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2 Piece suit into a 3 piece suit?

post #1 of 15
11/7/12 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 

Gentlemen...

 

I've tried a rather extensive search, so forgive me...

 

I recently purchased a very nice 2 piece lighter grey suit, and I was curious about vests.

 

I know the general rule of thumb is that they need to be obviously different in order for it to work, or exactly the same.

 

My question is, is "gray" a color that contrasts with "light gray" enough that this may be worn? Or am I risking too much?

 

I'd provide photos, but the suit is at the tailors currently.

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post #2 of 15
11/7/12 at 10:57pm
i would say no because they might be to similar but i would really have to see them together.
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post #3 of 15
11/8/12 at 5:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff13007 View Post

i would say no because they might be to similar but i would really have to see them together.

+1. Almost certainly not enough contrast unless *maybe* the suit is charcoal and the vest very light grey.
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post #4 of 15
11/8/12 at 8:54am

One thing you can do (and it may be "wrong," or it may not, but it's worked for me in the past) is wear a vest with a pattern on a solid suit, or vice versa. 

 

Also, the effect you produce depends on whether you give the impression of being sartorially savvy. You can get away with a lot if you have a reputation for knowing what you're doing in regards to fine apparel (see Gianni Agnelli). If you have a reputation for always being spot-on in regards to your apparel, you can get away with closer shades of grey.

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post #5 of 15
11/8/12 at 9:23am
Thread Starter 

Thanks gents.

 

I was afraid that that may be the case.

 

The suit is lighter than the vest, not the other way round. I have a wedding on Saturday, and that's also when I'm retrieving the suit from the tailor, so we'll see if I end up wearing that suit or not. BUT... I'll try and snap a pic and get it up here.

 

I've seen so many posts about contrasting vests, but nothing with gray/gray or gray vest/black suit, etc.

 

The suit is very light gray, but certainly still gray, and the vest is dark gray, though certainly still gray.

 

Chase... very good info. I could certainly go that route... I'll see what they look like together.

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post #6 of 15
11/8/12 at 9:28am
A patterned vest in the same color might still be a bit risky, if you want to play is safe why not go for something like cream? Or if you are in the Northeast US where its freezing right not just use a sweater vest
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post #7 of 15
11/8/12 at 9:48am
A charcoal or black vest with a light grey suit would be fine. Obviously with a black vest, you'd want to wear black shoes.

Regardless, wear suspenders. If your trousers dont have buttons for them, pay to have them put in. This will be a difference that people will notice subconsciously.
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post #8 of 15
11/8/12 at 9:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by landshark View Post

A charcoal or black vest with a light grey suit would be fine. Obviously with a black vest, you'd want to wear black shoes.
Regardless, wear suspenders. If your trousers dont have buttons for them, pay to have them put in. This will be a difference that people will notice subconsciously.

Wont the vest be covering the suspender? and further more won't his suit jacket be over the vest?
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post #9 of 15
11/8/12 at 9:55am
It's either a three piece or it's not.
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post #10 of 15
11/8/12 at 10:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Superfluous View Post

It's either a three piece or it's not.

Actually come to think about it, why are you trying to wear a vest with your suit? Is it to add color to your outfit by contrasting? If so grey on grey is probably not a good idea patterned or not. or do you want the look of a 3 piece? if its the latter you really should have bought a 3 piece suit to begin with
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post #11 of 15
11/8/12 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 

Nope... not trying to make the suit something that it's not... I was just curious if it could be done.

 

The suit looks great as a 2 piece, but when you're early in your business fashion career, you sometimes need to get as much mileage out of the outfits you have while still keeping them fresh.

 

I do think that my next suit purchase will be a 3 piece though... and then I can ask silly questions like "3 piece suit into a 2 piece"... lol.
 

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post #12 of 15
11/8/12 at 3:43pm
I believed an odd waiscoat will be a better option here. Don't bother to get matchy
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post #13 of 15
11/8/12 at 3:46pm
i would not worry about a 3 piece at thie point...buy another good fitting suit.
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post #14 of 15
11/10/12 at 9:37am
Much has been said about a cream odd linen waistcoat.

See this, for example -- http://anuntitledaddress.tumblr.com/post/35200969112/linen
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post #15 of 15
11/12/12 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff13007 View Post

Wont the vest be covering the suspender? and further more won't his suit jacket be over the vest?

That's exactly the point. The vest is supposed to cover the suspenders. The point of my advice was that wearing a belt with a vest is a mistake. The jacket will be over his vest, obviously. The suspenders also help trousers hang properly.
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