Given the great number of circumstances in which it is now acceptable to pair a sport coat with jeans, I think it's time to stop pretending that the well-dressed will refrain from this. However, I think there is still a good chance to steer many away from the "too long, orphaned pinstripe suit coat" pitfall. This is a good place to discuss criteria for such a sport coat, as well as seek opinions.
I'll start with my criteria:
-A little shorter and more fitted than a suit coat
-Its origins as a stand-alone blazer should be obvious (as opposed to looking like half a suit)
-Brass blazer type buttons should be avoided under most circumstances
-Overly structured shoulders are a no, while completely unstructured often look sloppy
-In general, peak lapel, double breasted and true three-button styles should be avoided
As to my first opinion sought, I'm looking to buy a plain cotton chino blazer for use with jeans for evenings. I'm looking at either navy or black. I have a mix of black and brown shoes and various color shirts and sweaters. I'm leaning towards navy, but am wondering if this one is too much of a violation of my own rules:
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/suiting/PRDOVR~66332/66332.jsp
It's sold as suit separates, but I cannot imagine a chino suit in any color other than stone or khaki. However I'm curious as to people's thoughts. The advantage is not only is there a good coupon now but the J Crew Ludlow jackets fit me without alterations.
I'll start with my criteria:
-A little shorter and more fitted than a suit coat
-Its origins as a stand-alone blazer should be obvious (as opposed to looking like half a suit)
-Brass blazer type buttons should be avoided under most circumstances
-Overly structured shoulders are a no, while completely unstructured often look sloppy
-In general, peak lapel, double breasted and true three-button styles should be avoided
As to my first opinion sought, I'm looking to buy a plain cotton chino blazer for use with jeans for evenings. I'm looking at either navy or black. I have a mix of black and brown shoes and various color shirts and sweaters. I'm leaning towards navy, but am wondering if this one is too much of a violation of my own rules:
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/suiting/PRDOVR~66332/66332.jsp
It's sold as suit separates, but I cannot imagine a chino suit in any color other than stone or khaki. However I'm curious as to people's thoughts. The advantage is not only is there a good coupon now but the J Crew Ludlow jackets fit me without alterations.
