Black Shirt with Black Suit. I have to get this off my chest.

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

Alright, I've already searched through a couple of the forums and it has been made pretty clear the dividing line of black formal wear on this site. I understand that. (Or don't considering my question topic). But this site does seem to have the most knowledgeable and active user base, so I have to try at least. I'll be outright with everything.

The occasion coming up is Commencement Ball, it is pretty much the college version of prom for graduating seniors. It is in the evening time and obviously the attire is formal wear.

I've never been the one to be fashion forward or edgy or anything, but (to me) black on black has always looked cool and slimming. This is important to me (as I'm sure to everyone else) because what I want to accentuate on is the slimming effect. Recently I've lost 50lbs, and still going at it, and I'm trying to show off what I have accomplished. I'm trying to take advantage of whatever visual effect I can and use it, forgive me I don't mean to sound so vain.

It seems like the answer is in the details too here. I'll post up a picture as well with me wearing the suit soon so I can get even more accurate critiques (I'm open to honest ones) cause I want to be absolutely certain given the time in advance that I have to prepare for it. What I can tell you off the bat is that the suit is Calvin Klein and it has pinstripes. (Not a lot of info, but if you need more I'll provide it). I'm a big set guy still, at 210 at about 6'1", and I'm really set on this look, but I'm open to alternatives or ways to making this work.

And look, I get how most people here are against it. I'm not looking for nonsense, just give me your honest constructive point. If you don't think it works, especially after the picture, express what the better alternative might be and I'll respond and put it to good use.

I'm new to this whole men's fashion business, so I want to get this right. If I can make this suit work in this setting for me that would be great. Just looking for good feedback, all help is welcome. Thanks for hearing me out.

ImaPro · Apr 8, 2012

Don't buy a lot of clothes as they won't fit in a few months.

Nicola · Apr 8, 2012

satorstyle · Apr 8, 2012

I've never known black on black to be typical evening wear, more like club wear in my opinion. If a suit is all that's required consider a white shirt and a decent tie. If it must be black tie and the black pin stripe suit is all you have then a white shirt and a black bow tie would have to do,

PhiPsi32 · Apr 8, 2012

satorstyle said:
I've never known black on black to be typical evening wear, more like club wear in my opinion. . .

Same here, I haven't been out of college that long, but we would "black out" our evening attire when hitting the clubs. I wouldn't go that way for a formal. If the suit fits you well, this is a good opportunity to sport a white french cuff shirt with a simple cufflink (knot, bar, bead in plain metal). Avoid the black suit/white shirt with black tie. Pick another dark colored tie (this is where knowing your color palette helps).

Having said that, it's your night. Do what makes you happy. Congrats on the weight loss. I hope you reach your fitness goals.

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I've been looking into the French Cuff idea for a while now, so I agree with you there. Forgive me for asking, but what do you mean by color palete?

PhiPsi32 · Apr 8, 2012

Well, not every color is going to look good on you. Sorry to break the news if you didn't know. You consider your skin tone, eye color, and hair color. Put it together and you can categorize yourself as Deep, Clear, Muted, Warm, Cool, etc. This category defines your color palette.

Authors like Alan Flusser don't go into as much detail but categorize men as high, medium, and low contrast. High contrast would be something like pale skin with dark eyes and hair for example.

Pay attention when you shop for button front shirts. I have noticed that there is a disproportionate number of light blue shirts in most categories. But this is not surprising when you consider that light blue is essentially color palette neutral. I mean almost every man can look good in a light blue shirt.

ElDave · Apr 8, 2012

martinezj2567 said:
Alright, I've already searched through a couple of the forums and it has been made pretty clear the dividing line of black formal wear on this site. I understand that. (Or don't considering my question topic). But this site does seem to have the most knowledgeable and active user base, so I have to try at least. I'll be outright with everything.

The occasion coming up is Commencement Ball, it is pretty much the college version of prom for graduating seniors. It is in the evening time and obviously the attire is formal wear.

I've never been the one to be fashion forward or edgy or anything, but (to me) black on black has always looked cool and slimming. This is important to me (as I'm sure to everyone else) because what I want to accentuate on is the slimming effect. Recently I've lost 50lbs, and still going at it, and I'm trying to show off what I have accomplished. I'm trying to take advantage of whatever visual effect I can and use it, forgive me I don't mean to sound so vain.

It seems like the answer is in the details too here. I'll post up a picture as well with me wearing the suit soon so I can get even more accurate critiques (I'm open to honest ones) cause I want to be absolutely certain given the time in advance that I have to prepare for it. What I can tell you off the bat is that the suit is Calvin Klein and it has pinstripes. (Not a lot of info, but if you need more I'll provide it). I'm a big set guy still, at 210 at about 6'1", and I'm really set on this look, but I'm open to alternatives or ways to making this work.

And look, I get how most people here are against it. I'm not looking for nonsense, just give me your honest constructive point. If you don't think it works, especially after the picture, express what the better alternative might be and I'll respond and put it to good use.

I'm new to this whole men's fashion business, so I want to get this right. If I can make this suit work in this setting for me that would be great. Just looking for good feedback, all help is welcome. Thanks for hearing me out.

I think you're mistaking the man and the clothes. I can think of a scant few times I've liked the black/black look (perhaps "liked" isn't the right word...approved of) and each of those times it was worn by someone who carries himself with enormous confidence. These guys also often wear classic looks, and they pull off those, too. I hope you're seeing my point - you like

If you are still a "big set guy," wearing black on black will likely give you that dreaded "wannabe gangster" look. Wearing a white shirt and conservative tie may seem boring, but you will look good in it. Going with black is a big risk.

You might go for this...

...but end up with this.

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

Ahh I understand. I'm of latino descent. I have black hair with brown eyes and a tan skin tone but nothing crazy tan. I'm originally from Colombia, so I have a light tan skin tone. I was thinking if maybe I could accent the suit with red in any way? Maybe a red tie?

PhiPsi32 · Apr 8, 2012

I was thinking more like Kim Dotcom

**Edit**
Which reminds me, big guys should avoid the double breasted suit. A two button jacket with a deeper gorge can have a slimming effect.

ElDave · Apr 8, 2012

martinezj2567 said:
Ahh I understand. I'm of latino descent. I have black hair with brown eyes and a tan skin tone but nothing crazy tan. I'm originally from Colombia, so I have a light tan skin tone. I was thinking if maybe I could accent the suit with red in any way? Maybe a red tie?

What color is your suit? You only mentioned pinstripes. Navy? Charcoal? Black?

Given that you are Latino, a white shirt should look good against your skin.

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

The pictures make the point, I see what you're getting at. The pinstripes aren't so defined, but I see what you mean. The problem is is that I have broad shoulders, but because of the weight loss, my waist has trimmed down considerably so I have a more triangle like body shape. I guess I'm trying to stand out more than the conservative white shirt look, but I have to acknowledge why it is a classic look and still around rather than everyone wearing black on black cause there is obviously a reason why everyone is not doing that. I get the risk, I've just always wanted to try it and (who knows) maybe pull it off? I need to post my pic on here to give you guys a better idea too. Thank you though.

PhiPsi32 · Apr 8, 2012

If you're going to do a black suit/black shirt, go for a lighter shade of tie. I would think basic red, royal blue, or maybe a medium purple would work. Anyone else?

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

The suit I have is single breasted.

martinezj2567 · Apr 8, 2012

And the suit is black. Calvin Klein if that helps, it's at the Cleaners right now so I can update later on exacts.

Black Shirt with Black Suit. I have to get this off my chest.

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