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Dressing up a herringbone jacket for a fall daytime wedding...

post #1 of 15
11/1/11 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 

Hello there,

 

New member here, but I've been lurking now for a couple of weeks. I've arrived at a dilemma. My go-to suit is in dreadful need of some tailoring after I lost about 20 pounds after college, but I did recently acquire this "harvest herringbone" jacket from Jcrew. I love the fit and I really do like how it looks. But how can I dress it up a bit?  I typically wear it almost exactly as it is pictured in the link.

 

I was thinking of doing a variation of this (found the image when I did a search for herringbone here) with a bit of a brighter tie. I think it will be acceptable for the occasion considering it will be worn primarily during the day, and I'm a +1.

 

Any thoughts?

 

[edit] the wedding is this weekend, so I won't have time to get any alterations done.

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post #2 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:07pm
It's a daytime wedding? If you already own or could buy/thrift a nice waistcoat to go with, that would be an excellent choice. Wool ties look best with tweed jackets, but you probably want to go dressier with a tweed jacket. However the idea holds, that you want some tie with some texture to it, not some shiny silk number, which will just make the jacket look out of place. A key will be your shoes. Nice shoes will dress this up considerably.
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post #3 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:40pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the tips! I totally agree on the tie. Shiny would be very bad.

 

I was going to try for some light brown brogues or oxfords that I'll be trying to pick up today or tomorrow. My sense is lacking when it comes to shoes, however. Any ideas on specific styles?

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post #4 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:53pm
What's your budget?
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post #5 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:53pm
And where do you live, so we know what stores you have access to.....
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post #6 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:55pm
Thread Starter 

I'm getting new pants and shoes....and I would prefer to stay under $300. Even that's stretching it a bit. But the fact that I'm trying to dress up something I already have as opposed to buying an entirely new (Full) suit might give you an idea that I'm trying to save a bit, hopefully that makes sense.

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post #7 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:55pm
I kind of like the look of a gingham shirt with that, but I'm not sure if it would be too summery.
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post #8 of 15
11/1/11 at 1:59pm
Thread Starter 

I had thought of that as well, but didn't know if the patterns would clash. You're giving me ammo to go for it though.....

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post #9 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:05pm
Look for worsted wool trousers in a rich blue or chocolate brown. (Worsted wool is a smoother finish than the herringbone. Sometimes it will be referred to as flannel.) What you don't want is trousers with a heavy texture or a heathered color - as you need something darker and more solid than the blazer for your trousers.

Once you have the trousers selected you can then choose the tie. If the trousers are brown find a blue tie. If the trousers are blue find a brown tie. The tie can be silk, cashmere or wool but as you mentioned, should not be very shiny. Conversely, you need a little sheen and a paisley silk pocket square would serve that purpose well.

Dark brown, oxford shoes - leather (not suede) and belt to match.
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post #10 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:05pm
Maybe something like this:

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.aspx?c=1372&pid=38301

(others correct me if I am wrong, but J&M is pretty decent quality if you need to pay retail in the $150-200 range?)

then get yourself some gray flannel trousers and you're all set.

Edit: looks like Gdot beat me to it - our only point of disagreement being trouser color. I think with that brown blazer, you don't want to go brown pants. Especially when your shoes are gonna be brown too. I stand by suggestion of gray. Gray flannel trousers are also one of the most versatile clothing items you can possibly own. Light blue dress shirt is another item that will complement this well and, if you don't have it already, will yield much use.
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post #11 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:10pm
Thread Starter 

all fantastic suggestions.  Thanks for the detail on the material of the pants as well.

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post #12 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:16pm
  • Don't wear a wool tie if you're trying to dress it up. Silk is fine. Just go with woven instead of satin. A little bit of contrast between textures actually makes for a very nice effect. (I sometimes go the opposite direction with a navy blue lounge suit, light blue shirt, and burnt orange, cashmere tie.) Repp stripe ties with tweed jackets might look a little academic, however. A darker solid might be a good choice.

 

  • My advice would be to avoid khaki trousers, since too much brown will accentuate the rustic look of the tweed. I might wear grey flannels with that jacket, but some people can't stand mixing greys and browns.

 

  • Definitely wear a white, pressed shirt.

 

  • A white linen pocket square in a tv-fold will also dress up the tweed.
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post #13 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Knightly View Post

  • Don't wear a wool tie if you're trying to dress it up. Silk is fine. Just go with woven instead of satin. A little bit of contrast between textures actually makes for a very nice effect. (I sometimes go the opposite direction with a navy blue lounge suit, light blue shirt, and burnt orange, cashmere tie.) Repp stripe ties with tweed jackets might look a little academic, however. A darker solid might be a good choice.

 

  • My advice would be to avoid khaki trousers, since too much brown will accentuate the rustic look of the tweed. I might wear grey flannels with that jacket, but some people can't stand mixing greys and browns.

 

  • Definitely wear a white, pressed shirt.

 

  • A white linen pocket square in a tv-fold will also dress up the tweed.


Thanks! I'm resistant to the grey flannels for the reason you said. So I'm leaning in the navy direction.  But thanks on all counts...great advice. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can dig up.

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post #14 of 15
11/1/11 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Malarky86 View Post

I had thought of that as well, but didn't know if the patterns would clash. You're giving me ammo to go for it though.....

I have a herringbone jacket from Jcrew that is a bit lighter and I think I pulled it off last week. I say go for it.


Edit: Apparently some blogger thinks it would work.
Quote:
Feeling a little more adventurous? Consider mixing patterns. A blue Gingham shirt with a herringbone blazer makes for a great winter preppy look, and you’re guaranteed not to look like a clown.

Save the super bright colors or patterns that really push the envelope for an unobtrusive accessory such as a pair of socks. A personal antidote to brighten those dreary days, the peek of cheer they emit is enough to separate you from those winter duds moping around the office.

Last but not least, consider administering some of that color on your outer ensemble as you brave the elements for your commute. While black leather gloves with a grey coat are tried and true. Some color on a scarf or even gloves is enough to thaw out your most frozen of spirits.
http://www.damstyle.com/blog/page/4/

250


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Edited by Texastyle - 11/1/11 at 3:42pm
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post #15 of 15
11/2/11 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 

Hm! I actually like that!

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