with wearing a casual tie (knits not cartoon/"whimsical"). Again, not a fit with a more business/formal tie. Probably easier to go with something like a turtleneck sweater, v-neck and sport shirt with a casual sport jacket with jeans. As far as bike and pants go, wear old pants and bring a pair of work pants with you and change at school or get a leg clip. If you're as unco-ordinated as I am, consider a chain guard http://www.velo-orange.com/chpr.html

I didn't know teachers and lecturers were allowed to wear jeans. Don't you think that sets a bad example?

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jack

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Black jeans don't show bike grease stains or get damaged.


black pants wouldn't show grease stains as well.

Originally Posted by BareSolid

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I didn't know teachers and lecturers were allowed to wear jeans. Don't you think that sets a bad example?
I'm not a fan of this look, but I recently learned that it's fairly common for grade school teachers to wear jeans and polo shirts to class. Some professors sport this look, too.

Ties with dressier jeans (like previous poster said.. no fades, dark) look fine to me.

Originally Posted by JayJay

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I'm not a fan of this look, but I recently learned that it's fairly common for grade school teachers to wear jeans and polo shirts to class. Some professors sport this look, too.

That's unheard of here in England and if I may say so, should be unheard of everyhwere else. If they are dressed unprofessionally then how are they supposed to command authority and respect?

Through ability?

Originally Posted by BareSolid

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That's unheard of here in England and if I may say so, should be unheard of everyhwere else. If they are dressed unprofessionally then how are they supposed to command authority and respect?

Having studied at two serious london based universities I saw this look fairly consistently, especially on the younger professors, and then (of course) on the tutors...

Times seem to be changing.

Thank you all for your feedback.

I am at a large research university in the southeastern united states. Unfortunately, faded jeans, sandals with socks, and old t-shirts are far from uncommon in this kind of setting.

The tie and knot are, of course, not proper for the shirt. I was playing around last night--that never left the house.

It is kind of a challenging thing. I want to look good and bring some sense of decorum, without flying in the face of the department/university culture.

In the winter this will be easy. I have a lovely harris tweed jacket that will work perfectly.

Following up on what some of you said:

What would the feeling be on, perhaps, a black jacket with khakis and no tie? A black jacket with khakis and a knit tie (I have several clean, plain knits)?

Perhaps a navy blazer, khakis, and a knit tie is the best bet? Casual, yet with some sense of decorum? Can I get away with a bowtie with the navy blazer and khakis?

It is a fine line I am trying to walk. Were I the department chair I could roll in with braces, french cuffs, and bowties. But alas, I am a lowly PhD student.

Dress however you want. It doesn't matter if you're a member of faculty, its still college, the home of ***-stained sweatshirts and kids desperate for a square meal. Personally I'd wear a rumpled buttondown untucked, chinos and loafers. From what I can remember lecture theatres can get very stuffy.

I would bring a change of cloths in a backpack. Not for any stains, but for not biking and sweating in cloths you'll end up working the whole day in. Also, how would you get grease stains on your pants if you roll up the pant leg on the drive train side? Maybe if it rains, but in that case, the stains will be the least of your problems.